Mangalnath Mandir, Ujjain - Visiting Mars’ Birthplace

If you are planning to visit the holy city of Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, you cannot simply miss offering prayers to this highly revered shrine - Mangalnath Mandir, Ujjain. The temple, which opens to a vast expanses of the Shipra River, offers an amazing sense of tranquillity to the tourists. Interestingly, it is believed that the first meridian passes through this part of the earth.

Things to Know before Going to Mangalnath Mandir, Ujjain

•    Opening Hours: 5:00 am – 10:00 pm

•    Best Time to Visit - Morning, Evening

•    Entry is free

•    Facilities - Food Stalls, Washrooms

•    Recommended Hours – the visit will take around an hour

•    Best visited with – Group travel, solo travel, couple, or with family

•    Footwear - Not Allowed

•    Camera and Video- Allowed

Strong Astrological Ideas Related to the Temple

Ujjain is the mother of Mars as per the Puranas, the holy books of the Hinduism followers. According to the astrological calculations, people whose Mars is heavy in the horoscope, should regularly worship in Mangalnath Mandir, Ujjain to help them get over the influence of the evil planets.

One of the strong ideas associated with the Hindu astrology is Mangal Dosh. It is a situation, based on the planetary arrangements in the horoscope, which when found has to face many complications in their life. Mangal Dosh is a flaw created by the inauspicious Mars positioned in any house of the horoscope. As Mangal is considered very powerful, the person might face plenty of issue in different areas of life.

Why Mangliks Visit Mangalnath Mandir, Ujjain?

If you have interest in Vedic astrology, you have known how Mars is one of the most powerful planets that decide the horoscope. When placed in the first, fourth, seventh, eighth and twelfth house of a person's birth cycle, the person is called to be a Manglik. This particular form is considered particularly inauspicious for marriage. It is also supposedly responsible for causing excessive tension and scuffle in relationships, untoward incidents in the house, and any kind of damage. The worst idea related to being Manglik is when one is married to her, the chances of sudden death of partner increases. To neutralise the effect, astrologers suggest that one Manglik should marry another Manglik.

Positive effects of Mangal can be attained by offering prayers to Mangal Dev (that is by worshiping Mars) and can get calming effects in life. In fact, you can find many domestic visitors coming to this temple who believe Mars heavily affect their horoscope. Worshipping in Mangalnath Temple for the peace of their evil planets is not a new thing and has been in practice since it is believed the city of Ujjain is the mother of Mars.

Mangalnath Mandir, Ujjain at a Glance

•    Only one temple in the whole world, which is dedicated to Lord Mangala, Shri Mangalnath Mandir, is a highly revered place for the Hindus.

•    The residing priests at the temple explains that this place has been blessed by Lord Shiva and given to Goddess Earth

•    Lord Mangala signifies planet Mars according to Indian astrology, and is considered as the god of war. His celibacy is one of the most important features that is well described in Indian myths.

•    Lord Mangala is the son of Goddess Earth (Bhudevi) and is said to rule astrological signs - Aries and Scorpio.

•    According to the legends and beliefs, he is also considered a malefic of the first order and rules over muscles, blood, and bone marrow.

•    The Lord has a very interesting depiction in flame-red colour and is conceptualised to be carrying a trident, lotus, mace, and a spear.

•    According to the holy books of the Hindus, the Puranas, Lord Mangala was born from the sweat drop of Lord Shiva on Earth. He is representative of aggressiveness and an honour of Arise. It is said that Lord Shiva was engrossed in deep meditation when there appeared three drops of sweat on his forehead. As they fell on the ground, a beautiful flame-red skin infant was born.

•    As the swet drops fell on the ground, the infant was given to Bhumi Devi, Goddess Earth. The chils was called Bhauma, who from a very early age was a great devotee of Lord Shiva.

•    Lord Mangala presides over Tuesdays.

•    It is believed that the ‘mangal shila’ has been in this temple since time came into existence. However, Maharaja Jivajirao Scindia of Gwalior brought the temple into existence.

•    Today, it is one of the highly revered shrines of India and is the only place to offer prayer to reduce Mangal Dosha.

•    Devotees from not just across the country but all over the world visit this temple to do the special ‘Bhaat Puja’ which is considered to reduce the unnecessary problems in life.

•    Praying to Lord Mangala frees one from poverty, debts, and illness and is believe to bestow property and conveyance.

•    While in the city of Ujjain, many Hindus offer prayer to curtail the fatal impact of Mangal Dosha at Shri Mahakaleshwar first and then to Lord Mangalanath by performing the ‘Bhaat puja’.

•    If you are one of the believers of Lord Mangal, you can observe fasting Tuesdays for 21 times, and can get rid of Mangal’s malefic effects.

How to Reach?

•    Railway
Ujjain Junction railway station is the nearest railhead. It is about 6km (3.7mi) away and has trains connected to the major Indian cities.

•    Airways
The closest airport is Indore which is about 55km (34mi) from the city. It also has connection with all the major airports around the country

•    Road
If you are at Indore or Bhopal, there are buses that connect Ujjain. There are many frequent buses that connect the cities.

Visiting Ujjain

October to March are the best months to visit Ujjain.

While you are here, do not miss out on visiting the other famous places such as Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga (Mahakaleshwar Temple), Kal Bhairav Temple, Maharshi Sandipani Ashram, Harsiddhi Mandir, Pir Matsyendranath Samadhi, Kaliadeh Palace, Cave of the King Barthari and Ram Ghat – The place where Kumbh Mela takes place.