Shri kal Bhairav Temple, Ujjain India
The Kal Bhairav temple is a Hindu temple located in the Ujjain city of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is dedicated to Kal Bhairav, the guardian deity of the city. Located on the banks of the Shipra River, it is one of the most active temples in the city, visited by hundreds of devotees daily.
Kal Bhairav Temple Ujjain is a must visit temple famous for its unique tradition of offering liquor to god. Kal Bhairav Temple said to have been built by King Bhadrasen somewhere between 9th to 13th century on the banks of Shipra River. The worship of Kal Bhairav is a part of Shaivite tradition, mainly by the Kapalika and Aghora sects. The striking feature of the Kal Bhairav Temple is its exquisite paintings in Malwa style, only traces of which are noticeable. According to the local legend, a general of the Maratha Army, Mahadaji Shinde, offered his turban (pagri) to Lord Kal Bhairav, Ujjain – praying for the victory of Maratha power in the war. After succeeding, he restored the temple to the present day glory.
According to the priest of the temple, the description of this temple is found in the Avanti section of Skanda Purana. Several legends are also associated with this temple. According to one such legend Lord Mahakaal of Ujjain appointed Kal Bhairav to protect the city at this place. Therefore, Kal Bhairav is also called the Kotwal of the city.
Devotees offer liquor to the deity, The liquor is poured into a shallow cup or plate and put close to the mouth of the deity. The liquor slowly starts disappearing and the cup is taken away once the deity has taken up all of it. Lot of people including Britishers tried to search for where the liquor went but it becomes the mystery for all till today.
Places of Interest
Shri Mahakaal Temple - Mahakaal Jyotirlinga Temple is One of the Most Famous Hindu Temple, in India, dedicated to Lord Shiva Ji. This Temple is sited on the Side of the Rudra Sagar Lake with the Governing God of Lord Shiva Ji, in the form of Lingam, also known as Swayambhu. The Temple is most popular for its “Bhasm Aarti” in the whole World. In this Aarti, Pujari’s gives a Shower Bath to the Baba (Lord Shiva ) with ashes, every day.
Shri Vikrant Bhairav Temple - On Walking distance from Sri Kal Bhairav temple, resides another famous temple of Lord Bhairav. Shri Vikrant Bhairav temple is extremely popular and is visited by lot of Sadhakas, Tantriks and people interested in Occult.
Shri Chintamani Ganesha Temple - Shri Chintamani Ganesha temple is one of the most visited places in Ujjain. Lord Ganesha perfectly sat here is believed to be Born by Itself (Swayambhu). Devotees visit this Temple because the God, here is also known as Chintaharan Ganesh, which means the “Assurer from World’s Anxieties and provides Freedom”.
Harsiddhi Mata Mandir - Harsiddhi Mata Mandir falls in the category of Shakti Peetha’s. It is trusted that Mata Parvati’s Elbow fell here, at the spot of temple, in Ujjain. One of the special features of this temple is, the Shri Yantra, or Nine Triangles that shows Nine Names of Mata Durga.
Chaubis Khamba Temple - This temple is a finest example of Impressive Structures & Architectural Marvels. The Royal Entrance Gate provides an Awesome view, which attracts the Visitors or Explorers to Visit the Temple and Worship. Each Side of the Gate, You can Capture the Two Splendid Portraits of Goddesses constructed Beautifully. This temple was built in 9th or 10th Century AD.
Besides these temples there are hundred of other temples in Ujjain and each of them has its own history and importance. One can book Temple tour buses which operates from outside Mahakaal temple for whole day local temple sight seeing tours. The archeologically rich surroundings of Ujjain has witnessed the layers of the evolution of civilizations and is the maverick mix of the heritage city with the urban lifestyle. Reverence comes on its own as you stroll the streets of Ujjain.
How to Reach
By Air - The Nearest Airport to Kaal Bhairav Temple Ujjain is Indore Airport (IDR). The Kal Bhairav Temple Ujjain is 70 Kms from Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport. There are regular flights from all metro cities in India to Indore Airport . Devotees can hire or book any mode of transport from outside the airport to reach Kal Bhairav Temple, Ujjain.
By Rail - The Nearest Railway Station to Kal Bhairav Temple Ujjain is Ujjain Railway Station. The Distance between Ujjain Railway Station to Kal Bhairav Temple Ujjain is 7 Kms. Ujjain Railway station is well connected to Rail network from all over India.
By Road - Devotees can also reach Kal Bhairav Temple Ujjain by road & by car. There are regular bus services by State Transport Corporation from all major cities of Madhya Pradesh to Ujjain. Many private bus operators also runs from many cities and towns of Madhya Pradesh to Ujjain.
