The Kal Bhairav Temple in Ujjain is a popular Hindu Temple, dedicated to the God Kal Bhairav. Ujjain, being popular for the Aghora and Kapalika sects of Shaivism, the temple was created by the locals as they worship Shiva, the supreme God. “Ashta Bhairava”, a popular ritual in Shaivite traditions is performed here as Kal Bhairav is the leader of all 8 Bhairavas. The deity is also seen as the guardian of the city. 

Situated on the banks of Shipra River, the present-day temple is built over the remains of an old temple. There are several 9th century statues and sculptures of various Gods and deities found here. The popular offering at this temple is that of liquor with a mysterious story revolving around this concept. With all this intrigue surrounding the temple, this is definitely one place that you should have on your itinerary. 

Interesting facts about the Kal Bhairav Temple:

• The Kal Bhairav Temple is popular for its alcohol consuming deity. 
• Hundreds of devotees offer liquor as an offering to the deity, which the priest offers to it through a slit in the mouth. The liquor miraculously disappears into the statue as the devotees believe there is no cavity in the statue. 
• The temple priest claims that only he can perform this miracle and every other person who has tried has failed. 

About Kal Bhairav Temple:

Located just a few kilometers from the Ujjain main bus stand and railway station, Kal Bhairav Temple is a popular temple in the area with a cloud of mystery surrounding its deity. The original temple is believed to be built by a local king called Bhadrasen, and had beautiful Malwa paintings on its wall. However, only a few traces of the same remain. The current temple has strong influences of the Maratha-style architecture as the Maratha general Mahadaji Shinde ordered a rebuild of the temple after successfully reinstalling the Maratha power in North India. 

How to get to Kal Bhairav Temple:

The nearest airport to the town of Ujjain is Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport at a distance of 55 kms. You can get a cab or a bus from here with ease to reach the temple. 

If you are travelling by train, the nearest railway station is Ujjain Junction from which the temple is at a distance of just 7kms. It will hardly take you 20 mins to reach the temple.

By road, there is a bus from almost all the major towns nearby to the Ujjain Bus Stand, which is again less than 20mins away from the temple. 

Best time to visit Kal Bhairav Temple:

The best time to visit the Kal Bhairav Temple is during winters when the temperature is rarely above 25°C. However, there is no real best time of the year as it just takes half an hour to complete your visit in the temple. One thing that you need to keep in mind is that the morning rituals in the temple are a bit more sacred and beautiful to experience, therefore, you may want to pick that time of the day to visit. 

Timings and entry fees:

The Kal Bhairav Temple stays open between 5AM and 9:30PM and closes for a lunch break at 1:30. 

There is no need of a ticket to enter the temple and nor are any other charges levied here for a visit. 

Kal Bhairav Temple is one of the most popular and talked-about temple in India and is therefore surely a place that you must visit during your trip to Ujjain