The Panchkroshi Yatra around Ujjain—the four guardian Shiva temples, the roughly 118 km route over about five days in Vaishakh, and tips for walking it.
Every year in the month of Vaishakh (April–May), thousands of devotees walk the Panchkroshi Yatra, a circuit of about 118 km around the sacred territory of Ujjain. In a Simhastha year it adds another layer to the pilgrimage.
The meaning
Ujjain is believed to be guarded at its four directions by forms of Shiva, the dwarpalas (gatekeepers). Walking around the sacred zone and visiting each of them is believed to bring the merit of a pilgrimage to all the holy places within it.
The four guardian temples
| Direction | Temple |
|---|---|
| East | Pingleshwar |
| South | Kayavarohaneshwar |
| West | Bilkeshwar |
| North | Durdareshwar |
The yatra traditionally begins with prayers at Nagchandreshwar in the city and ends with a snan in the Shipra.
Route and duration
- Distance: roughly 118 km. Some sources give slightly different figures.
- Duration: about five to six days on foot, with overnight halts (padavs) at villages along the way, such as Undasa.
- When: in Vaishakh, on dates fixed each year by the temple administration and priests
Exact dates, stages and facilities are announced locally each year. In 2028 they will overlap with the Simhastha period.
Walking it: practical tips
- Heat: Vaishakh means temperatures of 40 °C and above. Walk in the early morning and evening and rest at midday.
- Footwear: many devotees walk barefoot. If you do, toughen up beforehand and carry foot care.
- Water and ORS: volunteers and organisations set up water and food stalls, but carry your own.
- Night halts: facilities at the padavs are basic. Carry a light sheet, a torch and medicines.
- Seniors: consider visiting the four temples by car instead. Many families do this.
A shorter alternative
If walking 118 km isn't possible, a one-day car circuit of the four guardian temples is a meaningful alternative. We can arrange it with a driver who knows the route.
Plan it with the Simhastha
Combine the Panchkroshi (on foot or by car) with your Simhastha snan and Mahakal darshan. See our Ujjain packages.
By KMII Travel Desk · Updated 20 Oct 2026
