During the holidays from December 25th to the New Year, most people embark on a journey. Crowds are seen at tourist sites and religious sites. A similar atmosphere is being observed this year. Devotees are thronging the Mahakal Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.

The Mahakal Temple is regularly visited by devotees year-round. Following the construction of Mahakal Lok, the daily number of devotees has increased. Now, with the New Year approaching, the number of devotees is increasing. Consequently, the temple's darshan arrangements have also undergone changes. In addition to Mahakaleshwar, other temples in the city have also made arrangements to accommodate the crowds.

12 lakh devotees are expected to visit Mahakal.

On normal days, up to 1,20,000 devotees visit the temple. On weekends, this figure rises to 150,000 to 170,000. The temple management committee estimates 600,000 devotees from December 25th to January 31st, and 1.2 million devotees on New Year's Day.

How is the darshan system?

Devotees coming to the temple are being allowed entry through the Mansarovar Gate. From here, they are reaching the Ganesh Mandapam through the tunnel via the barricade. After darshan, they are being taken out through the corporation road built at the Bada Ganesh Temple. Devotees who are taking the receipt for quick darshan of Rs 250 are being taken through the Bada Ganesh Temple, through the tunnel via the barricade, to the Ganesh Mandapam and are being given darshan from line number one.

These changes were made

According to Mahakal Temple Assistant Administrator Ashish Falwadia, due to the crowds, the protocol darshan system has been discontinued from December 27th to January 5th. Only VVIP devotees will be granted protocol. Ordinary devotees can visit the temple normally or through the expedited darshan system for ₹250. Parking arrangements have been made outside the city. Vehicles coming from outside will be stopped there, as the parking lot inside is nearly full.

Confluence of faith in Kalbhairav ​​too

Ujjain is famous not only for Mahakaleshwar but also for its other temples. One of these is the shrine of Baba Kaal Bhairav. This is the only temple in the world where Baba Bhairav ​​himself drinks alcohol. Liquor is offered as an offering here. This year, the temple committee expects 8 to 10 lakh devotees by the New Year.

How is the darshan system?

Due to the large crowds arriving, protocol arrangements have been suspended at the temple. Devotees are being escorted through seven layers of barricades to the temple entrance. It takes approximately two hours for devotees to have darshan.

what changed

According to Kaal Bhairav ​​Temple priest Omprakash Chaturvedi, proper arrangements for toilets and drinking water have been made to ensure visitors don't face any inconvenience. A medical team is also deployed in the temple premises. 50 policemen have been deployed. In addition, 30 security personnel from a private company are also handling the arrangements. Vehicle parking has been arranged near the bridge on the banks of the Shuddha River. Besides Mahakal and Kaal Bhairav, devotees are also pouring in at other temples including Mangalnath, Garhkalika, and Harsiddhi.