Situated on the bank of River Shipra, the ‘Temple City’, Ujjain, is thronged largely by the Hindu devotees. As the name given to it suggests, the city is dotted with a number of big and small, old and new temples making it an important religious place in India to visit. Ujjain is home to one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, important Shakti Peethas, and some unique temples with their own legends and myths that make this city an interesting place to explore. However, Ujjain is not only for the devotees of Hinduism, with there being places in the city that create an interest even for the history buffs. Ujjain is also the venue for the famed Kumbh Mela, which takes place in the city every 12 years.
Here are some of the best places to visit in Ujjain:
- Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple
- Kal Bhairav Temple
- Vedha Shala
- Kaliadeh Palace
- Chintaman Ganesh Temple
- Bade Ganesh Ji Ka Mandir
- Ram Ghat
- Harsiddhi Temple
- Chaubis Khamba Temple
- Pir Matsyendranath
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Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple
One of the most well-known Hindu temples, Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple, honors the god of time and death, Mahakal, who is thought to be Lord Shiva. It is actually one of the nation’s twelve Jyotirlingas, which are regarded as his holiest dwellings. The presiding deity Shiva is housed in the Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain and is worshiped as a lingam. It is situated along the banks of the River Shipra and is thought to have been a Swayambhu or a self-manifested one.
In contrast to the other 12 Jyotirlingas, which face east, the idol of Mahakaleshwar is recognized as a Dakshinamurti, meaning that it faces south. The sanctum sanctorum is surrounded by figures of Ganesh, Parvati, and Karttikeya to the west, north, and east, and Lord Shiva’s vehicle, Nandi, to the south. The Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple, a significant temple in Ujjain, is also well-known for its Bhasm Aarti, a well-attended ritual that draws a sizable crowd of devotees to the temple at dawn.
Kal Bhairav Temple
Another significant temple in the city is the Kal Bhairav Temple, which is devoted to the guardian deity of Ujjain. Since the Kal Bhairav Temple is thought to be connected to the Tantric Hinduism cult, one can frequently see numerous sadhus there, many of them with long, matted hair and ash smudged over their body. The act of offering alcohol to the deity is one of the temple’s distinctive features. The priests receive alcohol from the devotees as part of the Tantric ceremony, and they pour it into little plates before pouring it into the idol’s mouth, when it vanishes.
Even after years, it is still unknown where this alcohol goes because the idol doesn’t appear to have any cavities in his mouth. It is this fascinating occurrence that draws in interested tourists in addition to worshipers to the temple. Lord Shiva in the guise of Kal Bhairava, the guardian deity of Ujjain, is highly revered by his devotees, who flock in large numbers to the temple. Situated near the banks of the Shipra River, the temple was allegedly constructed by a local ruler by the name of Bhadrasen. It was originally painted in the Malwa style, of which there are now just remnants.
Vedha Shala (Jantar Mantar)
Prominent astronomical compositions like the Panch Siddhanta and the Surya Siddhanta are rumored to have been composed in Ujjain. Around the fourth century BC, Ujjain is also reported to have had the distinction of being known as India’s Greenwich. The observatory that stands in Ujjain today, known as Vedh Shala, was constructed by the renowned scholar Maharaja Sawai Raja Jai Singh of Jaipur (1686–1743), who translated the Arabic works of Ptolemy and Euclid into Sanskrit.
Among the numerous observatories he constructed at Jaipur, Delhi, Varanasi, and Mathura, the one in Ujjain is still in continuous use. A variety of instruments, including the Sun-dial, Narivalaya, Digansha, and Shanku Yantra, are part of the Jantar Mantar. The king developed the Sun-dial, Narivalaya, and Dignasha after studying the planets’ movements lasting eight years, though the Shanku Yatra was unveiled a little later than the other devices. The Department of Education still oversees astronomical research, and the ephemeris is released once a year. The observatory is also used for weather forecasting. It has a small planetarium and a telescope for seeing the Moon, Mars, Jupiter, and their satellites.
Kaliadeh Palace
The historical palace of Kaliadeh is one of the most popular destinations to see on your trip to Ujjain. It is located 10 kilometers from the town on an island-like setting in the Shipra River. Mandu Rulers established the palace in 1458, which remains to be a magnificent example of architectural heritage. The palace has several domed structures and built in the Persian architectural style, is situated in a quiet setting that enhances the surrounding area’s natural beauty.
The River Shipra is a captivating sight as it meanders around both sides of the palace. A large amount of the palace’s remaining structure suffered as a result of time and enemy invasions. At that point, in 1920, Maharaja Madhav Rao Scindia I decided to restore the palace to its current state. Persian inscriptions discovered within the palace also record trips to Kaliadeh by Mughal Emperors Akbar and Jehangir. Among the most beautiful buildings in the city, the Kaliadeh Palace is one of the top attractions in Ujjain.
Chintaman Ganesh Temple
The Chintaman Ganesh Temple, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ujjain, is devoted to the Hindu god Ganesh and is located on the Fatehabad Railway Line along the banks of the River Shipra. It is said that the Ganesh deity housed here is a Swayambhu, or one who manifests himself. It is an ancient temple that has been worshiped since decades.
The reason millions of devotees flock to this temple in hopes of being freed from all their troubles is the deity, known traditionally as Chintaharan Ganesh, which translates to “the one who takes away anxieties and worries.” The Chintaman Ganesh temple is dedicated to the worship of three distinct forms of Lord Ganesha: Ichhaman Ganesh, Siddhivinayak, and Chitman Gopala. Siddhivinayak bestows prosperity and knowledge, while Chintamani Ganesha eases worries and Ichhamani Ganesha grants wishes.
Bade Ganesh Ji Ka Mandir
Located close to the Mahakaleshwar Temple’s tank, Bade Ganeshji Ka Mandir is renowned for its enormous statue of the god Ganesh. Hindus believe that divinity possesses wisdom, discernment, and foresight, which are symbolized by the head of the deity. Unlike other portrayals of the God, the sculpture of the deity has its trunk turned clockwise. The people in the area have a great deal of respect for the god and the temple, and they believe that any wish made to the god is fulfilled quickly.
Another remarkable statue of Lord Hanuman is located in the middle of the temple. This statue is extremely rare because it features five different representations of Hanuman, known as the Panchmukhi Hanuman. These representations include the Hanuman Mukha, Narasimha Mukha, Varaha Mukha, Garuda Mukha, and Hayagriva Mukha, and they stand for bravery, loyalty, devotion, strength, and righteousness. In addition to being a major educational hub, the temple offers its followers courses in Sanskrit and astrology.
Ram Ghat
Ram Ghat lies next to the Harsiddhi Temple and is one of the most visited sites in Ujjain. Among the most significant ghats in the nation, it is the site of the city’s annual Kumbh Mela, which takes place here every twelve years. Since it commemorates the world’s largest religious gathering, it draws devotees from all over the world. It is during the Kumbh Mela when the ghat sees the greatest number of people.
On any given day, followers visit the ghat to complete their daily rituals and take a bath in the sacred water. At the Ram Ghat, many believe they will find redemption and be cleansed of all their earthly sins by taking a holy plunge. Heading to the ghat in the evening will let you witness the mesmerizing evening aarti that takes place every evening in adoration of the River Shipra. Ram Ghat is a great location for a leisurely stroll in addition to its religious significance, especially in the early morning and evening. Therefore, be sure to include a visit to Ram Ghat on the itinerary when you are in Ujjain.
Harsiddhi Temple
One of the Shakti peethas, Harsiddhi Mata Temple in Ujjain is thought to be the spot where Goddess Sati’s elbow dropped after she burned herself in the sacrificial fire and was carried throughout the subcontinent by Lord Shiva. For this reason, the temple is regarded as one of the many revered Shakti Peethas scattered across the nation. The temple has two unique pine-shaped iron lamp stands that loom to a height of 15 feet, and are a mesmerizing attraction during the festivities of Navratri.
The main attraction of the expansive temple complex is the beautifully painted Harsiddhi Mata, the primary deity, surrounded by idols of Mahasaraswati and Mahalakshmi. One of the distinctive aspects of this temple is the existence of Shree Yantra, which represents nine manifestations of Durga. The chief deity of the temple is also called Goddess Chandi, who is bestowed with the name Harsiddhi by Lord Shiva and is renowned for having killed the demons Chand and Prachand at his request. The temple features the Sri Yantra, or nine triangles that stand for the nine names of the Goddess, and was constructed in the Maratha architectural style. A yantra is a meditation tool that represents the universe. Every division found in a yantra represents Shakti. The dark red figure of Annapurna, the Goddess of Nourishment, sitting next to Mahasaraswati, the Goddess of Wisdom and Knowledge, is also housed in the temple.
Chaubis Khamba Temple
Chaubis Khamba Temple is yet another wonderful destination of Ujjain. An impressive structure, the place is associated with Devi Bhadrakaali. Dating back in time, Chaubis Khamba Temple is a fine example of architectural marvel in the city. It’s impressive to view the images of the temple’s guardian goddesses, Mahalaya and Mahamaya, at the entrance with their names etched on the steps leading up to the temple.
The Chaubis Khamba, or 24 pillars, that adorn the temple are what give it its name. Chaubis Khamba, an exquisitely carved temple, is a must-see location in Ujjain. This place witnesses widespread celebrations of the auspicious days of Shukla Paksha Ashtami and Navratri, drawing an impressive number of devotees.
Pir Matsyendranath
Located on the banks of the Shipra River, Pir Matsyendranath is a picturesque location in Ujjain and is believed to date back to the 6th and 7th centuries BC. The location is devoted to Matsyendranath, the master of Guru Gorakhnath, the founder of Hatha Yoga, and a notable figure in the Natha sect of Saivism.
Along with Gorakhnath, he is the teacher of seven other followers, making up the Navnath, a group of nine saints. Since it is believed that the saint attained samadhi at this location, his tomb has been established here. This historic shrine is revered by both religions of Hinduism, and Islam because the Natha Sect’s followers call its saints “Pir,” just like Muslims do.
Things to do in Ujjain
- Go boating or take an evening stroll at the Ram Ghat
- View the Bhasm Aarti at the Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple
- Attend the Evening Aarti at the Ram Ghat
- Plan for and attend the Kumbh Mela
- Explore Rock Art Paintings at Dr.V.S Wakankar Museum
- Try the famous ‘Ujjaini Sev’ while in the city
- Buy local handicrafts designed in Batik style of art print
Ujjain is truly mesmerizing, covered in the holy blanket of faith and devotion, this city is truly worth visiting once in your lifetime. An interesting place not just for devotees, Ujjain also offers various sites that will satisfy a curious mind. With historical facts, monuments, and stories, the city will take you back in time. While in the city, check out the local handicrafts and delicacies of Ujjain, and experience the city the authentic way. A serene and calm atmosphere, coming to Ujjain will surely give you a respite from your fast-paced life and help you slow down for a while.
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