Ujjain is a historical city, located in the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh. Bounded by the holy River Shipra, it is considered as one of the seven major sites of Hindu pilgrimage. Situated on the right bank of River bank or River Shipra, the city is fmous for the triennial Kumbh Mela. According to Hindu scriptures, it was originally called Avantika and there is an interesting saga behind the sacredness of the city. According to mythology, the origin of Ujjain is associated with the legend of Sagar Manbthan (churning of the ocean to discover the pot of nectar). The holy city of Ujjain has several places of tourist interests. Some of these are listed below.
Mahakaleshwar Temple
The most famous temple of Ujjain is the Mahakaleshwar Temple also known as or the Mahakal temple, which is one of the 12 jyotirlingas of India. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple houses a Shivling which is believed to be the sole Jyotirling which looks towards the south. Therefore, it is also called in the name Dakshinmukhi or the south looking ling. Besides the Shivling, the temple also houses idols of Parvati, Ganesh, Kartikeya and Shiva’s Bull – Nandi. It is one of the most revered Hindu pilgrimages of India.
Bhartrihari Caves
Situated on the bank of River Shipra, Bharatrithari Cave is one of the prominent tourist attractions of the city. It is located adjacent to the temple of Gadkalika and a traditional belief is associated with this site, according to which Bhartrihari, who is known as the stepbrother of Vikramaditya, lived and meditated before forsaking worldly pleasures. He was also a great poet and scholar. Some of his famous works are Shringarshatak, Vairagyashatak, and Nitishatak.
Kaliadeh Palace
The Kaliadeh Palace is situated on the embankments of River Shipra , which epitomizes classic Persian architecture. It is one of the prominent attractions of the city and with the backdrop formed by the river flowing on both sides of the palace, along with some man-made tanks and channels, this palace lures the tourists. Two Persian inscriptions are s well found in one of the corridors of the palace, which testimonies the visit of Emperor Akbar and Jehangir to the palace. It was once knocked down during the time of Pindaris and was again restored by Madhav Rao Scindia.
Patal Bhairav Temple
A popular Hindu pilgrimage of India, Patal Bhairav Temple is dedicated to the Shakti (power) of the mother Goddess. An interesting legend is associated with it according to which, a cruel and selfish demon, Bhairav Nath chased a young lady named Vaishno Devi, the reincarnation of Mother Goddess. In order to flee, the Devi shot an arrow in the ground from where water rushed out and took shelter in a cave. However, Devi had to assume the form of Mahakali to kill Bhairav after he found her. Just before dying, Bhairav begged for pardon and was granted Moksha along with a boon wherein each one of the devotees after visiting the Mother Goddess at the Holy cave, have to visit the nearby temple of Bhairav Nath in order to complete their pilgrimage.
Bade Ganeshji Ka Mandir
Bade Ganeshji Ka Mandir is an ancient temple located above the tank adjacent to the Mahakaleswar temple. This temple houses an artfully designed idol of Lord Ganesh and in the middle of the temple there is an idol of the pancha-mukhi (five faced) Hanuman. The temple also offers opportunities for learning astrology and Sanskrit in the temple.
Vedha Shala
An observatory built by Raja Jai Singh, who was a great scholar in the year 1686, Vedha Shala is a must-visit place of Ujjain besides the temples. He also built many other observatories in several places including Delhi, Jaipur, Varanasi and Mathura. Astronomical studies, which are conducted by the Department of Education, are published every year by this observatory. The observatory also houses a small planetarium. There is also a telescope to view the moon, Jupiter, Mars along with their satellites. The observatory also helps in weather forecasting.
Mahakaleshwar Temple
The most famous temple of Ujjain is the Mahakaleshwar Temple also known as or the Mahakal temple, which is one of the 12 jyotirlingas of India. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple houses a Shivling which is believed to be the sole Jyotirling which looks towards the south. Therefore, it is also called in the name Dakshinmukhi or the south looking ling. Besides the Shivling, the temple also houses idols of Parvati, Ganesh, Kartikeya and Shiva’s Bull – Nandi. It is one of the most revered Hindu pilgrimages of India.
Bhartrihari Caves
Situated on the bank of River Shipra, Bharatrithari Cave is one of the prominent tourist attractions of the city. It is located adjacent to the temple of Gadkalika and a traditional belief is associated with this site, according to which Bhartrihari, who is known as the stepbrother of Vikramaditya, lived and meditated before forsaking worldly pleasures. He was also a great poet and scholar. Some of his famous works are Shringarshatak, Vairagyashatak, and Nitishatak.
Kaliadeh Palace
The Kaliadeh Palace is situated on the embankments of River Shipra , which epitomizes classic Persian architecture. It is one of the prominent attractions of the city and with the backdrop formed by the river flowing on both sides of the palace, along with some man-made tanks and channels, this palace lures the tourists. Two Persian inscriptions are s well found in one of the corridors of the palace, which testimonies the visit of Emperor Akbar and Jehangir to the palace. It was once knocked down during the time of Pindaris and was again restored by Madhav Rao Scindia.
Patal Bhairav Temple
A popular Hindu pilgrimage of India, Patal Bhairav Temple is dedicated to the Shakti (power) of the mother Goddess. An interesting legend is associated with it according to which, a cruel and selfish demon, Bhairav Nath chased a young lady named Vaishno Devi, the reincarnation of Mother Goddess. In order to flee, the Devi shot an arrow in the ground from where water rushed out and took shelter in a cave. However, Devi had to assume the form of Mahakali to kill Bhairav after he found her. Just before dying, Bhairav begged for pardon and was granted Moksha along with a boon wherein each one of the devotees after visiting the Mother Goddess at the Holy cave, have to visit the nearby temple of Bhairav Nath in order to complete their pilgrimage.
Bade Ganeshji Ka Mandir
Bade Ganeshji Ka Mandir is an ancient temple located above the tank adjacent to the Mahakaleswar temple. This temple houses an artfully designed idol of Lord Ganesh and in the middle of the temple there is an idol of the pancha-mukhi (five faced) Hanuman. The temple also offers opportunities for learning astrology and Sanskrit in the temple.
Vedha Shala
An observatory built by Raja Jai Singh, who was a great scholar in the year 1686, Vedha Shala is a must-visit place of Ujjain besides the temples. He also built many other observatories in several places including Delhi, Jaipur, Varanasi and Mathura. Astronomical studies, which are conducted by the Department of Education, are published every year by this observatory. The observatory also houses a small planetarium. There is also a telescope to view the moon, Jupiter, Mars along with their satellites. The observatory also helps in weather forecasting.