The devotees visiting the world-famous Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, dedicated to Lord Shiva, will now be served South Indian dishes. The latest addition to the menu was undertaken under the 'Ek Bharat, Anek Parampara' (One India, Many Traditions) initiative of the temple committee.

The renowned Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, has introduced a South Indian food menu at its Annaprasadalaya as part of the 'Ek Bharat, Anek Parampara' initiative. The move aims to celebrate India's rich cultural diversity while ensuring devotees from different parts of the country feel at home during their pilgrimage. Traditional South Indian dishes will now be served as prasad to devotees two days a week. This new arrangement began on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.

South Indian dishes introduced

The devotees visiting the world-famous Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, dedicated to Lord Shiva, will now be served South Indian dishes. The latest addition to the menu was undertaken under the 'Ek Bharat, Anek Parampara' (One India, Many Traditions) initiative of the temple committee. Previously, the community kitchen, called Anna Kshetra, which was managed by the temple committee, served only a standard meal consisting of vegetables, roti, dal, rice, and a sweet dish. The committee has now introduced a significant change.

Under the new initiative, pilgrims visiting the Jyotirlinga shrine can now enjoy popular South Indian dishes alongside the temple's regular offerings. The menu includes favourites such as idli, dosa, vada, sambar, coconut chutney, lemon rice, curd rice, and pongal, providing devotees with a taste of authentic South Indian cuisine. Devotees will now be served South Indian cuisine two days a week, on Tuesdays and Fridays.