Shahi Snan
The royal bath. The Akharas walk to the river before sunrise and bathe in a fixed order; pilgrims bathe after them. In 2016 the Juna Akhara took the first dip.
The Mela
What Simhastha is, when each bathing day falls, who the Akharas are, and which temples to see while you are in Ujjain.
About Simhastha
Simhastha is Ujjain's Kumbh Mela. It is held on the banks of the Shipra when Jupiter enters Leo (Simha) and the Sun moves into Aries, an alignment that comes around once every twelve years.
By tradition, drops of amrit fell at four places during the churning of the ocean: Haridwar, Prayagraj, Nashik and Ujjain. A holy dip in the Shipra during Simhastha is believed to wash away sins.
The mela in its present form dates to the 18th century, when the Maratha ruler Ranoji Shinde invited ascetics from Nashik to Ujjain. It gives special reverence to Mahakaleshwar, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas.
The last Simhastha ran from 22 April to 21 May 2016 and drew around five crore pilgrims. For 2028 the state expects many times that number.
- Held every
- 12 years
- This time
- 27 March – 27 May 2028
- Last held
- 22 April – 21 May 2016
- Next after this
- 2040
- River
- Shipra (Kshipra)
- Nearest airport
- Indore, about 55 km
Bathing calendar
Each date shows where it comes from. We update this the day an official notice is published.
OfficialReportedNot announced
- 27Mar Mela beginsStart of the two-month mela Reported
- 9Apr First Shahi SnanSunday, Chaitra Purnima. Akharas bathe first, from about 4 AM. Reported
- 23Apr Second Shahi SnanSunday. Some sources list 24 April; check before you book. Reported
- 8May Third Shahi SnanMonday, Vaishakh Purnima. The last royal bath. Reported
- 7Parv Parv SnansSeven more bathing days are proposed; dates not announced yet. Not announced
- 27May Mela concludesPurna Ahuti, the closing offering Reported
Akharas & rituals
The Akharas, the monastic orders of sadhus, lead the royal baths in a set order.
Peshwai
Grand processions with flags, chariots and music as each Akhara enters the city and sets up its camp before the mela.
Panchkoshi Yatra
A 118 km walk around Ujjain in the month of Vaishakh, starting at Nagchandreshwar and touching Pingleshwar, Kayavarohaneshwar, Bilkeshwar and Durdareshwar.
Kalpvas
Living on the riverbank for a month with daily bathing, prayer and simple food, usually in an Akhara or ashram camp.
Shaiva (7)
- Juna
- Niranjani
- Mahanirvani
- Atal
- Avahan
- Anand
- Agni
Vaishnava (3)
- Nirmohi Ani
- Digambar Ani
- Nirvani Ani
Udasin & Nirmal (3)
- Bada Udasin
- Naya Udasin
- Nirmal Panchayati
Temples of Ujjain
Ujjain is one of the seven sacred cities. These are the shrines most pilgrims visit.
Mahakaleshwar
One of the twelve Jyotirlingas and the heart of Ujjain. Famous for the Bhasma Aarti at about 4 AM.
Kal Bhairav
The guardian deity of Ujjain, known for its unusual offering tradition.
Harsiddhi
A Shakti Peeth close to Ram Ghat, known for its tall lamp pillars.
Mangalnath
On the Shipra, believed to be the birthplace of Mars.
Sandipani Ashram
Where, by tradition, Krishna and Balarama studied.
Mahakal Lok
The new temple corridor with more than 200 statues; best seen by day.
Booking the Bhasma Aarti
The pre-dawn aarti at Mahakaleshwar, around 4 AM, is the one ritual most visitors want to see. Seats are limited and passes come only from the temple.
Open the temple's booking site- Book on the official site or counterOnline through the temple's website, or at the counter in Ujjain the day before. Beware of agents charging extra.
- Carry the same photo IDEntry is checked against the ID you booked with. Reach at least an hour early.
- Follow the dress codeTraditional dress is required for the aarti: dhoti for men, saree for women.
- Expect changes during the melaDarshan arrangements usually change on Shahi Snan days. Check the temple site close to your date.
Need help planning darshan?
Tell us your dates and group size. We reply on WhatsApp or email, usually within a day.
- Stays near the ghats, dharamshalas and group bookings
- Day-by-day plans for families and seniors
- Alerts when official dates change