10 Famous Temples in Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh is the second-largest Indian state by area. The state is surrounded by forests and a serene atmosphere. The other major attractions Madhya Pradesh is famous for are its temples. There are over 10,000 temples in the state of Madhya Pradesh, some of which are famous throughout India and the world. These temples play a significant role in attracting tourists from across the country and around the world, contributing to the state's tourism. If you are planning to explore Madhya Pradesh, you must not forget to visit the most famous temples. Here, you not only seek blessings but also gain a unique experience. 

10 Most Famous Temples in Madhya Pradesh

Among all the temples located in Madhya Pradesh, here are the most famous temples in Madhya Pradesh that you must visit, offering a great experience due to their positive and spiritual energy:

1. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, Ujjain 

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is one of the most popular Hindu temples dedicated to Shiva. Not only that, it is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, the most sacred abodes of Shiva. The temple is situated on the side of the holy river Shipra in Ujjain. Along with Lord Shiva, whose idol is Dakshinamurti, which faces south, there are also images of Ganesh, Parvati, and Karttikeya installed in the west, north, and east of the sanctum sanctorum. The temple is built with appealing architecture that looks even more beautiful at night, when the light plays off the temple's walls. 

Timings: 4 AM to 11 PM

Entry Fee: There is no entry fee for the general Darshan; for VIP Darshan, it costs ₹250

Best Time to Visit: Between October and March 

How to Reach: Here are all the routes to reach the Mahakaleshwar Temple:

• Via Air: Fly to the Devi Ahilyabai Holkar International Airport (IDR) in Indore, which is about 55 km away from the temple. From Indore, you can take a bus or taxi to reach Ujjain, where you can reach the temple by local rickshaw or taxi. 
• Via Train: Travel by train directly to Ujjain Junction, about 1-2 km from the Mahakaleshwar temple, which you can reach by local rickshaw. 
• Via Road: Ujjain is well connected to major cities via highways, so you can plan your trip to the Mahakaleshwar temple by road, either by your own vehicle or by government and private buses available for Ujjain.

2. Kal Bhairav Temple, Ujjain

Kal Bhairav Temple is another very popular Hindu Temple located in Ujjain, a city in Madhya Pradesh. One of the most active and visited temples, it is situated on the banks of the Shipra River. The temple was built between the 9th and 13th centuries and is famous for its unique tradition of offering liquor to Lord Kal Bhairav. Another reason a large number of devotees visit this temple every year is its ambiance, with beautiful Malwa-style paintings.

Timings: 5:00 AM to 1:30 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:30 PM

Entry Fee: Free for all devotees

Best Time to Visit: Between October and March

How to Reach: Here are all the travel modes to reach Kal Bhairav mentioned below:

• Via Air: Reach the nearest airport to Kal Bhairav Temple, which is Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport (IDR), from where the temple is about 70 km away. After reaching the airport, you can book any mode of transport, including taxis or buses, to take you to Ujjain, where you can prefer local rickshaws if you do not want to go directly to the temple. 
• Via Train: Reach Ujjain Junction, which is the nearest railway station to Kal Bhairav Temple. Then, the route from the station to the temple is about 7 km, and you can take taxis and other local transport. 
• Via Road: You can also visit Kal Bhairav Temple by road, with regular buses from the State Transport Corporation serving all major cities, or by car. Ujjain is well connected by road to major cities in India. 

3. Omkareshwar Temple, Mandhata 

Omkareshwar is not a usual temple and is the fourth Jyotirlinga among the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Omkareshwar Temple is situated on the northern bank of the Narmada River and is about 77 km from Indore. You can find the magnificence of the Omkareshwar temple in scriptures such as the Skanda Purana, Shiva Purana, and Vayu Purana. It is believed that after traversing the three worlds daily, Lord Shiva rests here; hence, special sleeping arrangements and rituals, such as Shayan Darshan of Lord Shiva, are held at the Omkareshwar temple. 

Timings: 5:00 AM to 9:30 PM

Entry Fee: Free for all devotees; however, ₹300 for VIP Darshan 

Best Time to Visit: Between October and March 

How to Reach: Find all the modes to reach the Omkareshwar temple mentioned below:

• Via Air: Reach Devi Ahilyabai Holkar International Airport (IDR) located in Indore, which is about 77 km away from the temple. You can find regular flights to Indore from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and more. Later, you can take buses or book taxis to reach the temple. 
• Via Train: Take a train to Khandwa junction, which is about 72 km away from the temple, or you can choose to arrive at Indore Junction, 77 km away from the temple. Then, take a bus or a taxi for a road trip of about 2-2.5 hours to reach the temple.
• Via Road: Omkareshwar temple is well connected by road, and you can reach Omkareshwar by government and private buses to Indore, Ujjain, Khargone, and Khandwa, or by car. 

4. Chausath Yogini Temple, Khajuraho 

Chausath Yogini temple is one of the famous temples in Khajuraho, a town in Madhya Pradesh. The temple is said to have been built in the late 9th century and is known as the oldest surviving temple in Khajuraho. While walking towards the Chausath Yogini temple, you will see a beautiful pond on the right filled with lilies and lotuses. Chausath Yogini Temple is one of two temples in Khajuraho made with granite blocks. Visit this temple, which contains incredible architecture. 

Timings: 6:00 AM to 5 PM 

Entry Fee: ₹35 to ₹40 for Indian citizens and around ₹550 to ₹600 for foreign visitors.

Best Time to Visit: Between November and February 

How to Reach: There are different ways to reach Chausath Yogini Temple, Khajuraho, including:

• Via Air: To reach the Chausath Yogini Temple by air, fly to the Khajuraho airport (HJR), which is the nearest airport to the temple. Later, you can easily find the local rickshaw or taxis to reach the temple. 
• Via Train: Reach the Chausath Yogini Temple by taking a train to Khajuraho Junction, the nearest station. From the station, you can take a taxi or rickshaw.
• Via Road: There is good connectivity from some major cities in India to reach the Chausath Yogini Temple in Khajuraho. You can reach Khajuraho by bus or by your own vehicle. 

5. Ram Raja Temple, Orchha 

Situated in the heart of Orchha, Ram Raja Mandir or Ram Raja Temple is one of the most famous temples to visit. This sacred site of Lord Rama holds immense significance in the region and attracts a large number of tourists every year. The temple is a masterpiece of architectural beauty, built in a mix of Rajput and Mughal styles in the 16th century. The temple stands as an eternally beloved tribute to Lord Rama, drawing visitors from across India and around the world. 

Timings: 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Entry Fee: Free entry

Best Time to Visit: Between October and March  

How to Reach: All the available modes to reach Ram Raja Temple, Orchha include:

• Via Air: To reach Ram Raja Temple in Orchha, you can fly to Gwalior Airport (GWL), the nearest airport. Later, you can take a bus or a prepaid taxi to reach the temple in Orchha. 
• Via Train: The most convenient route to reach Ram Raja Temple by train is to first reach Jhansi Junction, which is about 20 km away. At the station, you can easily find the rickshaws and taxis available that will take you to Orchha. 
• Via Road: You can also reach Ram Raja Temple, Orchha, by road via expressways from major cities like Delhi, and more. Choose buses or your own car to reach Ram Raja Temple. 

6. Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, Khajuraho

Kandariya Mahadeva Temple is one of the most popular temples in Khajuraho that you must visit. The temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, was built by the Chandela dynasty between 1017 and 1029 CE and is made of sandstone. The temple has a total of 900 sculptures carved beautifully around its walls, and there are other reliefs to be found in the curves of its granite foundation. Visit this temple, where you will not only receive blessings but also enjoy amazing architecture. 

Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Entry Fee: ₹40-₹50 for Indian citizens, ₹500-₹600 for foreigners, and entry for children under 15 is free. 

Best Time to Visit: Between October and March

How to Reach: There are multiple methods through which you can reach Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, including:

• Via Air: This is the fastest route, as you just need to fly to the Khajuraho Airport (HJR), which is around 5 km from the temple, a distance you can easily cover by taking local transport like rickshaws or taxis available outside the airport. 
• By Train: Trains to Khajuraho are available from various major cities. After reaching the railway station, you can easily find local transport to cover the 8 km distance between Khajuraho station and Kandariya Mahadeva temple. 
• Via Road: You can also reach Kandariya Mahadeva Temple by road, thanks to excellent expressway connectivity to major cities. You can either take a bus on a road trip or visit by your own vehicle. 

7. Mamleshwar Jyotirlinga, Omkareshwar

A famous temple in Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh, Mamleshwar Mahadev Mandir is also known as Amleshwar Mahadev and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is located on the southern bank of the Narmada River. Holding immense significance, it is considered one of the twin Jyotirlingas, alongside the Omkareshwar temple. Along with the strong presence of Lord Shiva, the temple showcases classic Nagara-style architecture, beautiful stone carvings, and a highly spiritual energy. It is highly recommended to visit this temple if you are visiting the Omkareshwar temple. 

Timings: 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Entry Fee: No entry fee required

Best Time to Visit: Between October and March 

How to Reach: You can choose any of the modes below to travel to the Mamleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple:

• Via Air: To reach the Mamleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, you need to fly to the Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport (IDR), which is about 77 km away from the temple and is the closest airport to the temple. At the airport, you can prebook a taxi or take buses to reach the temple. 
• Via Train: You can reach the Mamleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple by train, reaching the Khandwa Junction, the nearest railway station to the temple. After reaching the station, you can take local transport to reach the temple. 
• Via Road: You can travel to the Mamleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple by road, reaching Indore, Ujjain, Khargone, and Khandwa, which have good connectivity to major cities like Delhi and other destinations by bus or your own car. From these major cities, you will then need to cover around 12 km to reach the temple. 

8. Salkanpur Bijasan Mata Temple, Sehore 

Salkanpur Bijasan Mata Temple, a famous temple located on an 800-foot-high hill, is in Sehore district, Madhya Pradesh. The temple, built in the 10th century, is a revered Siddhpeeth and is dedicated to the goddess Durga. With each step you take toward the temple, you not only cover distance but also draw closer to the divine energy of Mata Durga. It is believed that Maa Vindhyavasini Beejasan Devi, a fierce form of Goddess Durga, sits in her self-manifested form within the sanctum, and that her idol, which faces south, has stood in the same place for centuries. Now, the temple attracts a large number of tourists from different places. 

Timings: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Entry Fee: Free entry to all devotees

Best Time to Visit: Between October and March

How to Reach: Find all the different modes to reach Salkanpur Bijasan Mata Temple, which are as follows:

• Via Air: The fastest way to reach Salkanpur Bijasan Mata Temple is by flight, which you can book from Raja Bhoj Airport (BHO) in Bhopal, around 70 km away from the temple. From the airport, you can easily take a bus or taxi to reach Salkanpur and then reach the temple. 
• Via Train: To travel by train to reach Salkanpur Bijasan Mata temple, you need to take a train to Bhopal Junction, which is the nearest railway station to the temple. Later, you can take a local transport, such as a bus or a taxi, to reach the temple.
• Via Road: Reach Salkanpur Bijasan Mata Temple by road, which you can also consider, as there is great connectivity between Bhopal and major cities, which you can cover by bus or your own car. 

9. Pitambara Peeth, Datia

Located in Datia, Madhya Pradesh, Pitambara Peeth is a significant pilgrimage site that is dedicated to the Goddess Baglamukhi, also known as Pitambara Devi. Expressing the region's rich cultural heritage, the temple is adorned with traditional architectural elements. Here, you can find the idol of Goddess Baglamukhi, embellished with vibrant decorations. You can also find smaller shrines to other Hindu deities. With the immense positivity and blessings, you can also have a peaceful time at the Pitambara Peeth temple. 

Timings: 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Entry Fee: Free entry for all devotees 

Best Time to Visit: October to March 

How to Reach: You can find all the available modes to reach Pitambara Peeth, Datia, which are as follows:

• Via Air: To reach Pitambara Peeth by air, fly to Gwalior Airport, the nearest airport, about 75 km from Datia. After reaching the airport, you can take a bus to Datia and then visit the temple.
• Via Train: You can travel by train to reach Datia Railway Station directly by train, or you can also choose to visit Virangna Lakshmibai Railway Station, which is around 45 minutes away from the temple. 
• Via Road: Reach the Pitambara Peeth temple by road, which is also one of the great ways to reach the temple. You can choose a bus or your own vehicle and begin your journey to the temple, taking an expressway well-connected to various major cities. 

10. Bhojeshwar Mahadev Temple, Bhojpur 

Located in Bhopal, the Bhojpur Mahadev Temple is one of the famous temples in Madhya Pradesh. The temple, a thousand years old, is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who overlooks the Betwa River. The temple has all the spiritual significance, architectural grandeur, colossal lingam, and historical beauty. The temple was built in the 11th century by Raja Bhoj in Bhojpur. It is one of those famous temples where devotees gather throughout the year on several occasions to offer their prayers and seek blessings from Lord Shiva. 

Timings: 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Entry Fee: No entry fee required 

Best Time to Visit: Between October and March

How to Reach: Here are multiple ways to reach Bhojeshwar Mahadev Temple, which are as follows:

• Via Air: The nearest airport to the Bhojpur temple is Bhopal's Raja Bhoj Airport (BHO). After reaching the airport, you can take transport like taxis, prepaid cabs, or app-based taxis to reach the temple, which is around 28-30 km away. 
• Via Train: You can reach the Bhojeshwar Mahadev Temple in Bhojpur by train. First, you need to arrive at Bhopal Junction, which is around 30 km from the temple, and then take a taxi or an auto rickshaw to reach the temple.
• Via Road: Reach the Bhojeshwar Mahadev Temple by road, which is well connected to major cities from Bhopal via expressways, either by your own vehicle or via buses available regularly. 

Note: Make sure to check the temple's timings and fees on the temple's official website, as these may change from time to time, and plan your journey accordingly. 

Conclusion 

Visiting temples is always a great option as it allows you to lean towards the spiritual beauty that brings peace to your mind and calms your soul. If you prefer to explore serene spiritual places, all the above-mentioned famous temples of Madhya Pradesh should be on your next trip. Choose to visit these temples to gain a unique experience and carry positive energy back with you. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most famous temple in Madhya Pradesh?

The most famous and visited temple in Madhya Pradesh is the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, situated in Ujjain, known for one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. 

Do I need to pay an entry fee at the Mahakaleshwar temple? 

No, you do not need to pay an entry fee at the Mahakaleshwar temple, as entry is generally free for all devotees. 

What are the timings for the Kal Bhairav temple?

The Kal Bhairav Temple is generally open daily from 5:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:30 PM, allowing you to take Darshan throughout its opening hours. 

Is VIP Darshan available at the Ram Raja Temple in Orchha?

No, VIP Darshan is not available at the Ram Raja Temple in Orchha, allowing devotees to take Darshan free of cost.

Which temple in Madhya Pradesh is hardest to reach?

The hardest temple to reach in Madhya Pradesh is widely considered to be Nagdwar Swami Temple, which is located in the Pachmarhi region of Madhya Pradesh.