Ujjain's temples are living places of worship, not monuments, and a little preparation helps you move through them respectfully and safely. The guidance below combines the rules published by the temple committee with practical advice for crowds and conduct. Rules change, especially around festivals, so always follow the signs and staff on the day.
Dress
Traditional attire is expected; follow the dress code currently published by the temple committee.
- For general darshan, wear modest, comfortable clothing that covers shoulders and knees.
- For Bhasma Aarti or any ritual involving the sanctum, follow the specific dress code issued by the temple committee.
- Avoid leather belts and bags where temples ask you not to bring them.
- Choose slip-on footwear — you will remove it many times a day.
Phones, bags and belongings — as officially stated
Follow the temple committee's current rules on phones, bags and offerings, as announced at the temple.
- Carry only what you need: ID, a little cash and your booking confirmation.
- Use the official cloakroom and shoe facilities and keep your token safe.
- Rules at other temples differ; follow the notices at each one.
Photography
- Photography is generally not permitted inside sanctums. Follow posted notices and staff instructions everywhere.
- At ghats and in open areas such as Mahakal Lok, be considerate: no flash during aartis, do not block those praying, and ask before photographing people.
Temple etiquette
- Remove footwear where indicated and leave it at the designated stands.
- Keep your voice low and phones silent inside temple premises.
- Follow the queue; do not push or jump lines, even when crowds surge.
- Accept prasad with the right hand, and do not waste it.
- Respect each temple's own traditions — the liquor offering at Kal Bhairav is an ancient custom, for example — without comment or mockery.
- Keep the ghats clean: use bins, avoid plastic, and do not throw anything other than permitted offerings into the Shipra.
Bookings, passes and touts
- Book Bhasma Aarti and quick darshan only through official channels. Bhasma Aarti booking is online only, on the temple committee's official website. Advance booking opens at 8:00 AM on the 1st of the previous month (e.g. June bookings open on 1 May). Tatkal booking opens at 8:00 AM one day before the chosen date. The booking form asks for an ID proof type and number.
- Be wary of anyone offering guaranteed passes, "VIP entry" or shortcuts for cash near the temple.
- Use authorised counters for paid services and keep receipts.
- Check current timings on the temple committee website.
Crowd safety
On Mondays, in Shravan, on Maha Shivaratri, Nag Panchami and during Simhastha, crowds can be very large. Stay safe by:
- Agreeing a meeting point with your group before entering any queue.
- Putting a contact card in children's pockets and holding hands in dense areas.
- Not stopping at gates, stairs, bridges or narrow lanes — these are crowd choke points.
- Following barricades, one-way routes and police instructions, even if your map suggests a shorter way.
- Staying hydrated and stepping out of the queue if you feel unwell.
- Moving to the side, not against the flow, if a crowd surges.
- Taking extra care on the wet steps of Ram Ghat and bathing only in designated areas.
During festivals and Simhastha 2028, the district administration publishes advisories on routes, parking and restrictions. simhastha.org.in publishes the Simhastha 2028 calendar and pilgrim guides; Ujjain district administration (ujjain.nic.in) publishes official district notices.
Emergency numbers
112 is India's single emergency number for all emergencies. The older numbers 100 (police), 101 (fire), 102/108 (ambulance), 181 (women) and 1098 (Childline) are integrated with it.
CM Helpline 181; Child Helpline 1098; Women Helpline 1091; Ambulance 102.
For temple queries: Temple Helpdesk: 18002331008
Save these on your phone before you arrive, and note the address and phone number of your hotel.
Related guides
Read the Mahakal darshan guide for how darshan works, the senior citizen guide and family guide for travelling with others, and the best time to visit to avoid the biggest crowds.
