Someshwar Mahadev Temple
Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh · temple
- Days OpenOpen daily
- Entry FeeFree Entry
Someshwar Mahadev is one of the quiet, deeply local shrines that make Ujjain a temple-city rather than a single temple. It is counted, by long tradition, as the 26th Mahadev in the celebrated circuit of Chaurasi (eighty-four) Mahadev temples that ring the old city — a devotional map drawn from the Avanti Khanda of the Skanda Purana. The name "Someshwar" joins Soma, the Moon, with Ishwar, the Lord, and the shrine's legend holds that the Moon-god himself once worshipped this lingam to be relieved of an affliction. For that reason pilgrims still come here seeking release from illness, ill-fortune and the burdens of the mind, offering water, bilva leaves and simple flowers to the smooth stone lingam in its low, lamp-warmed sanctum.
Where to Eat Nearby
- ✦Old-city poha-jalebi and thandai stalls near the Mahakaleshwar precinct (pure-veg; ask for plain, bhang-free thandai)
- ✦A clearly marked pure-vegetarian thali house serving dal-baati-churma and sabzi in the old city
- ✦A Jain-friendly bhojanalaya near the temple lanes (confirm the pure-veg kitchen before ordering)
About
Someshwar Mahadev is one of the quiet, deeply local shrines that make Ujjain a temple-city rather than a single temple. It is counted, by long tradition, as the 26th Mahadev in the celebrated circuit of Chaurasi (eighty-four) Mahadev temples that ring the old city — a devotional map drawn from the Avanti Khanda of the Skanda Purana.
- The name "Someshwar" joins Soma, the Moon, with Ishwar, the Lord, and the shrine's legend holds that the Moon-god himself once worshipped this lingam to be relieved of an affliction.
- For that reason pilgrims still come here seeking release from illness, ill-fortune and the burdens of the mind, offering water, bilva leaves and simple flowers to the smooth stone lingam in its low, lamp-warmed sanctum.
- To understand the temple you have to understand the circuit it belongs to.
- Completing the full Chaurasi Mahadev parikrama — visiting all eighty-four Shiva shrines scattered through Ujjain's lanes, riverbanks and older neighbourhoods — is a devotional undertaking many Ujjaini families still attempt, especially during the holy month of Sawan (Shravan) and around Mahashivratri.
- Someshwar is a modest but genuine stop on that path: no soaring gopuram, just a well-kept shrine where the priest knows the regulars, bells sound at aarti, and the atmosphere is unhurried and sincere.
- Its appeal is atmosphere and continuity rather than monumental scale.
- The best time to come is early morning or at evening aarti, and especially during Sawan Mondays and Mahashivratri, when the whole city tilts toward Shiva.
- As across Ujjain, some Shaiva festival customs traditionally involve bhang-thandai; visitors should treat this only as documented local ritual and instead ask for plain, bhang-free thandai or lassi.
- Dress modestly, remove footwear, and keep phones quiet inside the sanctum.
- For food, stay with Ujjain's famously vegetarian street and thali culture around the old city and the Mahakaleshwar precinct, a short ride away.
- Begin the day the local way with poha-jalebi and a glass of milky, spice-free thandai; for a fuller meal seek out a clearly marked pure-vegetarian thali house or a Jain-friendly bhojanalaya serving dal-baati, kachori and sabzi.
- When a stall's kitchen is unclear, simply ask for the pure-veg counter before ordering.
Timings & Entry Fee
Verified: August 2026
Location & How to Reach
Address
Old City, near the Mahakaleshwar temple precinct, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, 456006
How to Reach: In Ujjain's old city, within easy reach of the Mahakaleshwar temple. From Ujjain Junction railway station (about 2-3 km) take an auto-rickshaw or e-rickshaw toward the Mahakal precinct; the shrine is a short walk through the temple lanes. Ujjain is well connected by rail and road to Indore (about 55 km), the nearest airport.
More places in Ujjain
- Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga TempleUjjain's presiding deity and one of the 12 Jyotirlingas — the south-facing swayambhu lingam of Shiva as Mahakal, famed for its pre-dawn Bhasma Aarti.
- Bhasma Aarti (Mahakaleshwar)The pre-dawn Bhasma Aarti at Mahakaleshwar — the only Jyotirlinga bathed in sacred ash at ~4 am; pre-registration required.
- Shri Mahakal Maha Lok (Mahakal Lok Corridor)A grand sculpted corridor at Ujjain's Mahakaleshwar temple, lined with sandstone pillars, Shiva-legend murals and lotus ponds leading to the Jyotirlinga.
- Harsiddhi Mata Temple (Shakti Peeth)Riverside Shakti Peeth by Rudra Sagar, revered for its Sri Yantra worship and twin blackstone Deepstambhs blazing with hundreds of oil lamps at dusk.
- Kal Bhairav TempleUjjain's guardian (Kotwal) Bhairav shrine on the Shipra, chief of the Ashta Bhairav, famed for its documented ritual liquor-offering to the deity.
- Ram GhatUjjain's oldest and most sacred Shipra bathing ghat — ceremonial heart of the Simhastha Kumbh and stage for the nightly river aarti.
- Mangalnath MandirRiverside Shiva temple on the Shipra, revered by tradition as the birthplace of Mars (Mangal) and the prime site for Manglik-dosha 'Bhaat puja'.
- Sandipani AshramThe ancient Ankpat-area gurukul where tradition holds Krishna, Balarama and Sudama learned the 64 arts under Rishi Sandipani, beside the Gomti Kund.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the temple called Someshwar Mahadev?
The name joins Soma, the Moon-god, with Ishwar (Lord). By tradition the Moon worshipped this Shiva lingam to be freed of an affliction, so devotees still visit seeking relief from illness and misfortune.
How does this temple fit into Ujjain's 84 Mahadev circuit?
It is counted as the 26th of the traditional Chaurasi (84) Mahadev shrines drawn from the Skanda Purana's Avanti Khanda. Pilgrims visit it as one stop on the larger parikrama of Shiva temples across the city.
When is the best time to visit?
Early morning or evening aarti is ideal for a calm darshan. The temple is busiest and most vibrant during the month of Sawan (Shravan) and on Mahashivratri, when all of Ujjain turns toward Shiva worship.
Where can I eat vegetarian food near Someshwar Mahadev Temple?
Ujjain's old city and the nearby Mahakaleshwar precinct are overwhelmingly vegetarian. Start with poha-jalebi and plain, bhang-free thandai, then choose a clearly marked pure-veg thali house for dal-baati and kachori. If a kitchen is unclear, ask for the pure-veg counter.
Is there any bhang or alcohol served here?
No. Some Shaiva festival customs across Ujjain traditionally involve bhang, but visitors should treat that only as documented ritual and ask for plain, bhang-free thandai or lassi. The temple is a place of quiet worship, not consumption.