Madhya Pradesh, the heart of India, is a land of ancient shrines where faith and history meet. Its temples, built by old kings and saints, stand as marks of devotion, with stone carvings and holy tales. From the Jyotirlingas to Shakti Peethas, these sacred spots draw devotees seeking blessings.
1. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, Ujjain
This temple, one of 12 Jyotirlingas, honors Lord Shiva by Rudrasagar Lake. Built long ago by the Paramaras, its south-facing linga is rare. A tale says Shiva defeated demon Dushana here. Bhasm Aarti, with ash, is unique here. Open 4:00 AM–11:00 PM. Reach by Ujjain Station (1 km) or Indore Airport (55 km). Best time: October–March. Maha Shivratri is grand.
2. Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga, Khandwa
On an Om-shaped island in the Narmada River, this Shiva temple is another Jyotirlinga. Built in the 11th century, it has intricate stone work. A story says Shiva blessed the river here. Shayan Aarti at 8:00 PM is special. Open 5:00 AM–10:00 PM. Reach via Indore Airport (77 km) or boat from Omkareshwar Ghat. Visit October–March.
3. Mamleshwar Temple, Omkareshwar
Across from Omkareshwar, this ancient Shiva temple, also called Amareshwar, dates to 1063 AD. Its walls hold historic tales. Devotees say both temples make one Jyotirlinga. Open 5:30 AM–9:00 PM. Same travel as Omkareshwar. Navratri is lively.
4. Kal Bhairav Temple, Ujjain
Dedicated to Shiva’s fierce form, this temple sees liquor offered as prasad, a tantric ritual. Built by Maratha kings, it’s by the Shipra River. A tale says Bhairav guards Ujjain. Open 7:00 AM–8:00 PM. Reach via Ujjain Station (3 km). Best in October–March.
5. Harsiddhi Temple, Ujjain
A Shakti Peetha where Sati’s elbow fell, this temple worships Goddess Annapurna. Maratha-style arches shine during Navratri’s lights. Open 6:00 AM–9:00 PM. Near Ujjain Station (2 km). Visit October–March for calm.
6. Bada Ganesh Ka Mandir, Ujjain
This temple houses a giant Ganesh idol, 8 meters tall. Built by the Scindias, it’s also a Sanskrit and astrology school. A story says Ganesh calms worries here. Open 6:00 AM–8:00 PM. Near Mahakaleshwar (1 km). Best in August for Ganesh Chaturthi.
7. Chintaman Ganesh Temple, Ujjain
An old temple by the Shipra River, it’s said Sita founded it in Ram’s time. Its Ganesh idol eases fears. Open 6:00 AM–7:00 PM. Reach via Ujjain Station (5 km). Visit October–March.
8. Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, Khajuraho
A UNESCO site, this 11th-century Shiva temple by the Chandelas has 900 carvings, some erotic. A tale says it honors Shiva’s cave form. Open 8:00 AM–6:00 PM. Reach via Khajuraho Airport (5 km). Best time: October–March.
9. Lakshmana Temple, Khajuraho
Built in 950 AD by Yashovarman, this Vishnu temple in Khajuraho’s Western Group has a four-armed idol. Its carvings show life’s joys. Open 8:00 AM–6:00 PM. Same travel as Kandariya. Visit in winter.
10. Chaturbhuj Temple, Khajuraho
A 1100 AD Vishnu temple in Khajuraho’s Southern Group, it has a four-armed idol. A tale says it was built for Rama, but Vishnu stayed. Open 8:00 AM–6:00 PM. Reach via Khajuraho Station (3 km). Best in October–March.
11. Parsvanath Temple, Khajuraho
A Jain temple from 954 AD, it honors Tirthankara Parshvanath. Its honey-colored stone carvings glow. Open 9:00 AM–5:00 PM. Near Khajuraho’s Eastern Group (1 km). Visit in November for Jain festivals.
12. Matangeshwar Temple, Khajuraho
An active Shiva temple with an 18-foot linga, built in 900 AD. It hosts a big wedding festival on Shivratri. Open 6:00 AM–10:00 PM. Near Khajuraho (1 km). Best in February–March.
13. Chausath Yogini Temple, Morena
A 10th-century hilltop temple for 64 yoginis, it inspired India’s Parliament design. Shiva and Nandi sit here too. Open 9:00 AM–5:00 PM. Reach via Gwalior Airport (40 km). Visit October–November.
14. Sasbahu Temple, Gwalior
Twin Vishnu temples from 1000 AD near Gwalior Fort, they show Nagara style. A tale says their name means “mother-in-law, daughter-in-law.” Open 8:00 AM–6:00 PM. Reach via Gwalior Station (5 km). Best in winter.
15. Chaturbhuj Temple, Orchha
Built in 1616 for Rama, this temple holds Vishnu’s four-armed idol after Rama stayed at Ram Raja Temple. Its arches are grand. Open 9:00 AM–6:00 PM. Reach via Jhansi Station (34 km). Visit in October for Diwali.
16. Ram Raja Temple, Orchha
Unique for worshipping Rama as king, this palace-temple sees daily royal rituals. Built in the 16th century, it’s calm. Open 8:00 AM–8:00 PM. Same travel as Chaturbhuj. Best in April for Ram Navami.
17. Bharat Milap Mandir, Chitrakoot
This temple marks where Rama met Bharata. Its plain stone walls tell of brotherly love. Open 6:00 AM–8:00 PM. Reach via Satna Station (11 km). Visit October–March for peace.
18. Gauri Somnath Temple, Omkareshwar
An 11th-century Shiva temple with a 6-foot black linga, it’s said to show your next life. Built in Khajur style, it’s grand. Open 6:00 AM–7:00 PM. Same travel as Omkareshwar. Visit in November.
19. Khajrana Ganesh Temple, Indore
A famous Ganesh temple in Indore, its marble idol was hidden from Mughals. Built in 1735, it shines. Open 6:00 AM–10:00 PM. Reach via Indore Airport (8 km). Best in August for Ganesh Chaturthi.
20. Annapurna Devi Temple, Indore
Like Madurai’s Meenakshi Temple, it honors Goddess Annapurna. Its red arches draw devotees. Open 6:00 AM–8:00 PM. Near Indore Station (5 km). Visit in Navratri for lights.
21. Pashupatinath Temple, Mandsaur
This 11th-century Shiva temple by the Shivna River has a rare eight-faced linga. Monsoon’s Jalaabhishek sees the river touch it. Open 6:00 AM–8:00 PM. Reach via Ratlam Station (85 km). Best in July–August.
Final Thoughts
These 21 temples in Madhya Pradesh, from ancient stone to living faith, are treasures of the soul. Their tales of gods and kings, carved in stone and sung in chants, make them must-see spots in India’s heart. Plan a trip to feel their holy touch.
