Festivals through the year
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Confirm at the mandir before you travel.
- Chaitra (March-April) and Ashwin (September-October)
Navratri
The neighbouring Gadkalika temple draws thousands in both Navratris, and many of them walk on to the gufa, so the caves are busy on these days.
- Full moon of Kartik (November)
Kartik Purnima
A day of bathing in the Shipra. One temple listing notes a gathering of Nath sants at the gufa on this day.
- Phalguna Krishna Chaturdashi (February or March)
Mahashivratri
The main Shaiva night of the year. Special worship is held and Nath sadhus gather at the gufa; expect long queues for the narrow caves.
- Once every twelve years in Chaitra-Vaishakha (April-May); next expected in 2028
Simhastha Kumbh
During Ujjain's great bathing fair, Nath yogis from across India camp near the gufa. Because of the crowds, entry into the caves has been restricted during past Simhasthas.
- Shravan (July to August), especially Mondays
Shravan month
Throughout the month of Shiva, pilgrims who come to Ujjain for Mahakal also visit the gufa, and worship at the cave is more elaborate.