By Puranic tradition Mangal — Mars — was born here, which makes this temple the centre of gravity for anyone dealing with Mangal dosha in their chart. The Bhaat puja performed here draws people from across India, often on Tuesdays, the day of Mars.
The astronomy behind it
This is not only a religious claim. Ujjain sat on the first meridian of Indian astronomy, and Mangalnath — high on the bank of the Shipra with a clear horizon — was one of the points from which planetary positions were observed. The Vedh Shala observatory a few kilometres away is the later, built expression of the same idea.
Practical
It sits on the same side of the river as Sandipani Ashram and Kal Bhairav, so all three fit comfortably into one run. Allow forty minutes unless you are having a puja performed, which takes considerably longer — book that ahead.
- SignificanceBirthplace of Mangal (Mars)
- Known forBhaat puja for Mangal dosha
- LocationOn the Shipra, near Sandipani
- EntryFree
Tip — Having a Bhaat puja done? Book ahead — it takes far longer than a darshan.
Frequently asked
Why is Mangalnath temple famous?
It is held to be the birthplace of Mangal (Mars), and is the main temple in India for the Bhaat puja performed to address Mangal dosha.
