
Bade Ganeshji Ka Mandir
Home to a colossal 18-foot Ganesha idol, this ancient temple is a crucial spiritual stop before visiting Mahakal.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds

Bade Ganeshji Ka Mandir
Best Time
Beat the crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Home to a colossal 18-foot Ganesha idol, this ancient temple is a crucial spiritual stop before visiting Mahakal.
"The idol of Lord Ganesha is really huge and impressive. You can feel a peaceful vibe the moment you enter."

🎯 Essential Pre-Mahakal Stop
Don't miss this temple before Mahakal darshan; it's considered a vital part of the pilgrimage.
👟 Footwear Management
Be prepared for slightly unorganized footwear collection, especially during peak hours.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Gigantic Ganesha Idol
Temple Entrance
Marvel at the colossal 18-foot-high, 10-foot-wide idol of Lord Ganesha, a truly awe-inspiring sight.

Spiritual Significance
Main Sanctum
Experience the deep spiritual vibe and historical importance of this ancient temple, a key stop before Mahakal darshan.

Clockwise Trunk
Ganesha Idol
Observe the unique clockwise trunk of the Ganesha idol, adorned with a trident and swastika on its head.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Peace
Proximity to Mahakal Temple
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Essential Pre-Mahakal Stop
Don't miss this temple before Mahakal darshan; it's considered a vital part of the pilgrimage.
👟 Footwear Management
Be prepared for slightly unorganized footwear collection, especially during peak hours.
I want to visit mahakal. Need help
📸 Capture the Grandeur
The sheer size of the Ganesha idol is a must-photograph moment.
⏳ Quick Visit
Most visitors find it takes 15 minutes or less to see the main temple area.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Essential Pre-Mahakal Stop
Don't miss this temple before Mahakal darshan; it's considered a vital part of the pilgrimage.
👟 Footwear Management
Be prepared for slightly unorganized footwear collection, especially during peak hours.
📸 Capture the Grandeur
The sheer size of the Ganesha idol is a must-photograph moment.
⏳ Quick Visit
Most visitors find it takes 15 minutes or less to see the main temple area.
🅿️ Parking Challenges
Limited parking is available, so consider arriving early or using alternative transport.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently impressed by the immense size and spiritual significance of the Ganesha idol at Bade Ganeshji Ka Mandir, often considering it a vital part of their Ujjain pilgrimage. While the temple's historical importance and peaceful vibe are appreciated, some reviews note that cleanliness and maintenance could be enhanced, and footwear management can be a bit chaotic during busy periods.
"This place is near Mahakal Temple, you can directly view Mahakal Temple in front of this place. Bade Ganeshji Temple is very old and historical place. You can read the history written over there. Ganpati Bappa Morya. Must visit this Temple. 🛕"
INDIA FaNtaSTicFooDLoG
"Visited Shree Bada Ganesh Mandir recently.
The temple has great spiritual importance in Ujjain.
The idol of Lord Ganesha is really huge and impressive.
You can feel a peaceful vibe the moment you enter.
Architecture is traditional and holds cultural value.
The location is central and easy to find via Google Maps.
However, the surrounding area feels a bit congested.
There’s limited parking space, especially during rush hours.
Cleanliness could be improved, especially around the entrance.
Footwear management is a bit unorganized.
There are usually many visitors, which creates long queues.
Despite the crowd, darshan was smooth after a short wait.
Local shops outside the temple add to the charm but create noise.
The temple premises are not very well-maintained.
Some walls and areas look old and need restoration.
Priests were available, but a few seemed in a hurry.
It would be nice if there were signboards with historical info.
Lighting inside the mandir was decent but could be better.
Aarti experience was good but not very memorable.
Not much seating area available for elderly people.
Overall, it’s a good place to visit once for spiritual reasons.
With better cleanliness and management, it could be great.
It holds sentimental and religious value for many."
Arviind Kuntal
"The Ganesh idol at the Bade Ganesh Ji ka Mandir is about 18 feet high and 10 feet wide and the trunk of Lord Ganesh in this statue is clockwise. There are a trident and swastika on the head of the statue & the third eye in the middle."
Vyom
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bade Ganeshji Ka Mandir is conveniently located directly opposite Gate No. 4 of the Mahakal Temple in Ujjain. You can easily reach it by auto-rickshaw or taxi from anywhere in the city. Many pilgrims visit it as part of their Mahakal Temple itinerary.
Parking at Bade Ganeshji Ka Mandir can be challenging, especially during peak hours and festival times. The surrounding area is often congested, and dedicated parking space is limited. It's advisable to arrive early or consider using local transport like auto-rickshaws.
Since Bade Ganeshji Ka Mandir is directly opposite Mahakal Temple, you can simply walk across the road. It's a very short distance, making it easy to combine your visits.
Traffic in Ujjain, especially around the Mahakal Temple area, can be heavy. It's best to rely on local navigation apps or ask your driver for the most current traffic conditions. Early morning or late evening visits usually have less traffic.
Yes, Ujjain has a local bus service, and auto-rickshaws are readily available. You can ask any auto-rickshaw driver to take you to Bade Ganeshji Ka Mandir, and they will know the location, especially in relation to Mahakal Temple.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is typically no entry fee to visit Bade Ganeshji Ka Mandir. It is a public temple, and entry is free for all devotees and visitors.
The temple is generally open throughout the day, from early morning until late evening. However, specific timings can vary, especially around Aarti ceremonies. It's best to visit during daylight hours for the best experience.
No advance booking is required for Bade Ganeshji Ka Mandir as there is no entry fee. You can visit anytime during its operating hours.
Photography is generally allowed inside the temple premises, but it's always respectful to avoid using flash photography directly at the idols or during Aarti. Always be mindful of other devotees and follow any specific signage.
To avoid long queues, it's recommended to visit Bade Ganeshji Ka Mandir early in the morning, shortly after it opens, or late in the evening. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The primary attraction is the massive idol of Lord Ganesha, which stands about 18 feet high and 10 feet wide. The idol is unique with its clockwise trunk, trident, and swastika on its head.
Most visitors find that a visit to Bade Ganeshji Ka Mandir takes around 15 minutes to half an hour to fully experience the main idol and the temple atmosphere.
Bade Ganeshji Ka Mandir holds significant spiritual importance in Ujjain. It is believed that a visit here is essential before proceeding to Mahakal Temple, as Lord Ganesha is the remover of obstacles.
The temple premises might be challenging for the elderly or those with mobility issues due to the traditional architecture and potential crowds. There is limited seating available. It's advisable to visit during less crowded times.
While the spiritual ambiance is strong, reviews suggest that cleanliness, especially around the entrance and in some older areas, could be improved. Footwear management can also be a bit unorganized.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the area around Bade Ganeshji Ka Mandir and Mahakal Temple is bustling with local eateries and street food vendors. You can find various Indian snacks and meals.
You can find traditional Ujjain street food, sweets, and simple vegetarian meals. Look for local specialties like poha, jalebi, and chaat.
While specific restaurant recommendations vary, the vicinity of Mahakal Temple offers numerous small eateries. It's best to explore the local options for an authentic experience.
Eating street food can be a great way to experience local flavors, but it's always wise to choose vendors who appear clean and have a good turnover of customers.
Absolutely. Ujjain is a holy city, and most food establishments around temples primarily serve pure vegetarian fare.
📸 📸 Photography
The most striking photo opportunity is the colossal Ganesha idol itself. Capturing its scale and unique features is a must. The temple architecture and the general spiritual ambiance also make for great shots.
Generally, photography is permitted, but avoid using flash directly at the deities or during religious ceremonies like Aarti. Always be respectful of the sanctity of the place and other devotees.
The lighting inside the temple is decent, but it can be somewhat dim in certain areas. Natural light from the entrance helps, but for capturing details of the idol, good camera settings are important.
It can be challenging to get unobstructed photos during peak hours due to the crowds. Visiting during off-peak times or being patient and strategic with your shots can help.
The sheer size of the Ganesha idol, its clockwise trunk, and the trident/swastika on its head are unique photographic elements. The temple's historical architecture also offers visual appeal.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Visit during less crowded hours, ideally early morning, to allow children to explore without feeling overwhelmed. Be prepared for the footwear management system, which might require extra attention with little ones. While there isn't much in terms of dedicated play areas, the visual spectacle of the idol itself is usually enough to keep children engaged for a short visit.
🙏 Spiritual Seekers & Pilgrims
Recommendations: Plan your visit to coincide with the temple's Aarti timings for a more profound experience. Take time to absorb the spiritual energy and understand the significance of seeking Lord Ganesha's blessings before proceeding to Mahakal. Many find the experience deeply moving and essential to their pilgrimage.
📸 Photographers & Culture Enthusiasts
Photography tips: Visit during the golden hours (early morning or late afternoon) for softer light. Be mindful of crowds and respectful of the sanctity of the place when composing your shots. The surrounding area, with its local shops and bustling activity, also offers opportunities for capturing the local Ujjain culture.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Colossal Ganesha Idol
The sheer scale of the idol creates a powerful visual impact, making it a memorable sight for all who enter. The craftsmanship, despite the age of the temple, is remarkable, conveying a sense of divine presence. Many visitors are awestruck by its size and the intricate details that are visible even from a distance.
When you visit, take a moment to appreciate the details: the serene expression, the powerful form, and the symbolic adornments. It's a testament to the devotion and artistry of its creators, embodying the essence of Lord Ganesha as the remover of obstacles and the god of beginnings.
Spiritual Significance and Pilgrimage Route
This tradition makes Bade Ganeshji Ka Mandir an essential stop for pilgrims. Many travelers, like those discussing on Reddit, plan their Ujjain itinerary to include this temple either before or after their darshan at Mahakal. The temple's location, directly opposite Mahakal Temple's Gate No. 4, further reinforces this connection, making it a seamless part of the spiritual journey.
The atmosphere inside the temple is described as having a peaceful vibe, despite the potential for crowds. The chiming of bells and the chanting of mantras contribute to an immersive spiritual experience. It's a place where devotees come to prepare their minds and souls for the divine encounter at Mahakal, seeking blessings for a smooth and fulfilling pilgrimage.
Historical Context and Temple Condition
However, reviews indicate that the temple's maintenance and upkeep could be improved. Some areas and walls appear old and in need of restoration. While the spiritual essence remains strong, the physical condition of some parts of the premises, including cleanliness around the entrance, has been noted as an area for potential enhancement.
Despite these observations, the temple's historical value and the grandeur of its main idol continue to draw devotees and tourists alike. The local shops outside the temple add to the vibrant, albeit sometimes noisy, charm of the area. It's a place where history, spirituality, and local life converge.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit