Ujjain is the city of majestic temples and mesmerising devotion.

Namaste!

We are here again with an interesting blog on Ujjain, a pious city for Hindus. Welcome to the oasis of engrossed readings at www.onindianpath.com.

Introduction

Ujjain is an ancient city located in the heart of India. It has great impact on Indian culture and Hindu Mythology. Also known as Awantika in ancient texts.

Besides, Ujjain is a major Hindu pilgrimage as it nestled Shri Mahkaleshwar jyotirlinga. Also, its popularity amongst tourists is also high. Apart from temples and religious sites, the city has many other architectural and historical wonders to explore. You can explore the rich River Shipra, spectacular Vedshala and impressive architecture of Kaliadeh palace made with Persian artistry. Moreover, it is one of the seven puris of Hinduism.

Let’s read on to the famous places of Ujjain in detail.

The magnificent Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is one of the sacred 12 Jyotirlinga of Hinduism situated at the banks of River Shipra at Ujjain. This is a swayambhu (self made) lingam and biggest shivlinga of all the jyotirlinga. Certainly, you can read more about Mahakal in detail in our previous blog.

Additionally, one can also travel to other majestic temples to feel the divinity and spiritual upheaval.

Shaktipeeth of Ujjain – Harsiddhi Temple

Harsiddhi Temple holds a soulful importance to Hindu followers. Richness of this temple can be seen in the eyes of devotees. Harsiddhi temple is one of the Shaktipeeths of the country.

In fact, this temple has higher value for Shaktities.

As per the legends, Mata sati was angered over her father for not inviting her husband int he function. Thus, she jumped into the fire of Havana. On this, Lord Shiva was saddened by the death of Goddess Sati. He roamed around the universe with her burnt dead body in his lap. And, her body was fragmented. Many of her body parts fell on the Earth at different locations. These fragmented body parts became the Shaktipeeths. Harsiddhi temple is the site where the 13th fragment of Goddess Sati’s body, her elbow fell down.

Key Highlights of Harsiddhi Temple, Ujjain

a) The main entity of divine is is colored with dark vermillion color in the center of the temple complex.

b) In addition to, there are idols of Goddess Annapurna, Goddess Mahalakshmi and Goddess Mahasaraswati.

c) Likewise, this temple architecture has Maratha influences. It has four entrances, one in each direction, and the main entrance is on the eastern side.

d) Interestingly, there is a Shri Yantra, the symbol of power or maa shakti, enshrined in the temple.

e) There are two pillars adorned with lamps, special features of Maratha art. They are lit on major festivals adding to the beauty of the temple.

f) During Navratri, this mystical temple has a totally different aura and glory. Delightful lighting and diyas illuminate the temple in a spellbound sight adorned with colourful flowers and diyas. It is near to Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga.

g) And, during Sawan Mas, Mahakal sawari of Lord Mahakal, a religious procession carried out in the city of Ujjain and rests at Harsiddhi Mata Temple.

Timings

Darshana : 5 AM – 7 PM

Aarti (Morning) : 7 AM – 8 AM

Aarti (Evening) : 6 PM – 7 PM

Location: Jaisinghpura, Ujjain

Gadhkalika Temple, Ujjain

Gadhkalika temple is one of the ancient and ecentric temples of India. And it is dedicated to Goddess Mahakali. This temple is built near Garh district of Ujjain, hence given the name, GarhKalika or Gadhkalika.

Highlights of Gadhkalika Temple, Ujjain

a) The temple was renovated in the 7th century by King Harshvardhan.

b) Great poet Kalidas got knowledge under the devotion of GadhKalika. Basically, it has utmost importance from ancient times as its idol is from the time of Satyuga.

c) Likewise, its reference can be find in Mahabharata epic. Divine idol has its tongue out like Goddess Kali.

d) Specifically, this temple denotes the feminism in the world as it has a priestess to perform aarti. I got goosebumps in the soul cleansing evening aarti of the deity when I witnessed the oasisi of devotion and utmost energetic salutations of Maa kali at the temple premises.

e) Apparently, it is called Ujjain Mahakali, the temple is one of the eighteen Maha Shaktipeeths( there are 4 adi shakrtipeetha and 18 maha shaktipeeth in 51 Shaktipeeth) where the upper lip of goddess Sati fell here.

f) However, Gadhkalika temple is also associated with tantric rituals.

g) Navratri is the major festival celebrated with much fervor and glee to attract thousands of devotees.

Timings

Darshana : 6 AM – 9 PM

Location: Near Bharathari Caves, Ujjain

Maharishi Sandipani Ashram, Ujjain

Aesthetic Maharishi Sandipani Ashram has prominent mention in Hindu text. Lord Krishna and Lord Balaram along with Sudama had their education in this Ashram only. Sage Sandipani made them learn 64 arts in 64 days.

Highlights of Sandipani Ashram

a) Majestic view and statues in the ashram will incite your heart to revisit.

b) Ashram has one of the well talked statue of Nandi (sawari of Lord Shiva) can be seen here.

c) You can also visit Gomti kund here. Precisely, Gomti Kund holds a great magnitude in Lord Krishna life. Young Lord Krishna made this Kund and filled it with water from all the holy rivers across the country. He did this for his Guru (teacher) Sandipani to perform religious and spiritual activities in the ashram.

d) Additionally, this temple showcases the heritage of Guru Shishya Parampara of ancient times.

e) As per ancient text, after the completion of their studies, Lord Krishna asked his Guru Sage Sandipani for guru dakshina (fees)  of his choice. As Sage was aware of the fact of Shri Krishna being Hindu god, he asked the Lord to restore his son. Sage asked for his son who was lost in the ocean at Prabhas. In response, Lord Krishna and Balarama went in search of the sage’s son. They found out Sandipani’s son had been taken hostage by the demon Shankhasur (who lived in a conch) beneath the ocean. On this, Shri  Krishna and Balaram took the Shankh (conch) to Yama, who blew into the conch and Sandipani’s son was extracted.

Timings

Timings : 7 AM -8 PM

Location: Mangalnath Marg, Ujjain

Mangalnath Temple, Ujjain

Lets talk about Majestic Mangalnath Temple vivaciously stand tall in middle of the city of Ujjain.

Highlights of Mangalnath Temple, Ujjain

a) As per Matsya Purana, Mangal grih (Planet Mars) was manifested at this place.

b) Holy text suggests that at this place a drop of the sweat of Lord Shiva fell down during a war with Andhkasur.

c) Astrologically, its relevance can not be ignored. If you have unpleasant effect of Planet Mars in your horoscope, you will definitely be advised to perform puja in this temple.

d) Particularly, Mangalnath Temple is devoted to Lord Shiva.

e) There are many priests offer puja to nullify bad effects in horoscope. Eventually, puja charges vary from Rs. 3000 to Rs. 25000. One can avail these services online too.

Timings

Timings: 5 AM -10 PM

Location: Mangalnath Marg, Ujjain

The Vedic Vedshala

Indeed, your trip is incomplete if you miss the Vedshala in Ujjain. All the space researchers and astronomy lover have dreamt of visiting this place. It is also known as Jantar Mantar. Vedshala was built in 17th century by King Jai Singh.

Specialty of this architectural beauty is the enthralling wonders by our ancestors and astronomers. Our age old scholars use to calculate the timings and movement of different planets through yantras at Vedshala.

Interestingly, it has many monuments like Shankhu Yantra, Nadivalaya Yantra, Samrat Yantra and Digyansha Yantra to study vivid astronomical and astrological aspects.

Timings

Visitng hours : 7 AM-7 PM

Location: Jayasinghpura, Ujjain

The engrossing Kal Bhairav Temple

Kal Bhairav temple in Ujjain is one of the must visit religious site. After the divine Darshan of Mahakaal Baba, devotees go for Kal Bhairav darshana.

Highlights of Kal Bhairav Temple, Ujjain

a) Infact, Bhairav is ferocious awatar of Lord Shiva. Here, at Kal bhairav Temple at Ujjain, Kal bhairav is worshipped with utmost devotion and prayers.

b) Kal Bhairav is also known as time keeper of the city.

c) People offer liquor as chadhava to the deity as part of Tantric ritual.

d) Generally, Nagas and Sadhus are the major visitors of the temple.

e) One can see Havanas at the temple premises.

Timings

Timings: 5 AM-7 PM

Location: Jail Road, Bhairavgarh, Ujjain.

Ram Ghat, Shipra River

Soak your feets in the river Shipra on Ram Ghat. One can not miss the radiance ans piousness of this river bank. It is situated at the banks of holy river Shipra at Ujjain.

Highlights of Ram Ghat, Ujjain

a) With a holy dip in its water, one can attain higher level of spirituality.

b) Ram ghat is most famous ghat on the banks of the river. Subsequently, it witnesses Maha Kumbh every 12 year.

c) Additionally, it carries prominent influence in Hindu mythology. Ramayana states that Lord Rama did the last rites of his deceased father King Dashrath at Ram Ghat, Ujjain.

Timings

Timings: 24 Hours open

Location: Ram Ghat, Ujjain

How to Reach

Furthermore, the charismatic city of Hinduism, Ujjain can be explored by number of options available to travel from different locations. Here is the list:

• By Air: Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar International Airport is the nearest airport to the city of Ujjain. It is 56 kms away from Ujjain. From then, one can avail the service of locally operated buses and taxis.
• By Train: Ujjain Juction Railway Station is the well connected Railway station. Also, there are many regular trains from different major cities ply on daily basis.
• By Road: However, Ujjain is well connected to major cities and metros via national highways. There are number of private and public buses running from different cities through road only. Eventually, one can avail the services of local tour operators for pre and post paid cabs. Their contact details are available online.

Conclusion

At the end, I would like to conclude the blog with a spiritual note. Experience the religious and spiritual awakening at Ujjain as soon as possible. I hope the level of curiosity about Ujjain must have raised.

Have a happy time ahead!

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