Nag Panchami Mahakal 2026. Special Darshan, Date, Booking
Nag Panchami 2026 falls on Tuesday, 11 August. On this day Mahakaleshwar Temple opens its Nagchandreshwar Mandir on the 3rd floor, which is closed all year except this one day. This is the only Jyotirlinga where you can see Lord Shiva resting on a serpent bed.
Nag Panchami 2026 date
- Date: Tuesday, 11 August 2026
- Tithi: Shukla Paksha Panchami in Sawan month
- Auspicious time: 11 Aug 5:00 AM to 12 Aug 5:00 AM (24 hours)
Nagchandreshwar darshan
The Nagchandreshwar idol is on the 3rd floor of Mahakaleshwar Temple. It shows Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati seated on a coiled serpent throne with snake hoods above. The shrine is closed 364 days a year. Only Nag Panchami opens it for 24 hours.
2026 special schedule
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 2:30 AM | Bhasma Aarti starts |
| 5:00 AM | Nagchandreshwar Mandir opens |
| 11:00 AM | Bhog Aarti |
| 4:00 PM | Special Nagdevta Pooja |
| 7:00 PM | Sandhya Aarti |
| 5:00 AM (12 Aug) | Nagchandreshwar Mandir closes |
How to plan Nag Panchami visit
- Book Bhasma Aarti pass for 11 Aug 2026 (slot opens 12 June 2026)
- Reach temple by 4 AM. Free queue runs 6 hours plus on this day
- Use VIP pass to access Nagchandreshwar floor faster
- Crowd peaks 10 AM to 6 PM. Quieter at 6 AM and after 9 PM
Frequently asked questions
When is Nag Panchami 2026?
Tuesday, 11 August 2026. The auspicious 24-hour window runs 11 Aug 5 AM to 12 Aug 5 AM.
What is special about Nag Panchami at Mahakal?
The Nagchandreshwar Mandir on the 3rd floor opens only on Nag Panchami. Closed all 364 other days.
Can I do Nagchandreshwar darshan any other day?
No, only on Nag Panchami. The shrine is sealed for the rest of the year.
How crowded is Mahakal on Nag Panchami?
Very crowded. 6 to 8 lakh devotees in 24 hours. Free queue takes 6 to 8 hours.
About this site
Independent informational guide for Mahakal Bhasma Aarti at Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ujjain. Verified weekly against the official portal mahakaleshwar.nic.in. We do not facilitate bookings.
Bhasma Aarti
Mahakal Darshan
Plan your trip
Kshitij Kumawat
Built this site to protect devotees from scams. 30+ Bhasma Aarti visits since 2018.
