Shri Kaal Bhairav Mandir, Ujjain

Kaal Bhairav Mandir finds mention in the Avanti Khanda of the Skanda Purana, and tradition holds that its original structure was built in ancient times by King Bhadrasen. Sculptures of Shiva, Parvati, Vishnu, and Ganesha from the Paramara era (9th-13th century) have also been excavated at the site, reflecting its long-standing significance.

Kaal Bhairav is regarded as the 'Kotwal', or chief guardian, of Ujjain, a role entrusted to him by Mahakal himself for the city's protection. Following the 1761 Third Battle of Panipat, Maratha general Mahadaji Shinde offered his turban to the deity while praying to restore Maratha power in North India, and had the temple renovated upon his success, since then, the deity's head has been fashioned in silver and adorned with a Maratha-style turban.

The temple's most distinctive tradition is the offering of liquor to the deity, a tantric panchamakara practice that has continued for centuries, with devotees bringing small bottles of liquor that priests then offer to the idol. To prevent fraud, government-licensed counters have operated within the temple premises since 2015.

Kaal Bhairav Mandir stands on the banks of the Shipra river, close to Ujjain's famous Mahakaleshwar temple, and most pilgrims visit both shrines in the same trip.