Kal Bhairav Temple

Kal Bhairav is a fierce form of Shiva and is regarded as the kotwal, or guardian, of Ujjain. Many pilgrims believe a visit to Mahakal is incomplete without also seeking Bhairav's blessing, since it is he who watches over the city and its devotees.

The temple is best known for its remarkable ritual: liquor is offered to the deity as prasad. Devotees hand over their offering to the priests, who present it to the image, and it is a long-standing tradition that the deity accepts it. Whatever one's own practice, it is a striking glimpse into the older, Tantric layers of Hindu worship that have long been part of Ujjain's religious life.

The worship of the eight Bhairavas is an important part of Shaiva tradition, and Kal Bhairav is chief among them. The temple finds mention in the Avanti Khanda of the Skanda Purana, and Ujjain was historically an important centre for Tantric sects such as the Kapalikas and Aghoris, for whom Bhairav held special importance.

Tradition attributes the original temple to a King Bhadrasen. The walls were once decorated with paintings in the Malwa style, of which only traces now survive. The surrounding Bhairavgarh area, known for its traditional block printing, takes its name from the temple.

The temple stands on a raised site near the Shipra, on the northern side of the city, and is approached through a lane of stalls selling flowers, coconuts and offerings. Inside, the image of Kal Bhairav is covered in vermilion, and you will see the offering ritual taking place as devotees file past.

Queues can be long on Sundays, on Bhairav Ashtami and during festivals, but on ordinary weekday mornings darshan is usually quicker than at Mahakal. The atmosphere is intense and devotional; visitors are welcome to observe respectfully without taking part in any offering.

• ✓You do not have to make an offering; simply joining the queue for darshan is perfectly acceptable.
• ✓Buy offerings only from the stalls near the temple and follow the priests' instructions; do not consume or carry liquor inside beyond the ritual.
• ✓Weekday mornings are generally the quietest time to visit.
• ✓Dress modestly and leave footwear at the designated stand.
• ✓Combine your visit with Siddhavat, the Bhartrihari Caves and Gadkalika, which lie on the same side of the city.

Kal Bhairav is on the northern side of Ujjain, beyond the old-city cluster. Take an auto-rickshaw, e-rickshaw or cab from Ujjain Junction or the Mahakal area; most sightseeing drivers include it on their temple circuit.

Coming from outside the city? See our guide on how to reach Ujjain by rail, air and road, and the local transport guide for getting around once you arrive.

Key details about Kal Bhairav. Arrangements can change on festival days, so check locally or ask our team when you plan your visit.

Kal Bhairav Temple history

Kal Bhairav, the chief of the eight Bhairavas, is believed to have been built by King Bhadresen on the banks of the Shipra and is mentioned in the Avanti Khanda of the Skanda Purana. Liquor is still offered to the deity as part of the ritual.

Kal Bhairav Temple tradition

Kal Bhairav is mentioned in the Avanti Khanda of the Skanda Purana and was important to Tantric traditions; the nearby Bhairavgarh area takes its name from the temple.