Navagraha Temple Ujjain: The Nine Planets Temple
Ujjain is one of the seven sacred cities of India and a major centre of Vedic astrology. Among its many revered shrines, the Navagraha Temple holds a unique place for devotees seeking the blessings of the nine celestial planets. If you are planning a pilgrimage to Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, adding the Navagraha Temple to your itinerary can bring deeper spiritual meaning to your visit.
What Is the Navagraha Temple Ujjain?
The Navagraha Temple in Ujjain is dedicated to the nine planetary deities known as the Navagraha in Hindu tradition. These are Surya (the Sun), Chandra (the Moon), Mangal (Mars), Budha (Mercury), Brihaspati (Jupiter), Shukra (Venus), Shani (Saturn), Rahu, and Ketu. Each planet is believed to influence different aspects of human life — health, wealth, relationships, career, and spiritual progress. When a planet is unfavourably placed in a person’s horoscope, devotees visit the Navagraha Temple to offer prayers, perform rituals, and seek relief.
Ujjain has long been recognised as a premier centre for astrology in India. The ancient Vedh Shala (Jantar Mantar) built by Maharaja Jai Singh II still stands as proof of Ujjain’s deep connection with astronomy and the stars. The Navagraha Temple draws on this cosmic tradition and is considered one of the most powerful planetary temples in North India, attracting devotees from across the country.
Historical and Spiritual Significance
Ujjain, historically known as Avantika, has been associated with planetary worship for over two thousand years. Ancient texts describe Ujjain as a city where the science of Jyotisha (astrology) flourished under the patronage of great kings like Vikramaditya. The city’s geographical location on the Tropic of Cancer made it a natural hub for astronomical observation in ancient India.
The Navagraha Temple’s design reflects the cosmic order — each planet has a separate shrine within the complex arranged according to Vedic principles. According to tradition, Saturday (Shani day) and Tuesday (Mangal day) are the most auspicious days to visit. However, devotees visit year-round, especially during Amavasya (new moon) and Ekadashi, to perform special prayers for planetary peace.
Temple Timings and Entry
The Navagraha Temple is open to all visitors and does not charge an entry fee:
- Morning hours: 5:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Evening hours: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Entry fee: Free (voluntary donations accepted)
The temple atmosphere is most peaceful during early morning hours, just after 5:00 AM. Many devotees perform the Navagraha Shanti Pooja with the help of a local priest who can be hired at the temple itself. You can also book abhishek (ritual bathing) for a specific planet that is causing concern in your horoscope. The full pooja typically takes between 2 and 3 hours and includes homa (fire ritual), mantra chanting, and offerings to all nine planetary deities.
How to Reach Navagraha Temple Ujjain
The temple is conveniently located and easy to reach from Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga:
- From Mahakaleshwar Temple: approximately 1.5 km — a 20-minute walk or a 5-minute auto-rickshaw ride costing Rs. 50 to Rs. 100
- From Ujjain Railway Station: about 3 km — 10 minutes by auto or local bus
- From the Shipra River ghats: located close to Ram Ghat, easy to combine with a riverside walk
- From Indore: approximately 55 km — about 1.5 hours by road, making it a popular day trip
For first-time visitors, combine this temple with the detailed Mahakaleshwar Darshan Guide for a complete spiritual day plan covering entry gates, queue management, dress code, and crowd tips.
What to Expect Inside the Temple
The temple complex has nine small shrines, each housing the idol or symbolic representation of one graha. The architecture is simple and traditional, with stone platforms, brass lamps, and vivid colours. Inside the main hall, you will find:
- Individual Navanakshatra (nine-star) yantras for each planet
- A central shrine of Lord Shiva, the presiding deity of the complex
- Prasad counters selling traditional offerings like coconut, flowers, and sesame seeds
- Space for personal japa (mantra chanting) — especially the powerful Navagraha Stotra
- Clean marble flooring and shaded rest areas for elderly devotees
The temple sees a steady flow of visitors throughout the day. Saturdays are particularly busy as Shani devotees throng the shrine. If you want a quieter experience, visit on a Wednesday (Budha day) or a weekday morning.
The Navagraha Shanti Pooja: What You Need to Know
If you are seeking relief from planetary doshas or going through a challenging phase, the Navagraha Shanti Pooja performed at this temple is highly recommended. Here is what the ritual typically includes:
- Kalash Sthapana — consecration of the sacred water pot
- Abhishek — ritual bathing of each planetary deity with milk, honey, and holy water
- Homa (fire ritual) — offerings into the sacred fire with specific mantras
- Navagraha Stotra recitation — chanting of the ancient planetary hymn
- Prasad distribution — blessed food offered to all nine planets
- Dakshina to priests — customary donation for the performing priest
The cost typically ranges from Rs. 501 to Rs. 2,001 depending on the scale of the pooja. A simpler abhishek for one planet costs around Rs. 251. All items are arranged by the temple priests, so you do not need to bring anything except your devotion.
Nearby Attractions to Combine with Your Visit
Ujjain is packed with sacred sites, and the Navagraha Temple sits in good company:
- Mangalnath Temple — dedicated to Mangal (Mars), about 1 km away
- Harsiddhi Temple — a revered Devi shrine, approximately 2 km from the Navagraha Temple
- Ram Ghat — the main bathing ghat on the Shipra River, ideal for an evening dip
- Vedh Shala (Jantar Mantar) — the ancient observatory, just a short distance away
- Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga — the main temple, 1.5 km away
Many pilgrims plan a single-day temple circuit covering Mahakaleshwar, Navagraha, Mangalnath, and Ram Ghat. Start early morning at Mahakaleshwar, visit Navagraha by 9:00 AM, then conclude with a holy dip at Ram Ghat before sunset.
Practical Tips for Devotees
- Dress modestly — wear comfortable cotton clothes; avoid shorts, sleeveless tops, and leather items
- Carry small change for prasad, donations, and auto fares — many vendors do not accept digital payments
- Photography is generally allowed in the outer areas but always check with temple authorities before clicking inside the sanctum
- Remove footwear before entering the inner shrine area; there is a designated shoe counter near the entrance
- Visit during Amavasya for a special spiritual experience — the energy and crowd are both intense but deeply rewarding
- Stay hydrated — Ujjain summers are harsh; carry water if visiting between March and June
- Plan accommodation early during festival seasons like Mahashivratri, Kumbh Mela, or Simhastha when demand spikes
Estimated Costs for Your Visit
| Item | Approximate Cost (INR) |
|---|---|
| Auto-rickshaw (Mahakaleshwar to Navagraha Temple) | Rs. 50 – Rs. 100 |
| Flowers and prasad | Rs. 51 – Rs. 201 |
| Navagraha Shanti Pooja (full ritual) | Rs. 501 – Rs. 2,001 |
| Single planet abhishek | Rs. 251 – Rs. 501 |
| Light offering (deepdan) | Rs. 11 – Rs. 101 |
These are indicative costs and can vary depending on the season and whether you are visiting during a major festival or mela. Always confirm the cost with the priest before starting any pooja.
Best Days and Festival Times to Visit
While the Navagraha Temple is open year-round, certain days carry extra significance:
- Amavasya (New Moon) — the most powerful day for planetary prayers
- Makar Sankranti — Sun God transitions into Capricorn; special Surya worship
- Maha Shivaratri — the temple remains open all night with special abhishek
- Simhastha / Kumbh Mela — the temple gets extra decorations and extended timings
- Every Saturday — especially for Shani devotees; arrive before 8:00 AM for shorter queues
- Every Tuesday — Mangal pooja day, popular among those seeking courage and energy
During festival times, the temple is beautifully decorated with flowers and lights. Special community meals (bhandaras) are often organised near the temple premises, and priests offer group poojas that can be joined by multiple families together at a reduced cost.
The Mythology Behind Navagraha Worship
According to the Markandeya Purana and Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra, the Navagraha deities emerged from the cosmic energies of the universe and govern the destinies of all living beings. Each planet is associated with a specific deity, colour, and day of the week:
- Surya (Sun) — Lord of soul and vitality; worship on Sundays
- Chandra (Moon) — Lord of mind and emotions; worship on Mondays
- Mangal (Mars) — Lord of energy and courage; worship on Tuesdays
- Budha (Mercury) — Lord of intellect and communication; worship on Wednesdays
- Brihaspati (Jupiter) — Lord of wisdom and fortune; worship on Thursdays
- Shukra (Venus) — Lord of love and prosperity; worship on Fridays
- Shani (Saturn) — Lord of discipline and karma; worship on Saturdays
- Rahu and Ketu — Lunar nodes associated with spiritual growth and challenges
At the Ujjain Navagraha Temple, each deity is represented by a distinct icon and can be worshipped individually or collectively. Many devotees perform a 108-round mala japa of the Navagraha mantra for lasting peace. The temple priest can also prepare a personalised graha dosha nivaran plan based on your birth chart (kundali), which may include specific gemstone recommendations, fasting days, and mantra schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Navagraha Temple the same as Mangalnath Temple?
No. Mangalnath Temple is dedicated specifically to Mangal (Mars) and is believed to be the birthplace of Mars in astrological tradition. The Navagraha Temple houses all nine planetary deities in one complex. Both temples are in Ujjain and are often visited together on the same day.
Q: Which planet’s shrine should I visit first?
Traditionally, devotees begin with Surya (Sun) and proceed clockwise through all nine shrines. However, many people visit only the shrine of the planet that is causing dosha in their horoscope. A local priest can guide you based on your kundali and recommend the right sequence of prayers.
Q: Can I perform Navagraha Shanti Pooja without a prior booking?
Yes, most priests are available on-site without booking. During festivals like Mahashivratri, Kumbh Mela, or Simhastha, it is advisable to reach early morning or book a day in advance to secure a priest and a slot.
Q: What is the best time of year to visit?
The months of October to March offer the most pleasant weather for temple visits in Ujjain. Daytime temperatures during this period range from 15 to 30 degrees Celsius. Avoid visiting during peak summer (April–June) as temperatures can exceed 42 degrees Celsius, making long queues and walks uncomfortable.
Q: Are there accommodation facilities near the temple?
While the temple complex does not offer stay, Ujjain has several comfortable options. For a convenient and affordable stay near Mahakaleshwar Temple, check out our rooms. We offer clean, well-maintained accommodation just a short walk from the temple, with easy access to all major darshan sites in Ujjain.
Q: Is the Navagraha Temple safe for solo female travellers?
Yes, Ujjain is generally considered safe for solo pilgrims. The temple is well-visited throughout the day with families and groups present at all times. As always, standard precautions apply — dress modestly, carry your belongings safely, and avoid isolated areas after dark.
Q: Can I visit Navagraha Temple at night?
The temple closes by 9:00 PM. For a special spiritual experience, visit during the Amavasya (new moon) night when special abhishek ceremonies are conducted until closing time. The serene atmosphere on the banks of the Shipra River after the evening aarti is truly unforgettable.
The Mythology Behind Navagraha Worship
According to the Markandeya Purana and Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra, the Navagraha deities emerged from the cosmic energies of the universe and govern the destinies of all living beings. Each planet is associated with a specific deity, colour, and day of the week:
- Surya (Sun) — Lord of soul and vitality; worship on Sundays
- Chandra (Moon) — Lord of mind and emotions; worship on Mondays
- Mangal (Mars) — Lord of energy and courage; worship on Tuesdays
- Budha (Mercury) — Lord of intellect and communication; worship on Wednesdays
- Brihaspati (Jupiter) — Lord of wisdom and fortune; worship on Thursdays
- Shukra (Venus) — Lord of love and prosperity; worship on Fridays
- Shani (Saturn) — Lord of discipline and karma; worship on Saturdays
- Rahu and Ketu — Lunar nodes associated with spiritual growth and challenges
At the Ujjain Navagraha Temple, each deity is represented by a distinct icon and can be worshipped individually or collectively. Many devotees perform a 108-round mala japa of the Navagraha mantra for lasting peace. The temple priest can also prepare a personalised graha dosha nivaran plan based on your birth chart (kundali), which may include specific gemstone recommendations, fasting days, and mantra schedules.