Namaste and welcome back!! 🙏✨

You know, last-minute plans always turn out to be the best 💫 and one such journey this year gave me the calmness my soul craved 🌿🧘‍♀️ before stepping again into the hustle of corporate chaos 💻⚡.

I’ve made it a practice to visit temples whenever I enter a new phase of life whether it’s starting a new job, making an important decision, or simply seeking clarity. 🌸 Earlier, it began just as a way to find blessings and peace of mind so I could make the right choices but slowly it became an inseparable part of my life 🌺🌼

This year, I first thought of visiting temples in my own city 🏙️, but when I spoke with my mom 💕, she was like, ‘Why not seek the blessings of Mahadev?’ ✨🕉️ And just like that a new plan took shape to visit Mahakaleshwar, Omkareshwar and Mamleshwar Jyotirlinga 🛕.

Of course, I was worried about the scorching summer heat ☀️🥵 and my mother’s health but there is a saying when Mahadev calls you, he not only clears your path 🕉️ but also makes the entire journey blissful and mesmerizing 🌸💫. Nature unfolded like a beautiful RHTDM song 🎶🌿 where every frame felt cinematic, serene and soulful.

Come along with me as I take you through this beautiful journey 🚂🌿 one that not only calmed my mind but healed my soul too ❤️🧘‍♀️.

🕉️ Yatra of the Soul: Mahakaleshwar and Omkareshwar Jyotirlingas:

I know you all must be wondering why this yatra? 🤔 Even I asked myself the same. Not because of the distance or the effort but because I had already visited Mahakaleshwar once with my father 🙏 as a child. I could have explored new temples or places but then a thought struck me – if Mahadev is calling again there must be something He wants to heal within me, something He wants to free me from – my fears. 🌿💫

And just like that, the plan was made ✨🚂 tickets booked, bags packed and I set out on this yatra with my travel companion – My mom 🛕🧳.

India is not just a geography, it’s a living map of inner experiences 🌏, soul-stirring connections 💖 and unforgettable moments ✨. And these journeys become even more special when shared with loved ones 👨‍👩‍👧.

Among her most sacred spiritual circuits are the 12 Jyotirlingas 🌺 where Lord Shiva is worshipped in His purest form 🕉️. Each Jyotirlinga pulls you closer to Devon ke Dev Mahadev 💫 purifying your soul and destroying fears hidden deep within.

On this yatra, I was blessed to cover two of these divine jyotirlingas Mahakaleshwar (Ujjain) and Omkareshwar & Mamleshwar (Mandhata Island) 🌊🌸 each one a reminder of Mahadev’s boundless grace and power.

I began my journey from Delhi by train 🚆 though of course, you can always choose road 🚗 or air ✈️ as per your comfort. But for me, trains hold a special kind of magic ✨. The moment the whistle blows 🎺 and the wheels begin to move, it feels as though the journey has already embraced me with open arms 🤗.

Outside the window, endless fields stretch like green carpets 🌾💚, broken by clusters of mud houses 🏡 and little villages I had never even heard of before 🌸. The rhythmic clatter of the tracks 🎶, the fragrance of chai brewing at tiny stations ☕, and vendors calling out with their sing-song voices 🎤 – all of it makes the experience feel alive and deeply rooted 🌿.

For me, a train journey doesn’t just take me to a destination 🎯, it takes me back to childhood 🌈, stirring nostalgia 💭 and letting me taste the stories along the way 📖❤️.

🚉 The Call of Mahakaal – 🚆 The Journey Begins

My Ujjain trip started with an evening train from Delhi, a comfortable 10–13 hour overnight ride. Trains like the NDLS–Indore Express, Malwa Express or the Indore Intercity are all solid choices offering reliable timings and smooth connections.

💭 There’s just something magical about train journeys. Not only do you get to witness nature unfold outside the window but you also end up connecting with people, sometimes strangers who share stories that stay with you forever. This trip was no different 😂 and the funniest part is, the icebreaker wasn’t chai or travel tips, it was us collectively cursing the train delay! Normally when your station is the source station, the train aligns at the platform at least an hour before departure (that’s the unwritten rule!). But this time, it showed up barely 5 minutes before leaving and suddenly everyone on the platform was bonding over the “late entry.”

👉 Families waiting with kids, mother-daughter duo like me, groups of friends, a wonderful old couple – all began sharing their stories. Some spoke about the detailed Ujjain itineraries they had planned while others were first-time visitors buzzing with excitement. ✨ Somewhere between the shared annoyance and the shared anticipation, I suddenly realized that good peaple still exists and humanity is very much alive. Interestingly, a couple of us even ended up staying at the same hotel in Ujjain turning strangers into co-pilgrims.

🌆 Finally as the train pulled into the platform and we settled into our seats, Delhi’s bustling chaos slowly began to fade behind us. The bright city lights gave way to quieter suburbs and eventually to the stillness of open fields. The night outside was vast and dark broken only by the occasional cluster of village homes glowing faintly under the stars. Inside, conversations softened, the clatter of the wheels took over and silence began to feel sacred.

It’s in moments like these somewhere between wakefulness and sleep, between the noise of departure and the stillness of the journey that the heart begins to prepare itself for the sacred darshan of Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga.

🙏 They say: “You don’t choose to visit Mahakaal. He calls you.” And as the train rolled steadily toward Ujjain, that divine pull was unmistakable and as the train carried us steadily closer to Ujjain I couldn’t help but feel that undeniable pull, the sense that I wasn’t just traveling to Ujjain, I was being summoned.

🧳 Travel Tips for the Delhi–Ujjain Train Journey

✅ Book Early – Trains to Ujjain especially around Mahashivratri and Shravan month, get booked months in advance. Reserve your tickets as early as possible once the calendar is open which 2 months before the travel date.

🌅 Best Views – If you’re traveling overnight grab a seat on the right-hand side of the train for a chance to catch a breath taking sunrise as you approach Madhya Pradesh.

🍲 Pack Some Snacks – Though pantry cars are available but they nothing is cheap and currently they are over expensive now-a-days around railways stations, having your own light snacks and water makes the overnight journey more comfortable.

📍 Boarding Point – If New Delhi is your boarding point, plan to arrive at the station at least 45 minutes before departure. The station is quite large and can be confusing so reaching early helps you avoid the last-minute rush and easily locate your coach. You can also use IXIGO application for end to end details of your train. Also, double-check which side your platform is on whether it’s closer to the Ajmeri Gate side or the Paharganj side for a quicker entry.

😴 Choose AC Coaches – Overnight journey? Do yourself a favour and book AC (2A/3A) you’ll thank yourself when you arrive fresh and energized.

🌟 And finally the day I had been waiting arrived. After so long, I found myself once again in the sacred city of Ujjain, a place I had last visited as a child.

⏰ We reached around 8:20 AM in the morning, and since our hotel was already booked, we rushed straight to drop our bags and freshen up knowing we had to leave for Mandhata (Omkareshwar) by late afternoon the same day.

🚐 Instead of a regular auto-rickshaw, the moment I saw I knew we are hopping onto a Tempo – a big 10-seater open auto that’s so unique to smaller towns. As a child, I used to call every auto a “Tempo,” but this one truly was. With the wind brushing across our faces and the open sides letting in every bit of the city’s morning buzz, it felt refreshing and oddly grounding at the same time. The ride itself carried me straight back to childhood memories – nostalgia hitting me left, right, and center.

And then the first glimpse of the Mahakaleshwar temple spire. 🛕 My heart skipped a beat, my eyes turned moist and for a moment the noise of the road just faded. I was back where I belonged in the city of Mahakaal called again after years. 🙏✨

🏨 Where to Stay in Ujjain

Ujjain embraces its pilgrims with a variety of stay options whether you’re traveling on a budget, with family or seeking a purely spiritual experience. Here are a few recommended picks:

• 🛕 Hotel Mahakal Palace – Just a stone’s throw from the temple. Perfect if you want to walk to the shrine attend the Bhasma Aarti or join early morning rituals without worrying about transport.
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Hotels – A comfortable family-friendly stay that blends modern amenities with a touch of local warmth.
• 🙏 Simple Dharmshalas – Ideal for budget travellers and spiritual seekers. These modest stays keep you close to the roots of the pilgrimage experience.
• 🛺 Choose local rides like rickshaws, autos, or tempos, they’re quick, pocket-friendly and perfect for dodging traffic.

✨ Why Stay Near the Temple?

✨ If your heart is set on darshan, rituals, wandering through the nearby bazaars, tasting local flavours or picking up traditional clothes staying close to the temple is a blessing. Being within walking distance doesn’t just save you time it immerses you in the city’s soul. 🌅 You wake up to temple bells and chants, feel the divine energy in the air and can easily walk to other nearby shrines. Plus it spares you the hassle and cost of constant commuting. 🙏

💡 Pro Tip: 📝 Accommodations near the temple sell out quickly! For Hotel Mahakal Palace, rooms often get booked almost 2 months in advance. If you’re planning during Mahashivratri or the holy month of Shravan book as early as possible to avoid last-minute disappointment.

🛕 Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga – The Lord Beyond Time(🌅 Bhasma Aarti – A Ritual Like No Other)

I had already attended the legendary Bhasma Aarti a mesmerizing ritual where at 4:00 AM Lord Shiva is bathed in sacred ash, symbolizing time, destruction and rebirth. The atmosphere is unlike anything else, – intense, mysterious and soul-stirring. 🔱

This time I chose the VIP darshan slot around 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM on a weekday and it was equally divine. Choosing the VIP darshan slot was one of the best decisions of the trip. From the moment we entered, the temple volunteers were incredibly helpful, guiding us patiently, explaining the rituals and making sure everyone moved smoothly without any confusion. It felt like stepping into a world where everything was arranged to let you focus entirely on devotion.

During the darshan a small but unforgettable moment happened. There was a lady who wanted to offer prasad to Mahakal but due to restrictions, she couldn’t do it herself. She politely requested if we could offer it on her behalf. We agreed and after the ritual, the pandit ji returned a portion of that prasad to us. We looked around to find her and thank her but she had already moved on and her act of devotion remained anonymous.

As we walked out, I stumbled and my prasad fell to the floor and I felt a pang of disappointment at dropping it. But in that moment, something remarkable happened. Other devotees around me instinctively helped, guiding me gently and by the time I steadied myself all of the prasad had been returned to the box. It was as if Mahakal had orchestrated the scene aligning the right people to help me until I was okay.

After that I noticed two people distributing sweets – one giving toffees, another handing out ladoos. I usually do not trust and accept things from strangers even in the temple premise but in that moment didn’t hesitate to accept them and the simplicity and humility of the act struck me deeply. It reminded me that even small gestures still exists which actually make a lasting impact. The VIP darshan was not just about efficiency it was a divine, immersive and deeply emotional experience.

Even if sometimes it’s hard to believe in humanity or people in general, this city, this temple and this divine experience restored my hope. Ujjain doesn’t just offer darshan it leaves you with a profound sense of connection, faith and trust in the goodness around you. 🌅✨

✨ Pro-Tips for Darshan & Aarti:

📌 Online Booking – Essential for Bhasma Aarti or VIP darshan. Book via the official Mahakaleshwar website and carry a printed ticket as phones are not allowed inside.

🕑 Bhasma Aarti Entry – Opens at 2:30 AM plan to be early for a smooth experience.

👕 Dress Code – Men must wear a dhoti to enter the Garbh Grah (inner sanctum) for both Bhasma Aarti and Jal Abhishek.

📵 No Phones – A blessing in disguise being fully present makes the experience more profound.

⏰ VIP Darshan Tip – Arrive 10–15 minutes early on weekdays as lighter crowds may allow early entry.

🙏 And don’t fall for beggars asking for flour, pulses, or other items it’s often a trap. 😔 There’s usually a shop already set up nearby. If you give in emotionally more people (sometimes 9–10 at a time) may approach asking for the same. What seems like a small amount (~₹350) for one can quickly add up. 💸 Stay aware and protect yourself while still being kind.

And when the bells rang and the chants echo into the air, I felt my worries and fears dissolve in Mahakaal’s eternal fire. 🔥 Time seemed to stand still here, you truly realize that Mahakal is beyond time.

🏛️ Ujjain – Harsiddhi Mata Temple(Shaktipeeth) – where Sati’s elbow fell

That day in Ujjain was special not just because of Mahakaleshwar Darshan but also because it coincided with Basora, a traditional ritual observed in our family. 🌸

For Basora, all the food for puja like gulgule (sweet fritters), pue(small puri) and other delicacies is cooked a day in advance and eaten the next day. This ensures no cooking or fire is used on Basora day as it is believed that the heat could disturb Sitala Mata, the goddess of smallpox and disease.

Since we were in Ujjain my mother performed the puja in our hotel and prepared the money to offer at the temple. However, we couldn’t locate the Sitala Mata Mandir. I suggested to my mother that “all Mata’s are one,” and we could offer it at Harsiddhi Temple, a famous Shaktipeeth nearby. She agreed hesitantly though after Mahakaleshwar Darshan, breakfast and a bit of traditional clothing shopping we almost decided to skip it due to time constraints.

But as they say, “if it’s written to happen, it will happen.” Fate nudged us toward the temple. When my mother asked the pujari if she could offer the money there, he humbly replied, “all Mata’s are one.” She offered the money with devotion and as a blessing, the pujari wrapped a coconut in red cloth, chanted mantras and handed it to her. 🙏✨ she was pleased beyond and so happy.

The temple itself is mesmerizing, its tall twin towers embedded with multiple divas lit up at night, creating a magical, glowing silhouette that reflects the devotion and heritage of this sacred city. Even from a distance the sight of the towers illuminated by flickering lamps is unforgettable. 🕯️🏛️

🚗 Heading from Ujjain to Mandhata – The Journey Begins

Finally we returned to our hotel after a fulfilling morning of darshan, city walks, and shopping. 🏨 Our bags were already packed and it was time to hit the road for Mandhata.

We arranged a private cab directly from the hotel costing around ₹2800 one-way. 💰 If you’re traveling on a tighter budget, there’s also a bus option from Mahakaleshwar Temple at roughly ₹450 per person which usually includes the return trip but do confirm before booking. 🚌

✨ Pro Tips for the Road Trip:

• Same Cab & Driver for Return: If you want the same cab and driver for your return journey, it’s best to pay ₹5000 (excluding meals during the trip). This often makes the journey more comfortable and seamless.
• Driver’s Stay: Most drivers can arrange their own stay if the trip spans multiple days so you don’t need to worry about hotel arrangements for them. 🛏️
• Extra Stops: If you want to visit additional sites along the way confirm any extra charges upfront with the driver to avoid surprises.
• Meals: Lunch and dinner aren’t included in the cab fare, so plan accordingly. 🍴

And just like that, our road trip adventure from Ujjain to Mandhata officially began, a journey promising scenic landscapes, spiritual experiences and plenty of memorable stories along the way. 🌄

Stay tuned for our next blog where I’ll share the full Mandhata and Omkareshwar/Mamleshwar temple experiences, including darshan, local culture and travel tips for fellow pilgrims. 🙏

Till then, stay tuned and stay safe! ✨

📩 Have questions about this yatra? Want help planning your own spiritual journey? Drop them in the comments!