Kal Bhairav Temple Ujjain

Kal Bhairav Temple is dedicated to Lord Kal Bhairav, as its name suggests. The deity’s face is formed from a rock and covered with vermilion (kumkuma). A silver head with a Maratha-style turban is placed on the idol, a tradition started during the rule of Maharaja Shinde.

Kal Bhairav is the leader of the eight Bhairavas (Ashta Bhairava) in Shaivism. His worship was common among the Kapalika and Aghora sects, and Ujjain was an important center for them.

Kal Bhairav is also known as the protector of Ujjain and is considered the city’s chief guardian. The current temple was built over an older one, believed to have been made by King Bhadrasen. Ancient idols of Shiva, Parvati, Vishnu, and Ganesha from the 9th-13th century were found here. The temple once had beautiful Malwa paintings, but only a few traces remain today.