Unravel the Spiritual Secrets of Ujjain – A Sacred Guide to the Temple City
Ujjain, an ancient city in Madhya Pradesh, is a renowned religious destination with several temples, ghats, palaces, and monuments narrating its cultural significance. If you are planning to visit Ujjain, there is no dearth of relocation companies in India to assist you. However, knowing the must-visit places will help you plan your trip better.
What is the famous thing of Ujjain?
Ujjain is famous for the Mahakaleshwar Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The Bhasm Aarti performed at this temple is a popular event attended by thousands of devotees. Ujjain also hosts the famous Kumbh Mela every twelve years, and is known as Simhastha Kumbh Mela.
Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple
The Mahakaleshwar Temple is devoted to Lord Shiva and houses one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. The south-facing Shivalinga enshrined here is called Dakshinamurti. The Bhasm Aarti performed every day draws huge crowds eager to attend the spectacular event. The temple comes alive during the Mahashivratri festival.
Kal Bhairav Temple
The Kal Bhairav Temple, located on the side of the Shipra River, is an ancient Shiva temple associated with the Kapalika and Aghora sects. The Shivalinga under a banyan tree and the idol of the Nandi bull are key attractions. It is believed that liquor is offered to Kal Bhairava as part of rituals.
Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar is an observatory constructed in the early 18th century by Raja Jai Singh. It houses ancient astronomical instruments used to study planetary movements and make astrological predictions. The massive Sun Dial is an impressive structure.
Kaliadeh Palace
Set on an island in Shipra River, Kaliadeh Palace presents a glimpse of Ujjain’s majestic past. Built-in Persian-style architecture, the palace comprises beautiful gardens, tanks, and fountains. The folktales associated with the Surya Kunda and Brahma Kunda add allure to this riverside palace.
Chintaman Ganesh Temple
The Chintaman Ganesh Temple, located along the banks of the Shipra river, houses a swayambhu idol of Lord Ganesh. Said to be originally built by Goddess Sita, the temple celebrates the belief that Lord Ganesh himself came down to establish his temple at this spot.
Bade Ganesh Ji Ka Mandir
Popularly known as Bade Ganesh Mandir, this temple has an 18-foot tall massive idol of Lord Ganesh with a right-turned trunk. The temple attracts devotees from far and wide due to the belief that wishes made in front of this Lord Ganesh idol get fulfilled quickly.
Ram Mandir Ghat
Part of the Kumbh Mela celebrations, Ram Mandir Ghat, holds religious significance. Taking a holy dip here is deemed auspicious as Lord Vishnu spilled elixir at this spot, as per legends. It is dotted with several temples, prominent being the Chitragupta temple.
Gopal Mandir
Built in the Maratha architectural style, Gopal Mandir has idols of Lord Krishna, Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and Garuda. It is considered the second largest temple in Ujjain after Mahakaleshwar temple. Janmashtami and Harihar festivals are celebrated with fervor here.
Rumi Ka Makbara
An intriguing destination, Rumi Ka Makbara is believed to be the tomb of 13th century Sufi Saint Jalaluddin Rumi. The distinct architecture of this hexagonal structure adds old-world charm to the surroundings. Both Muslim and Hindu devotees visit this shrine to pay homage.
Harsiddhi Temple
Harsiddhi Temple, located close to the Mahakaleshwar Temple, is one of the Shakti Peethas. As per legends, it is here that Goddess Parvati’s elbow fell when Lord Shiva was carrying her burning body. Navratri celebrations showcase the temple elaborately decorated with lights.
Bhartrihari Caves
Perched alongside the Shipra river, the serene Bhartrihari caves are associated with King Vikramaditya’s stepbrother Bhartrihari. It is believed that the meditation of Bhartrihari grew so deep here that Indra felt threatened and hurled a lightning bolt to break his focus.
Chaubis Khamba Temple
A majestic ruin, Chaubis Khamba temple has intricately carved pillars with depictions of mythological tales and life during the medieval period. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and houses idols of Chhoti Mata and Badi Mata. The architecture reflects the excellent town planning under King Vikramaditya’s reign.
Gomti Kund
Gomti Kund holds significance as the spot where Lord Krishna summoned holy rivers for his Guru Sandipani to perform rituals. The perennial water body near Sandipani Ashram attracts pilgrims seeking holy water. On the banks is a Shiva Temple with a giant Nandi bull statue.
Kalidasa Academy
Established to honor the legendary poet Kalidasa, Kalidasa Academy promotes classical arts and Sanskrit literature through research, training, and live events. The campus has a museum, theatre, library, seminar hall, amphitheater, and more. Events like the Kalidasa Festival and Kalash Yatra are hosted here.
Pir Matsyendranath
Located on the banks of the Shipra River, this shrine is dedicated to Matsyendranath – a revered saint of the Navnath tradition. Both Muslims and Hindus venerate this site, which is believed to be the samadhi place of the saint. The distinct domed structure exudes old-world charm.
Sandipani Ashram – Abode of Lord Krishna’s Guru
Situated on the banks of the Shipra River, Sandipani Ashram is a revered place that is mentioned in ancient scriptures. As per legends, this is the ashram where Lord Krishna and his sibling Balram were students under the tutelage of Guru Sandipani. When Sandipani’s son was abducted, Lord Krishna rescued him from the demon Panchajanya as gurudakshina. The ashram stands as a testament to the eternal bond between guru and shishya.
The sprawling ashram complex has a beautiful Shiva temple guarded by a giant statue of Nandi bull. Gomti Kund, a perennial source of water nestled amidst trees, is deemed as highly sacred by devotees who bottle the holy water home. The excavated remnants at the ashram, such as coins, seals, and painted grey ware pottery, establish this place as a treasure trove for history enthusiasts.
Navgraha Mandir – Abode of Nine Planetary Deities
Regarded as one of the Navagraha temples built by Raja Jai Singh II, the Navgraha temple is dedicated to the nine planetary gods. As per medieval Vedic astrology, the positioning and movement of these nine planets influence important life events.
The square stone pillars of the open mandapa bear the engraved images of each graha, while the inner sanctum has their idols placed in a cluster. Shani holds the central position encircled by Surya, Chandra, Mangala, Budha, Guru, Shukra, Rahu, and Ketu idols that face their respective directions. Newly-weds and devotees whose birth charts indicate a difficult Saade Saati period are often suggested to worship here for remedies.
The temple priests perform special pujas by offering black sesame seeds and olives to Shani, while white sandalwood, white flowers, akshat, and incense are offered during the worship of other deities.
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