During the festival of Diwali, the temple interior is adorned with currency notes worth several million rupees.
The tradition of decorating the deity with precious metals and cash is rooted in the local belief of bringing prosperity to the community.
The temple is located in Manak Chowk, which historically served as the commercial heart of Ratlam.
Post-Diwali, the currency notes are returned to the devotees who contributed them for the decoration.
The temple management maintains strict security protocols during the peak decorative season due to the high value of the displayed items.
The Shree Mahalakshmi Temple in Ratlam is uniquely famous for being decorated annually with millions of rupees in currency notes and gold and silver jewelry during the Diwali festival. This tradition, known as Dhanteras decoration, attracts significant attention as devotees offer wealth to the deity. The temple is situated in the historic Manak Chowk area of Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh. The shrine is dedicated to the Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu deity of wealth and prosperity. It serves as a focal point for local celebrations and rituals centered around financial and personal well-being. The structure functions as an active place of worship throughout the year for the local community.
The main sanctum area during the off-season when decorations are clear and the architecture is visible.
Visit during the early morning hours to avoid the significant crowds that gather during peak festival days.
Keep your belongings secure, as the narrow streets of Manak Chowk can get extremely congested.
Check local event calendars before visiting in late autumn to see if the decorative displays are active.
Avoid visiting during the peak hours of the Diwali festival if you prefer a quiet experience, as the temple becomes exceptionally crowded with tourists and devotees.
The temple is exceptionally busy and may have restricted access during the five days of the Diwali festival.
Remove footwear before entering the temple premises; dress modestly as is customary for Hindu places of worship.
