The Navgrah Shani Mandir of Ujjain is not just an ordinary religious site — it is an astrological and spiritual center where devotees come with the hope of freeing themselves from planetary afflictions. Situated on the sacred banks of the Triveni Sangam, this temple feels like a meeting point of heaven and earth. Here, all nine celestial deities — Surya (Sun), Chandra (Moon), Mangal (Mars), Budh (Mercury), Guru (Jupiter), Shukra (Venus), Rahu, Ketu, and Shani (Saturn) — are worshipped together, but its most unique feature is that Shani Dev is worshipped here in the form of Lord Shiva, a tradition that is rare and perhaps found nowhere else in India. Indira Nagar, Ujjain As you enter, the fragrance of oil and incense, the chants of devotees, and the resonating mantras in the temple premises make you feel as if time has come to a standstill. The idol of Shani Dev in the sanctum sanctorum stands as a symbol of gravity, justice, and power. Vikram Kirti Mandir History — The Legacy of Vikramaditya and a 2,000-Year-Old Tale The foundation of the Navgrah Shani Mandir is rooted in an ancient historical and mythological tale, which makes it even more special. It is believed that King Vikramaditya, the famed and justice-loving ruler of Ujjain, built this temple almost 2,000 years ago. It is said that King Vikramaditya understood the influence of Shani and constructed this temple to protect his kingdom and subjects from planetary afflictions. He dedicated separate shrines to all nine planets so that anyone troubled by unfavorable planetary positions or periods in their horoscope could come here for relief. Jaisinghpura, Ujjain The location was chosen at Triveni Sangam — where the Shipra, Gandaki, and Saraswati rivers converge — because it is believed to be a unique confluence of sacred waters, mantras, and planetary energies. The temple also has an underground chamber where an ancient Shani Yantra is installed. Made from copper plates and gemstones, this yantra is considered extremely powerful. In earlier times, special planetary peace rituals were conducted here by kings and learned astrologers. Mahakaleshwar Temple Ujjain Daily Aartis and Timings Several aartis take place at the Navgrah Shani Mandir throughout the day, each being a special spiritual experience for devotees: Mangal Aarti — 5:30 AMPerformed before sunrise, this aarti brings a surge of positive energy to start the day. Bhog Aarti — 12:00 PMConducted after offering food to the deity. Sandhya Aarti — 6:30 PMAt sunset, the glow of lamps combined with the sound of conch shells and bells creates a divine atmosphere. Shayan Aarti — 8:30 PMThe final aarti of the day before putting the deity to rest. On special occasions such as Shani Amavasya, Shani Jayanti, Mahashivratri, and other astrologically significant days, these aartis are accompanied by special bhajan evenings and extended mantra chanting sessions. Vikram University, Ujjain Worship, Aarti, and Rituals Oil Offering (Tel Abhishek): There is a tradition here of performing abhishek with mustard or sesame oil, especially for Lord Shani, to seek relief from planetary afflictions and to pray for prosperity. Special worship programs like Shani Aradhana, Shanti Puja, Maha Shivratri, and Shani Amavasya involve grand rituals and ceremonies. Kartik Chowk, Ujjain Visiting Hours and Temple Timings Darshan Timings: The temple remains open from 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM. However, some sources also mention timings from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM. WWF Water Park & Resort, Ujjain Address and Accessibility Address: Motibagh Colony, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh 456006, India How to Reach: Distance from Ujjain Railway Station: Around 8–9 km Nearest Airport: Indore (~53 km) Nearby Attractions and Stay Options Nearby, you can find several famous pilgrimage spots of Ujjain, such as Mahakaleshwar Temple and Nagchandreshwar Temple. For accommodation, Ujjain offers a variety of good hotels and ashrams—especially around Mahadev Road and the city center. For specific recommendations, you can check with local guides or booking services. Meghdoot Garden Indore Best Time to Visit and Special Experiences Shani Amavasya and Saturdays are considered especially auspicious, as Lord Shani is regarded as the deity of justice. Maha Shivratri and other astrologically favorable dates are also ideal for performing special worship. Mandu or Mandavgad Forts Indore Interesting Astrological Ritual – The Lamp Lighting Rule During the worship of Lord Shani, it is considered auspicious to light a lamp using mustard or sesame oil with a black or blue wick, while lighting a ghee lamp is prohibited. Patalpani Waterfall Indore Summary Table AspectInformationMethodWorship of all nine planets at one place, Shani in the form of Lord ShivaHistoryAround 2,000 years old, established by King VikramadityaMain RitualsOil Abhishek, Shanti Puja, Shani Amavasya, Maha ShivratriVisiting Hours5:00 AM – 7:00 PM (some sources say up to 9:00 PM)AddressMotibagh Colony, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh Address and Google map of Navgrah Shanti Mandir, Ujjain Address: Motibagh Colony, Ujjain, Dhediya, Madhya Pradesh 456006 Images of Navgrah Shanti Mandir, Ujjain Other tourist places near Navgrah Shani Mandir Ujjain Shri Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple Shri Kaal Bhairav Mandir, Ujjain Shree Harsiddhi Mata Shaktipeeth Temple Maharishi Sandipani Ashram Jai Maa Gadhkalika Mata Shakti Peeth Mandir Ujjain Shree Chintaman Ganesh Temple, Ujjain ISKCON Temple, Ujjain Shri Dwarkadhish Gopal Mandir Ujjain Mahakal Lok Kaliyadeh Palace Bhartrihari caves Gopal Mandir Navgrah Shani Mandir Ujjain Ram Janardan Temple Kalidas Academy Mahakal Mahadev Mandir Shri Chaubis Khamba Mata Temple, Ujjain Ram Ghat Marg Shree Bada Ganesh Mandir WWF Waterpark Ujjain [...]
