Ujjain
Ujjain is situated on the right bank of the holy river Kshipra, the eternal city-Ujjaiyini has been narrated as the naval center (Manipura lotus) of the cultural identity of Indian nation. It ranks among those seven ancient Puris of India which are regarded as the bestower of deliverance (moksha). The meridian of the ancient world named Yamottara was supposed to pass through place. It has been severally named in ancient texts. Some such names being Avantika, Ujjain, Pratikalpa, Kanakasrnga, Amaravati, Shivapuri, Chudamani, Kumudvati etc. Avantika has been the city of many Tirthas, where pilgrims take bath, grant endowments for religious purposes, and offer tarpan to and perform sraddha for the departed ancestors. Such Tirthas have been situated at the banks of the Kshipra and its tributaries, Sapta Sagaras (seven lakes), Tadagas (tanks), Kundas and Vapis (wells).
Ujjain is situated on the right bank of the holy river Kshipra, the eternal city-Ujjaiyini has been narrated as the naval center (Manipura lotus) of the cultural identity of Indian nation. It ranks among those seven ancient Puris of India which are regarded as the bestower of deliverance (moksha). The meridian of the ancient world named Yamottara was supposed to pass through place. It has been severally named in ancient texts. Some such names being Avantika, Ujjain, Pratikalpa, Kanakasrnga, Amaravati, Shivapuri, Chudamani, Kumudvati etc. Avantika has been the city of many Tirthas, where pilgrims take bath, grant endowments for religious purposes, and offer tarpan to and perform sraddha for the departed ancestors. Such Tirthas have been situated at the banks of the Kshipra and its tributaries, Sapta Sagaras (seven lakes), Tadagas (tanks), Kundas and Vapis (wells).
The poet-laureat Kalidasa has called it the great Visala while the ancient solo- dramas (Bhanas) narrate it as cosmopolitan (Sarvabhauma) city. Saints, seers and scientists viz., Sandipani, Mahakatyayana, Bhasa, Bharttrhari. Nine gems in the court of king Vikramaditya including Kalidasa, Amarasimha-Varahamihira, Paramartha, Sudraka, Banabhatta, Mayura, Rajasekhara, Puspadanta, Harisena, Samkaracharya, Vallabhacharya, Jadrupa etc, had been closely inter-related with Ujjain. It has been elevated by the exclusive affinity of great political personalities such as Krsna Balarama, Chanda Pradyota, Udayana- the king of Vatsa, Mauryan governor Ashoka, emperor Samprati, warrior king Vikramaditya, Mahaksatrapa Chastana and Rudradaman, Paramara rulers Munjaraja-Bhojadeva and Udayaditya, Mughal governor Sawai Jaya Simha- king of Amer, Mahadaji Scindhia etc. Ujjain had been the resting-abode of Mughal emperors Akbar, Jahangir and Shahjahan.
Places To Visit In Ujjain
- Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga
- Kal Bhairav Temple
- Ram Ghat
- Jantar Mantar
- Bharthari Caves
- Bde Ganesh Ji Temple
- Harsiddhi Mata Temple
- Kalideh Palace
- Chintaman Ganesh Temple
- Sandipani Aashram
1.Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga
The Ujjain Mahakaleshwar Temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingams of Lord Shiva. The chief god of the temple – Lord Shiva – is assumed to be in the form of Swayambhu, stemming streams of power or Shakti from within. The upper lip of Devi Sati is also believed to have fallen in the Mahakaleshwar Mandir.
History
The history of Mahakaleshwar Temple Ujjain is very interesting & engrossing. It is believed that, long ago, the city of Ujjain was ruled by King Chandrasen. The king was an avid devotee of Lord Shiva. A young fellow – Shrikhar – was highly motivated by his devotion and desired to be a part of his prayers. Unfortunately, he was rejected by royal cavalry.
Incidentally, some neighbouring rulers were planning then to attack Ujjain. Shrikhar and the local priest – Vridhi – heard about it and started praying relentlessly. Lord Shiva heard their prayers and decided to forever safeguard this city as a lingam. Thereafter, the ruling king and his successors raised the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple.
The Ujjain Mahakal Temple suffered many attacks over time and was destroyed & demolished. However, the Scindia clan took over the responsibility of its restoration in the 19th century.
Architecture
The temple architecture – a seamless blend of Bhumija, Maratha, & Chalukya styles – is another important key attraction of the temple. The idol of Omkareshwar Mahadev, the images of Ganesh, Parvati, Lord Rama, Avantika, & Karttikeya, and the sikhara are also worth seeing. This stunning temple has five levels and is built near a lake. The walls of this magnificent temple have eulogies praising Lord Shiva inscribed on them. Each level is dedicated to different God and here is the description of it.
Ground Floor: The idol of Mahakaleshwar is situated on the ground floor and is facing the South direction so it is called Dakshinmukhi.
Other Floors: The lingam of Nagachandresvara is placed on the uppermost floor and is only opened for Darshan on Nag Panchami. On the second floor, the Lingam of Omkaresvara was built. Koti Tirtha or a large Kunda was also made in the compound. The idols of Ganesha, Kartikeya, and Parvati are also located near Koti Tirtha. The silver-plate that covers the idols of Ganesha, Kartikeya and Parvati add to the charm of this temple.
2.Kal Bhairav Temple
Kal Bhairav Temple or Kaal Bhairav Mandir Ujjain, located on bank of sacred River Shipra is one of the very popular sacred place in Ujjain, the city of temple and city of Mahakaal. This temple is dedicated to Kal Bhairava, chief of eight Bhairav, the fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva and the guardian of the Ujjain city. The main attraction of temple here is, liquor is offered to main deity Kaal Bhairava with special mantra. Kal Bhairva also accept the liquor as Prasadi, its just the magic. Pujari of temple takes the saucer near the deity’s lips, which have a slit. He tilts the plate a bit, and the liquor starts disappearing. Lot of people including Britisher tried to search for where the liquor went but it becomes the mystery for all. Then all have accepted that Kaal Bhairava himself drink it.
It is believed that Shri Kal Bhairav temple is located here in Ujjain since more than 6000 years and also details are mentioned in Skand Purana. From the Vedic time, this place is related with Tantric Vidhya or black majic wher Aghora and Kapalika sects follower worshipped Lord Kaal Bhairav. As per this latest historical records, temples was built by King Bhadrasen in 9th century and then renovated during Maratha ruler. Images of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha and Lord Vishnu were once recovered from the temple belonging to Paramar Ruler. The current temple structure influence by the Maratha architectural style and paintings on temple wall was made in Malwa style.
As per several legends associated with this temple, Lord Mahakal of Ujjain appointed Kaal Bhairav to protect the city at this place. Therefore, Kaal Bhairav is also called the Kotwal of the city.
Architecture
The deity’s image is a face in form of a rock layered with kumkuma or vermilion. The deity’s silver head is adorned with a Maratha-style pagri, a tradition dating back to the days of Mahadaji Shinde.Ram Ghat
At a distance of 3 km from Ujjain Junction, Ram Ghat or Ram Mandir Ghat is a bathing ghat on the banks of Kshipra River in the holy city of Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the famous Ghats in Ujjain, and among the must-visit places during your Ujjain Darshan.
3.Ram Ghat
Ram Ghat is of immense religious significance to Hindus as it is one of the four locations where the Kumbh Mela takes place every 12 years. It is believed that Lord Vishnu dribbled some drops of Amrit at Ram Ghat. It is considered to be one of the oldest bathing Ghats in connection with the Kumbh celebrations. Regarded as one of the largest religious festivals in the world, the Kumbh Mela holds great importance among the followers of Hinduism, which is evident from the fact that almost 2 crore people attend the mela.
The evening Kshipra aarti is one of the best attractions at Ram Ghat. There is a wide range of temples located at the ghat, out of which the temple of Chitragupta is the most revered one. Watching the sunset from the Ram Mandir Ghat is one of the most enchanting scenes you’ll experience
4.Jantar Mantar
At a distance of 2.5 km from Ujjain Junction, Jantar Mantar is an observatory located in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. Also known as Vedha Shala, it is the oldest observatory in India, and among the well-known places to visit as part of Ujjain packages.
Jantar Mantar in Ujjain was built by Sawai Raja Jai Singh between 1725 and 1730 AD to help the Hindu scholars and astrologers with their research and studies. Furthermore, the then Maharaja of Gwalior, Madhav Rao Scindia renovated it in 1923 AD. It is the oldest among the five built by Jai Singh in India, the others situated at Delhi, Jaipur, Mathura, and Varanasi. According to some Indian astronomers, the Tropic of Cancer is supposed to pass through Ujjain, which makes Jantar Mantar a more important observatory for Hindu geographers as well. The architectural masterpiece enjoys a great significance in the field of astronomy even today.
The name Jantar Mantar comes from the Sanskrit words ‘Yantra’ and ‘Mantra’ meaning the magical instrument. This observatory has various instruments like Shanku Yantra, Digyansha Yantra, and Sundial used for many astronomical calculations such as time of day, positions of Sun, stars, and planets in the solar system. The Samrat Yantra calculates the time, Nadi Walaya Yantra calculates the Equinoctial days, Digyansha Yantra calculates the positions of the planets and stars, while Bhitti Yantra calculates the suns declination and its distance from the zenith. Also, the observatory has a telescope and planetarium.
It is the only observatory among the observatories of Jaysingh where Masonic instruments are even today utilized for astronomical studies. Several data including the study of planetary motions get published every year.
5.Bharthari Caves
These caves are situated just above the bank of the Shipra near the temple of Gadkalika. According to popular tradition, this is the spot where the great Sanskrit Poet Bhartrihari, who is said to have been the step brother of Vikramaditya, lived and meditated after renouncing worldly life. He is believed to have been a great scholar and poet. His famous works, Shringarshatak, Vairagyashatak, and Nitishatak, are known for the exquisite use of the Sanskrit meter.
Bhartrihari, the step brother of Vikramaditya, is believed to have lived and meditated here after renouncing worldly life. His famous works, Shringarshataka, Vairagyashataka, and Nitishataka, were possibly written here.
6.Bde Ganesh Ji Temple
At a distance of 2.5 km from Ujjain Junction, Bada Ganesh Mandir is a sacred Hindu shrine located in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. Situated near the Mahakaleshwar Temple, it is one of the sacred temples to visit as part of the Ujjain temple darshan.
The city of Ujjain is often called the city of the temple as it is home to many temples, and religious sites. Sri Bade Ganesh Ji Ka Mandir is one of the most popular religious places in Ujjain. The most iconic thing about the temple is the massive artistic sculpture of Ganesha – the Lord of wisdom and prosperity – that adorns its premises. It is said that this Ganesh idol was established by Maharishi Guru Maharaj Siddhant Vagesh Pt. Narayan Ji Vyas.
The Ganesh idol at the Bade Ganesh Ji ka Mandir is about 18 feet high and 10 feet wide and the trunk of Lord Ganesh in this statue is clockwise. There are a trident and swastika on the head of the statue. A Ladoo is pressed into the trunk rotating to the right. Lord Ganesh has huge ears, a garland around the neck. There is also a beautiful statue of Panchmukhi Hanuman in the center of the temple and is said that this idol was established even before the establishment of Bade Ganesh.
This deity is considered auspicious by the local people and thousands of devotees coming from far-off places to get a glimpse of Lord Ganesh as it is believed that the wish made in front of this deity is fulfilled in no time. In the premises of the temple, devotees can learn Sanskrit and astrology, which have been arranged by the temple authorities.
7.Harsiddhi Mata Temple
Harsiddhi MataTemple, one of the 51 Shaktipeetha temple of Goddess, located near Rudra Sagar Lake in Ujjain the city of Mahakal, the world famous Mahakaleshwar Temple, Madhya Pradesh, India is very important and popular pilgrimage site of city for follower of Sanatan Dharma. The Harsiddhi emple stands 13th in the list of 51 Saktipeetas across world. It is also said that goddess Harsiddhi was Kuldevi of great King Vikramaditya, and king worship devi Harsiddhi with great belief and Mangalchandiki’ was the ancient name of goddess.
Interesting legend associated with Harsiddhi Mata, as per the Skanda Puran, sacred ancient textof Sanatan Dharma, once demon Chand and Prachand tried to enter on Mount Kailash where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati lived. Then Lord Shiva called up goddess Chandi, one of incarnation of Goddess Parvati, Goddess Chandi had killed both demon. After this incident Lord Shiva had called Goddess Chandi as Harsiddhi, thus from blessing of Lord Shiva Chandi Ma gets title of Harsiddhi.
Harsiddhi Mata Temple is one of the key shrine of goddess, worshiped from pre Vedic period. As per the Markandeya Puran, Sati, daughter of King Daksh Prajapati, was great devotee of Lord Shiva and did intense penance to please Lord Shiva. Finally Lord Shiva had accepted her hand for marriage. But King Daksha was not happy with this marriage.
To insult Lord Shiva, Daksha held Yagya and invited all God and reputed persons except the Sati and Lord Shiva. Sati had decided to confront her father at Yagya. Lord Shiva tried to stop her by doing this but Sati went to Yagya. King Daksh did not welcomed her and use this occasion to insult her and Lord Shiva in front of all God and reputed individuals. Sati could not bear this humiliation and jumped into holy fire of the Yagya.
Once Lord Shiva got this information; he was deeply pain and anger on King Daksh. Lord Shiva had created Virbhadra and Bhadrakali with extra ordinary super power and order to kill Daksh and his army. Then Lord Shiva picked up Sati with burning body and unleashed his fury in form of legendary Tandava, dance of destruction. The other God and people started worried about safety of whole universe and requested Lord Vishnu the supreme Lord, to help out in this situation.
Lord Vishnu used the Sudarashan Chakra and cut the body of Ma Devi Sati in pieces. As per the legends, Sati’s elbow as 13 fragment fell over spot marked by Harsiddhi Temple. Thus this temple is one of the main Shaki Peeth and Siddh Peeth across 51 Shakti Peeth across world.
Idol of Harsiddhi Mata is painted in dark vermillion color and placed in centre with idols of Mahasaraswati and Mahalakshmi in temple premise. The presence of Shree Yantra, symbol of Shakti and represents nine forms of Durga is one of the main features of the temple. Another attractive feature of temple is two towering Deep Stambhas, one of main pattern of temple build during Maratha Period. During the Navratri, hundreds of Diyas are flamed which create a tremendous and divine scene during nine days of Navratri and festival celebrated with great zeal.
Along with main temple, one small shrine of Goddess Mahamaya, located in temple premise which is closed for tourist and here a Diya which burns from lots of years. There is also an ancient well on the premises, next to which stands a smaller temple dedicated to Karkateshwar Mahadev.
It is believed that Lord Shiva had taken the form of Bhairav, and always to stand guard over each of the shaktipeeths. Tantric tradition holds this seat as siddha-pitha.
8.Kaliadeh Palace
he ‘Kaliadeh Mahal’ in Ujjain city is built in the middle of the Kshipra River in such a way that the water of the river flows through small canals. There is also a circumstantial sultan’s tale attached to this palace. One day he died by drowning in the river flowing inside this palace. Simhastha which is a religious Mela conducted by the Hindus every 12 years in Ujjain and a large number of tourists are coming to see this palace.
The palace is a famous building of medieval history. There is mention of Brahma Kund here in the Puranas. Earlier there was an ancient Sun Temple, the evidence of which resembles the design of the existing palace. While an inscription here shows that this palace was built during the time of Muhammad Khilji in 1458 AD. In the 16th century, Sultan Nasiruddin Khilji of Mandu broke the original place and built Kaliadeh Palace Ujjain. The technical ability of the predecessors is seen from the tanks and channels made by them.
The palace was so appealing in its glory days that once Emperor Akbar and Jehangir had visited this stunning Kaliadeh Mahal Ujjain, which is mentioned in the two Persian engravings that are inscribed in one of the corridors of the palace. The arena in the middle of the column has been built in the Persian style of architecture. The inscriptions were ruined during the rule of the Pindaris. But later in the year 1920, it was Madhav Rao Scindia who thought of restoring it after seeing its magnificent inner beauty.
The Kaliadeh Palace Ujjain instantly gives a thought of a fine island in the middle of an aquamarine expanse! It consists of all the grace of the landscape, and the thing that makes it all the more valuable is the harmony that when you see the palace it feels just like an ancient song. The water flowing on either side of the palace is a spectacular sight.
9.Chintaman Ganesh Temple
Of a large number of temples you can find in Ujjain, Chintaman Ganesh Temple holds an exceptional reverence. The temple was built sometime around the 11th and 12th century, and so, holds a historical significance as well. Chintaman Ganesh Temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesh – the Lord of beginnings.
As per the beliefs, Lord Ganesh himself came to the earth to build this temple. Scores of devotees pay a visit to the temple every day with great veneration. The garbhgriha of the temple houses an idol of Lord Ganesh which is believed to be self-manifested. The captivating structure of the ancient temple features convolutedly carved pillars.
This temple is definitely one of the best tourist places in Ujjain
10.Sandipani Ashram
The fact that ancient Ujjain apart from its political and religious importance, enjoyed the reputation of being a great seat of learning as early as the Mahabharata period is borne out by the fact that, Lord Krishna and Sudama received regular instruction in the ashram of Rishi Sandipani.
Maharishi Sandipani was an acharya whose life is closely associated with that of Lord Krishna. In fact, Maharishi Sandipani was the tutor of Krishna and Balaram. The brothers, along with their friend Sudama, went to study at Guru Sandipani’s ashram. The two picked up their studies so fast that the sage thought he was educating the sun and the moon, legend has it.
After the completion of their studies, they asked the sage to name a guru dakshina of his choice. Since Krishna was an avatar of God, the sage asked him to restore his son, lost in the ocean at Prabhaas.
Krishna and Balarama went in search of the sage’s son. When they reached Prabhaas, they found that Sandipani’s son had been taken hostage by the demon Shankhasur (who lived in a shankh, or conch) beneath the ocean. Krishna and Balaram took the conch to Yama, who blew into the conch and Sandipani’s son was extracted.
Importance Of Ujjain
One great importance of Ujjain is its central location scientifically. Astrology began and developed in this centrally located city of Mahakaal. Ujjain has provided the system of calculation of time to India and Foreign countries.
Things To Do In Ujjain
1.Take a Boat Ride at Ram Ghat
2.Take a Holy Dip in the waters of Kshipra River
3.Attend Shipra Aarti at Ram Ghat
4.View the Nandi Statue at Maharshi Sandipani Ashram
5.If lucky, then Visit Kumbh mela
6.Cherish the Holiness of Gomti Kund
7.Learn more about Ujjain History at Vedshala Observatory
8.Explore Rock Art Paintings at Dr.V.S Wakankar Museum
9.Get into Persian Architecture at Kaliadeh Palace
10.Take a Tour of Various Temples of Ujjain
Insteresting Facts About In Ujjain
1.This city was called Ujjayini, and exists from the pre-Mahabharata Era. It was the capital of Avanti Kingdom then
2.Later, it was also ruled by King Vikramāditya (the one from the famous Vikram – Baital stories we all read/heard about). Currently existing Vikram University has been named after him
3.Ujjain is the place where Lord Krishna, along with Balarama and Sudama, received his education from Maharshi Sandipani. It still has the Sandipani Ashram, where one can find paintings of them receiving teachings.
4.Ujjain is a holy place, also called the city of temples. One of the 12 Jyotirlings – Mahakaleshwar Temple, is in Ujjain.
5.It is host to India’s largest fair – the Kumbh Mela (Or Sinhastha) – held in only 4 cities in India – Prayag, at Triveni Sangam (junction of Ganga, Yamuna n Saraswati rivers); Haridwar, at the banks of Ganga; Nasik, at the banks of Godavari & Ujjain, at the banks of river Shipra.
6.Ujjain has India’s first observatory (or Vedh Shala) called Jantar Mantar. A total of 5 Jantar Mantars were built by Maharaja Jai Singh between 1724 & 1735, of which only the one at Ujjain is still functional.
7.The city of Ujjain is considered the Greenwich of India due to the fact that the first meridian of longitude – the Tropic of Cancer passes through it – through the Jantar Mantar
8.There exists a temple – Kal Bhairav mandir, in which the deity idol is said to drink liquor. This is a mystery that even the archeological survey of India also couldn’t solve.
9.Few people know about this: There is a place between the route to Kal Bhairav & Bhartrihari Gufa, called the Peer Matsyendranath ki Dargah. It is one of the most serene & beautiful places of the city. You can read more about it here: Pir Matsyendranath. Do try and visit it sometime during the evening, possibly on a cloudy day.
Best Time To Visit
October to March. The best time to visit Ujjain is between the months of October to March, when the weather is pleasant. …
November to February. Ujjain experiences a pleasant temperature conditions during the months of winter. …
June to September. The city experiences rainfall during these months.