Nagchandreshwar temple opens on Monday, 17 August 2026, from midnight, for 24 hours. The next opening after that is Friday, 6 August 2027 (Nag Panchami).
The Nagchandreshwar temple sits on the third floor of the Mahakaleshwar complex and opens for darshan on exactly one day each year: Nag Panchami. For the other 364 days its doors stay shut. In 2026 it opens on 17 August.
Timings are announced by the temple administration each year and can change. Check the official announcement before travelling.
Tradition holds that Takshak, the king of serpents, performed penance here and was granted the boon of residing at this spot. So that his solitude is not disturbed, the shrine is opened only one day a year.
The idol here is considered rare: Lord Shiva and Parvati seated on a bed of serpents, a depiction not found elsewhere.
Lakhs of devotees arrive on Nag Panchami and the queue can stretch for kilometres. Expect the wait to run into several hours.
In 2026 the third Sawari of Shravan falls on the same day, so the city will be busier still. If you plan to travel, arrange accommodation well in advance.
Darshan requires being present, but rituals such as Kaal Sarp Dosh Poojan and Rudrabhishek can be performed by a poojari in your name and gotra.
Nag Panchami is regarded as the most suitable day of the year for Kaal Sarp Dosh nivaran, so book this date early.
On Monday, 17 August 2026, Nag Panchami — from midnight after the Trikaal puja, for 24 hours.
On Friday, 6 August 2027, Nag Panchami. The date follows the panchang; confirm against the temple administration's official announcement.
On the third floor of the Mahakaleshwar temple complex in Ujjain.
No. The doors are opened only on Nag Panchami.
Yes. Kaal Sarp Dosh Poojan and other rituals can be performed by a poojari in your name.