A Sacred Landmark Rises in Bundelkhand: The Mahakal Temple at Khejra Dham
On the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri 2026, a new spiritual beacon has been illuminated in Madhya Pradesh’s Sagar district. The grand temple of Baba Mahakal at Khejra Dham, located near the town of Bandri along National Highway 44, now stands complete. This sacred site offers devotees an experience reminiscent of the famed Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain, bringing a profound sense of divinity to the heart of Bundelkhand.
A Construction Guided by the Stars
What makes this temple truly extraordinary is the unique method of its construction. Unlike conventional building projects, work here was not carried out daily. Instead, the entire structure was raised only during the Pushya Nakshatra, an auspicious lunar constellation. For 27 days of each month, preparations were made, but actual construction was confined to the single day when Pushya Nakshatra reigned. This meticulous process, driven by the vision of Pandit Mahesh Tiwari, began in 2015 and culminated after 108 such sacred lunar cycles. The temple’s spire now rises to an impressive height of 52 feet.
Architecture Inspired by Ujjain’s Mahakaleshwar
Khejra Dham has been carefully designed as a replica of the revered Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain. The sanctum sanctorum faces south, mirroring the orientation of its famous counterpart, with strict adherence to Vastu principles. The entrance is built in a cave-like style, giving pilgrims the same spiritual ambiance they would find in Ujjain. On the upper level, a separate shrine for Lord Nagchandreshwar is under development. In keeping with tradition, the doors to this shrine will open only once a year, on the festival of Nag Panchami. The complex also features a peaceful garden named Mahakal Upvan and a sacred pond called Rudra Sagar.
The Visionary Behind the Temple
The driving force behind this monumental project is Pandit Mahesh Tiwari, a man of remarkable dedication. Holding a PhD in Sociology and master’s degrees in three subjects, he previously served in several government positions before choosing the path of spirituality. After spending many years in Ujjain, he resolved to transform his native village into a major center of faith. Through unwavering commitment and disciplined effort, he has turned Khejra Dham into a reality. His work stands as a testament to the power of a single, focused vision.
Mahashivratri Celebrations: A Grand ‘Nav Shivratri’
This year, the Mahashivratri festival on February 15 is being celebrated at Khejra Dham as a special ‘Nav Shivratri.’ All the traditional Vedic rites associated with the divine marriage of Lord Shiva are being performed with great devotion. To accommodate the large number of devotees, the temple doors remain open from 4:00 AM until midnight, allowing pilgrims ample time to offer their prayers.
A Spiritual Trinity Under One Roof
Adding to the site’s unique appeal, the temple complex offers a trinity of divine experiences. To the right of the main shrine, a court for Ramraja Sarkar (from Orchha) has been established, while a hall for Radha-Krishna adorns the left side. This arrangement allows visitors to seek blessings from multiple divine forms at a single location. With its stunning architecture, astrologically guided creation, and comprehensive spiritual offerings, Khejra Dham is rapidly emerging as a premier destination of faith in the Bundelkhand region.
