With a history of over 5,000 years, Ujjain is one of the oldest cities and top pilgrimage cities to visit in India. The old name of Ujjain is Avantika and has found its mention in various religious texts as well. This ancient city occupies the eastern bank of Shipra River in Madhya Pradesh. Known for its grand Kumbh Mela celebrations, Ujjain has always occupied the central space in the realm of politics and spirituality.
Along with being the fifth largest population in the country, it has also turned into one of the most up and coming cities in India. It represents the perfect amalgamation of well-preserved history and modernity in one place. In Ujjain, one of the sacred cities of India visit some of the oldest temples, Bhartruhari Caves, Khamba Chaubis Temple and Gopal Mandir, before proceeding to Bhopal.
Check out these places to visit in Ujjain:
1. Mahakaleshwar Temple
Ujjain is one of the four locations of the Kumbh Mela and is home to the famous Mahakaleshwar Temple. Every morning at 4 AM, the sacred Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ujjain opens with a vibrant Bhasm Aarti! Since a long time, only Aghoris, living in cremation ground are performing this early morning Aarti in Brahma Muhurta (4 AM).
The process of Aarti begins at previous night where the same Aghori goes through many rituals so that he finally makes himself ready with the Bhasma (he covers himself fully with Bhasm) before leaving for Mandir at 2 AM!
Dedicated to Shiva, Shri Mahakaleshwar is one of the most important Jyotirlingas in India. The glory of this temple has been accurately and vividly described in various Puranas, including Kalidasa's Sanskrit poetries. The presiding deity is in the form of a holy lingam that holds a lot of power. The lingam faces south which has earned it the name of being Dakshinamurti.
This is a distinctive feature found only in Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga. The temple in itself is an incredible structure to look at. It stands in all its glory with a high Shikara and an imposing facade.
2. Shree Harsiddhi Mata Shaktipith Temple
Located just 350 metres ahead of the Mahakaleshwar Temple is the iconic Shaktipeeth of Ujjain, Harsiddhi Temple. It is believed that the goddess’s elbow had fallen here after the lord had taken her body from the sacrificial fire. Gracing the region across the Rudra Sagar Lake, the temple is a major landmark of the city.
As per legends, goddess Parvati took the form of Harsiddhi to kill two demons at the request of Shiva. The main deity of the temple is painted in a dark red colour and accompanied with the idols of Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati.
3. Shri Ram Ghat
Gracing the banks of the holy river Shipra, Ram Ghat is a must visit holy place in Ujjain. During the morning many devotees make it a point to take a holy dip in it. As the sun goes down the Ghat turns into a stage for Aarti Darshan which is truly a sight to behold. The Ghat houses numerous temples that are frequented by pilgrims throughout the year.
It is also the place where the Kumbh Mela takes place every 12 years. Other than the Ghats of Varanasi and Rishikesh, Ram Ghat of Ujjain holds a special place in the hearts of devotees.
4. Sandipani Ashram
The Sandipani Ashram in Ujjain is situated at a distance of just 6 km from Ujjain junction. This holy ashram occupies a vast stretch of land that incites a feeling of deep spirituality and rejuvenation. Located on the shore of the holy Shipra River, it is also one of the most important holy places in the city. The ashram was built in remembrance of the Maharshi Sandipani.
Being one of the most famous places of tourist interest, the ashram looks more like a temple than anything. One of the most important places in the temple is the Sarveshwar Mahadev Temple that houses a 6,000 year old Shivling with sheshnaag in its natural form. This shivling is also believed to have been worshipped by Guru Sandipani himself as well.
5. Shree Kaal Bhairav Mandir
Dedicated to Kal Bhairav, the guardian deity of the city, this temple is also located on the banks of the holy Shipra River. Visited by devotees everyday, the liquor offered to the temple deity makes it a unique place of worship. The current temple structure was constructed over the remains of the old temple ruins.
The temple has been mentioned in various holy books such as the Skanda Puran and the temple walls are adorned with 9th century images of Shiva, Vishnu, Parvati and Ganesh. The idol of the presiding deity is adorned with lots of vermillion, Kumkuma and a Maratha Style Pagri.
6. Mangalnath Mandir
The Mangalnath Temple holds immense religious and spiritual significance. Overlooking the holy river Shipra, the temple fills the devotees with an incredible sense of peace. According to the Matsya Puran, the temple marks the birthplace of the planet mars, hence the name Mangalnath. During the ancient ages, it was famous for offering a clear view of the planet.
This also made it an ideal spot for astronomical studies. Tourists and devotees experience an immense sense of wonderment and spirituality. People who are experiencing bad karma due to planetary issues make it a point to visit this temple.
7. Shri Chintaman Ganesh Temple
As the name suggests, the Chintaman Ganesh Temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesh. Built across the holy Shipra River, it is located about 7 km away from the main town of Ujjain. According to legends, the Ganesh idol that is enshrined within the temple is believed to be a self-manifestation of the lord himself or a Swayambhu.
The temple deity here is regarded as the lord of beginnings and remover of all worries and tensions. With a history dating back to the 11th century, the original temple structure is said to date back to the age of Ramayana.
Conclusion
Ujjain is a place where people go for a deep spiritual rejuvenation. Ujjain tour packages are a great way of exploring and unearthing the hidden secrets of the city. Known as one of the oldest cities in the world, Ujjain is a must visit.
