The Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain recorded an unprecedented surge in devotees during the Shravan month this year, with more than 1.53 crore people visiting the Jyotirlinga and participating in various darshan opportunities. Temple authorities said this was the first time that the number of devotees during a single Shravan month crossed the 1.5-crore mark.
According to Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple Management Committee administrator Pratham Kaushik, 1,10,90,725 devotees visited the Mahakaleshwar temple for darshan during the month. Another 43,75,000 devotees visited during the four Sawari processions and for darshan of Nagchandreshwar. Together, the figure reached approximately 1,53,75,000 devotees. In comparison, around 72 lakh devotees had visited the temple during Shravan in 2025.
The unprecedented footfall also resulted in higher revenue for the temple committee, particularly from the paid quick-darshan facility. A total of 5,66,350 devotees used the quick-darshan ticket facility, generating revenue of ₹14.22 crore for the temple administration.
Devotee Footfall Crosses 1.5 Crore
The figures released by the temple committee highlight the scale of this year's religious gathering. More than five lakh Kanwar pilgrims also visited Ujjain during Shravan. Of these, 2,71,956 Kanwariyas were provided meals at five designated locations.
The temple's Annakshetra also served food prasad to 3,41,083 devotees during the month. In addition, around 10,000 devotees were provided footwear free of cost as part of arrangements made for pilgrims.
Quick Darshan Generates ₹14.22 Crore
The paid quick-darshan facility emerged as one of the major sources of temple revenue during the month. According to the figures provided by the temple committee, 5,66,350 devotees opted for quick darshan.
The ₹300 ticket facility generated ₹14,22,37,500 in revenue. The temple committee also introduced online booking for quick-darshan tickets ahead of Nag Panchami. Booking was opened three days before the temple doors were scheduled to open, allowing devotees to plan their visits in advance.
The online facility generated around ₹39 lakh even before the temple doors opened for the Nag Panchami observance.
Laddu Prasad Sales Earn ₹10.32 Crore
The sale of Mahakaleshwar temple's Laddu Prasad also contributed significantly to the temple's revenue during Shravan. According to the temple committee's figures, Laddu Prasad sales generated ₹10.32 crore.
The temple administration reported sales of more than two lakh units of Laddu Prasad during the period. The figures underline the scale of demand for temple prasad amid the record pilgrim footfall.
South Indian Food Introduced
The temple administration introduced several new arrangements for devotees during this year's Shravan period. One of them was the introduction of a South Indian food service called Ras Sangamam at the Annakshetra.
The facility was made available every Tuesday and Friday. Devotees were served dishes including sambar, idli, vada, steamed rice and seasonal vegetables. On the first day itself, 10,337 devotees reportedly availed themselves of the meal service.
Separate Entry for Kanwar Pilgrims
Special arrangements were also made for Kanwar pilgrims to manage the large crowds and streamline their movement through the temple premises.
On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, Kanwariyas were provided entry through Gate No. 1 and the Harsiddhi intersection. Arrangements were also made at the Sabha Mandapam and Kartik Mandapam for pilgrims to offer water to the deity.
The temple committee's arrangements were aimed at managing the unprecedented footfall while ensuring that pilgrims could complete darshan and associated rituals in an organised manner.
The record number of devotees during Shravan has placed this year's pilgrimage figures significantly above the previous year's count. With more than 1.53 crore devotees recorded across the month and associated religious occasions, the Mahakaleshwar Temple administration also registered substantial revenue through quick darshan and prasad sales.
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