• Comment: At least the 'How to Reach Ujjain?' section, and possibly others also, don't belong in an encyclopaedia; they're more suited to WikiVoyage. DoubleGrazing (talk) 12:05, 27 July 2024 (UTC)

Mahakal Sawari Ujjain
Religion
Affiliation	Hinduism
Deity	Shiva
Festivals	Mahashivratri
Location
Location	Ujjain
State	Madhya Pradesh
Country	India
Location in Madhya Pradesh
Geographic coordinates	23°10′58″N 75°46′6″E / 23.18278°N 75.76833°E / 23.18278; 75.76833

Mahakal Sawari is an annual religious event held in the ancient city of Ujjain. It is one of the oldest traditions in the world, celebrated in honour of Lord Mahakal. Each year during Sawan and Bhadrapada (Vikram Samvat), Lord Mahakal graces the streets of Ujjain, ensuring the well-being of his devotees.^[1]

The Mahakal Sawari is held every Monday during the month of Sawan and the first two Mondays of Bhadrapada,^[2]transforming Ujjain into a hub of cultural and spiritual amalgamation that draws devotees from across the nation.

This year, the Mahakal Sawari begins on July 22nd, with the grand finale, the Shahi Sawari, happening on the second Monday of Bhadrapada, September 2nd, 2024.

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The festivities will be even more spectacular with performances by various cultural and tribal groups.^[4]

The procession starts from the Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple and follows a specific route through Mahakal Lok, Gudri Square, Bakshi Bazaar, and Kaharwadi before reaching Ramghat. The return journey takes the procession back to the Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple via Ramanuj Kot, Modh Ki Dharamshala, Kartik Chowk, Khati Samaj Mandir, Satyanarayan Mandir, Dhaba Road, Tanki Square, Chhatri Chowk, Gopal Mandir, Patni Bazaar, and Gudri Bazaar.^[5]

Lord Mahakal, or Mahakaleshwar, is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, considered sacred abodes of Lord Shiva. Located in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, the Mahakaleshwar Temple is renowned for its Bhasma Aarti, a unique ritual involving the offering of sacred ash.^[6]

The temple's lingam, representing Lord Shiva, is believed to be Swayambhu, or self-manifested, making it distinct among the Jyotirlingas. Architecturally, the temple showcases Bhumija, Chalukya, and Maratha styles, with marble walkways restored by the Scindias in the 19th century.^[7]

Determining the exact origins of the Mahakala temple is challenging, but it is believed to date back to the prehistoric period. According to the Puranas, it was initially established by Prajapita Brahma. Historical records mention the appointment of Prince Kumarasena by King Chanda Pradyota in the 6th century BC to oversee the law and order at the Mahakala temple. Additionally, punch-marked coins from Ujjain, dating to the 4th-3rd century BC, feature the figure of Lord Shiva. The Mahakala temple is also referenced in several ancient Indian poetic texts.^[8]

Nearest Airport: The journey from Indore Airport to Ujjain Mahakaleshwar Temple takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes, covering a distance of 58 kilometers by road.

Nearest Railway Station: The Mahakaleshwar Temple is 2 kilometers by road from Ujjain Railway Station.