Preparations have been completed at the world-famous Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain as the holy month of Shravan (Sawan) begins on July 30. The temple administration expects nearly four lakh devotees to visit the shrine every day during the festive period, with elaborate arrangements made for darshan, security, healthcare and religious ceremonies.

The Shravan month will continue until August 28, while the traditional royal processions of Lord Mahakal will extend into the Bhadrapada month, concluding on September 7.

Six Royal Processions Planned

One of the biggest attractions of the Sawan season is the royal procession (Rajsi Sawari) of Lord Mahakal.

This year, six processions will be taken out—four during Shravan Mondays and two during Bhadrapada Mondays. The first procession is scheduled for August 3, while the final royal procession will be held on September 7.

The procession will begin from the Mahakaleshwar Temple premises at 4 pm, proceed through the city's traditional route, and reach Ram Ghat around 5 pm, where rituals including Shipra Jalabhishek, puja and aarti will be performed. Lord Mahakal will return to the temple by around 7 pm.

Four Lakh Devotees Expected Daily

Temple authorities estimate that nearly 400,000 devotees may visit the shrine every day during Sawan and Bhadrapada.

To manage the massive influx, the administration has strengthened crowd management, medical services and security arrangements throughout the temple complex.

Special Arrangements for Devotees

According to Mahakal Temple Administrator Pratham Kaushik, devotees attending temple aartis will once again be provided moving aarti darshan from the first three rows of the Kartik Mandap.

The temple has also planned several additional facilities, including:

• Five LED display chariots during every royal procession.

• Tribal cultural groups performing devotional presentations.

• Medical teams deployed at 15 locations.

• Round-the-clock ambulance services.

• Enhanced crowd management and security measures.

Temple Timings Revised for Sawan

To accommodate the increased number of devotees, temple timings have been revised between July 30 and September 7.

The temple will open:

• Daily: 3:00 am

• Every Monday: 2:30 am

The famous Bhasma Aarti will be conducted:

• Daily: 3:00 am to 5:00 am

• Mondays: 2:30 am to 4:30 am

Normal temple timings will resume from September 8.

Dedicated Darshan Routes

Separate entry arrangements have been made for general devotees to ensure smooth movement inside the temple complex.

Pilgrims will be able to offer holy water through specially designated water vessels installed in the Sabha Mandap and Kartikeya Mandapam.

During Shravan and Bhadrapada, devotees can access the temple through designated routes including:

• Nandi Gate

• Shri Mahakal Mahalok

• Mansarovar Bhavan

• Facility Centre-1

• Temple Tunnel

• Kartik Mandapam

• Ganesh Mandapam

Visitors entering through the Neelkanth Gate will be directed via Mansarovar Bhavan and the temple tunnel before exiting through the designated exit gates.

Kanwariyas Allowed to Offer Water Four Days a Week

Temple authorities have also announced a special arrangement for Kanwar pilgrims, who will be permitted to offer holy water at the shrine from Tuesday to Friday during the Sawan season, helping regulate crowds on Mondays and other peak days.

South Indian Prasad Introduced

In another initiative aimed at improving the devotee experience, the Mahakal Temple's Annakshetra has introduced South Indian meals as prasad.

The special menu will be served every Tuesday and Friday, while fasting-friendly (phalahari) meals will be available for devotees observing Sawan fasts.

With lakhs of pilgrims expected over the coming weeks, the Mahakaleshwar Temple administration has appealed to devotees to follow designated routes and cooperate with officials to ensure safe and orderly darshan.