One of the twelve Jyotirlingas and the only one facing south, the current structure was rebuilt in Maratha style in the 18th century by Ranoji Shinde after earlier destruction, though the site's sanctity predates it by centuries.
Famous worldwide for the pre-dawn Bhasma Aarti, in which the deity is adorned with sacred ash, a ritual unique to this Jyotirlinga.
Nearest airport: Indore (~55 km). Nearest railway station: Ujjain Junction, close to the temple.
Temple trust dharamshalas and numerous hotels throughout Ujjain.
Official site: mahakaleshwar.nic.in
Want to go deeper? Explore books on Lord Mahakaleshwar Madhya Pradesh on Amazon (affiliate link — Laksshmi may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you).
Browse books on Lord Mahakaleshwar Madhya Pradesh →