About the Temple:
Located in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, the temple of Mangalnath stands on the bank of the Kshipra river. In Matsya Puran, Ujjain is described as a birthplace of Lord Mangal or Mars. Since Mangal used to be an ardent follower of Lord Shiva, the presiding deity at the Mangalnath temple is Lord Shiva. The temple is thronged by thousands of devotees who suffer from Mangal dosh in their horoscope. This is the only temple which is dedicated to Lord Mars.
Temple Legend and Temple History:
It is believed that Mangal Dev was born to Parvati in the form of Bhumi (Earth) and Lord Shiva in the land of Ujjain. The legend has it that Andhakasura, a demon performed penance to please Lord Shiva to grant him a unique boon where he sought that every drop of his blood falling off his body should transform into a new replica of him or demon. Pleased with Andhakasura's penance, Lord Shiva appeared and granted him the wish. After that, the demon became fearless and started running havoc. When on the battleground, every drop of Andhakasura's blood would transform into a new replica of himself thus increasing his army manifold. Worried that Shiva's wish had made Andhakasura indestructible, the devtas and the others pleaded Lord Shiva for help. Lord Shiva fought a very tough battle with the demon but was unable to destroy him. When Lord Shiva got tired of fighting Andhakasura huge army, he started sweating. The droplets of sweat falling off his forehead cut open the bhumi (earth) from where Mangal Dev emerged. Mangal with his divine powers absorbed every drop of blood that fell from the asura's body putting an end to the proliferation of demons. At last, Andhakasura was killed at the hands of Lord Shiva. This is how Bhauma came into being and acquired the red complexion.
According to another belief, Mangal Dev was born from the 3 droplets of Lord Shiva's sweat that fell on the ground while Shiva was deeply engrossed in meditation on the Kailash Mountain. Mangal dev was then raised by Bhumi.
Festivals, Pujas and Celebrations:
Performing Bhaat puja by offering curd-rice at Mangalnath temple helps to solve marriage problems, relationship problems, family problems, and phobia. Ganesh - Gauri pujan, Mangal Kalash pujan, Panchamrut pujan, Dahi bhat pujan and Nav Graha pujan, all these are collectively called Bhat Puja.
It is believed that after Bhaat puja, the Mangal dosha is completely removed from one's life. A large number of people come here to worship Mars and for performing Bhaat puja as a remedy of Mangal dosh.
How to reach:
By Road: Buses and taxies are available from all the major cities of Madhya Pradesh to access the temple in Ujjain.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Ujjain.
By Air: The nearest airport is located at Indore which is 53 km away from the temple.