Kaal Bhairav Temple Ujjain
Table of Contents
History, Significance, Offering, Timings and How to Reach
Kaal Bhairav Temple is located in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, which is dedicated to the guardian deity of the city, Kaal Bhairav. Kaal Bhairav Temple is located on the banks of the Shipra River and is one of the active temples visited by hundreds of devotees every day. Liquor is offered to the deity as one of the offerings.
Kaal Bhairav Temple History
The current temple is located and developed over the remains of an older one. The temple was originally built by King Bhadrasen. It is also mentioned in the Skanda Purana’s Avanti Khanda. Images of Lord Ganesha, Shiva, Vishnu and Parvati have been recovered, which belonged to the 9th to 13th century CE, i.e., Paramara period. The walls of the temple were once adorned with paintings of the Malwa region. However, devotees can see only the traces of those paintings.
Currently, devotees can see Maratha architecture in the temple. Mahadaji Shinde was the Maratha general who offered his turban to the deity to pray for victory after defeat in the Third Battle of Panipat to restore his Maratha empire in North India (1761 CE). He restored the temple after resurrecting his reign.
Kaal Bhairav Temple significance
The temple is dedicated to the protector (Kotwal) of Ujjain, Kaal Bhairav. He is represented as a rock layered with vermillion. His silver head is adorned with a turban (in Maratha style). It is a tradition started by Mahadaji Shinde. Ashta (eight) Bhairavas are worshipped as part of the Saivite tradition, and Kaal Bhairav is basically their head. He was worshipped among the Aghora and Kapalika sects. Being the guardian deity, Kaal Bhairav is known as the commander-in-chief (Senapati) of the town.
Kaal Bhairav Temple offering
Liquor is offered to the deity as one of 5 offerings in tantric ritual (panchamakara) – maansa (meat), madya (alcohol), meena (fish), maithuna (intercourse), and mudra (parched grain). All five offerings were served in older times. Currently, alcohol is the only offering that is served to the deity, while the rest are offered as symbolic rituals. Offerings are available outside the temple, which include flowers, coconuts, and a bottle of liquor. To avoid unlicensed sales of alcohol, liquor shops were set up outside the temple by the state government in 2015. Both foreign and country liquor are available at the counters.
Liquor is offered by hundreds of devotees to the deity every day. The devotees simply have to give offerings to the priests who pour the same in a saucer, offer prayers, take the same to the deity, and return the rest of the bottle as prasad to the devotees. According to several devotees and priests, there is no cavity in the slit, and the liquor disappears miraculously that is offered to him. However, visitors cannot investigate the statue. There is a lack of official figures on the amount of liquor offered at the temple every day. Although liquor sales were banned during Ujjain Simhastha for a month, shops were allowed to open near the temple for selling liquor to devotees.
How to Reach Kal Bhairav Temple, Ujjain?
It is very easy to reach Kaal Bhairav Temple, Ujjain, through different modes of transport from all major cities in India –
By Air – Devi Ahilya Bai Airport, Indore, is the nearest airport to Kaal Bhairav Temple (70 km). It is well connected to regular flights from all major cities in India, where devotees can book a cab or hire any other mode to reach Ujjain.
By Rail – Ujjain railway station (7 km) is the nearest railway station to the Kaal Bhairav temple. It is well-connected to different parts of India.
By Road – Devotees can easily reach the temple by road. State Transport Corporation runs regular bus services from all major cities of MP.
Tips for Visitors
There are certain things visitors need to keep in mind when visiting the temple –
- The temple is located around 7 km from the Ujjain railway station. Shared auto rickshaws and cabs are easily available outside the railway station.
- There are several dogs residing around the temple who are fed by the devotees here. A dog is known as the divine vehicle (vahana) of Lord Bhairava in Hindu mythology. It is normal to feed and show care for the dogs here as a way to earn blessings from the deity. They also rest peacefully around the temple.
- Offering liquor to the deity is not compulsory. It is completely as per the wishes of visitors. They can simply offer flowers, prayers or light a lamp outside.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sandipani Ashram worth visiting?
Yes. It is one of the most important historical and spiritual sites in Ujjain associated with Lord Krishna’s education.
What is Gomti Kund?
A sacred pond inside the ashram is believed to contain water brought from various holy rivers by Lord Krishna.
How much time is needed to visit?
Most visitors spend around 1–2 hours exploring the ashram.
Is there an entry fee?
Generally, entry is free for visitors.
Can families visit?
Yes. The ashram is suitable for pilgrims, families, students, and spiritual travellers.
Conclusion
Kaal Bhairav Temple has a great spiritual and strong influence in Ujjain. Kal Bhairav is worshipped as the guardian deity of the town, who takes care of the city. Visiting Mahakal Temple is considered incomplete without visiting Kaal Bhairav Temple. The temple has a deep connection with ancient spiritual practices, Tantra traditions, and Shaivism. This temple has been visited by pilgrims, tantric practitioners, and saints for centuries to seek divine grace and protection. Offering madira (liquor) is one of the fascinating and different rituals of the temple.
Devotees buy a bottle from outside vendors and offer it to the deity through the priest. This offering is the symbolic ritual that shows surrendering of fear, ego, negativity, and attachment to the deity. It is one of the unique rituals in the country and attracts crowds from different parts of the world. You can also offer coconut, flowers, prasad, sweets, garlands, or oil, if you don’t want to offer liquor.
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