Only one day in a year. Thousands of devotees throng the temple during that time. The temple doors are closed for the remaining 364 days. It is opened only on Nagpanchami in Shravan. Nagachandreshwar awakens. Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh means the attraction of miracles. Nagchandreshwar Temple is located on the three floors of the Mahakaleshwar Temple. The temple is full of strange miracles. Even in this era, devotees have the right to enter this temple only on a special date. If the doors are closed once a year, they have to wait again for the next year. In 2026, Nagpanchami will be celebrated on Monday, August 17. The lion door of the temple will open on that day.
The 11th century statue is a sight to behold. Shiva and Goddess Parvati are seated in absolute peace on the ten pillars of the Nagaraja Takshak. Shri Ganesha is next to them. Usually, everyone sees Lord Vishnu lying on the serpent Anantnag. But there is no other statue in the world where the god of gods, Mahadev, is seated on a serpent.
What is the greatness of this temple?
A mythological story is found in the pages of Skanda Purana. The supreme devotee Naga king Takshak performed severe penance of Shiva. Pleased, Lord Shiva granted him immortality. Then Takshak wanted to live in privacy at the feet of Lord Shiva. The Lord granted that boon. It is believed that Naga king himself still lives in this place unnoticed. Devotees come here anxiously to get rid of the evil effects of Rahu and Ketu or the evil of the black serpent. The devotees have a deep faith that all obstacles are removed with the blessings of Lord Shiva and the supreme power Jagadamba.
When to go?
The doors of Nagachandreshwar are opened with the Trijhum Puja at midnight on August 16. For the next 24 hours, the temple premises are filled with chanting of mantras.
When to go: Best to arrive early in the morning on August 17, 2026. Get in line early to avoid the crowds.
How to reach: If you want to go by air, the nearest airport is Devi Ahilyabai Holkar in Indore (distance about 55 km). Taxis or buses are available from there. If you come by rail, get down straight at Ujjain Junction. There are direct trains from major cities of the country. From the station, you can easily reach the Mahakaleshwar temple premises by auto or cab.