High above the famous Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain is a shrine that follows an unusual tradition: Nagchandreshwar Temple remains closed to public darshan throughout the year and opens only on Nag Panchami. The shrine is located on the upper level of the Mahakaleshwar temple complex and is opened for a 24-hour window during the festival. (Image: shri.mahakaleshwar.ujjain/Instagram)
The annual opening begins around midnight at the start of Nag Panchami, following special rituals and puja. For 2026, the opening is scheduled from midnight on August 16 into August 17, with the 24-hour darshan window concluding at midnight on August 17. (Image: shri.mahakaleshwar.ujjain/Instagram)
The shrine houses an ancient idol traditionally dated to the 11th century. It depicts Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati seated on a coiled serpent, with the serpent’s hood spread above them. Accounts differ over the exact number of serpent hoods, so the image is best described as a distinctive multi-hooded Naga form. (Image: templeconnect_/Instagram)