Attractions

Ujjain has a plethora of temples that are spread all over the town.

Mahakaleshwar Temple :- Mahakaleshwar Temple, cited by the great poet Kalidasa in his works, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. The temple is a five-storied massive structure and its carved motives displays the Rajput style of architecture while screens and pavilions combined with marble colonnades reminds the influence of Mughal style. The deity here is called Dakshinamurtias since the idol is facing southwards.

Bhasm Arti, one of the important ritual of this temple is a symbolic representation of Death and Life. This unusual sacrament that involves smearing the linga with hot ashes from the burning ghats is a mark of respect the Destroyer of the universe, Lord Shiva. The Mahakaleshwar Temple is undeniably a treasured place and a sculptural glee to the visitor.

Gopal Mandir :- Dedicated to lord Krishna, Gopal Temple in Ujjain presents a classic example of Maratha architecture. Built in the 19th century, by Bayajibai Shinde, this huge temple is placed in the middle of a big market. Its strategic position in the heart of the city attributes the popularity of the temple.

This temple is a marble-spired structure and the deity's two feet tall statue is placed on a marble-inlaid altar with silver-plated doors. The door in the inner sanctum is the same door, which had been carried away by Ghazni from the Somnath temple. Mahadji Scindia recovered the door and now it has been installed in this temple.

Harsiddhi Temple :- One among the shaktipeeths of Hindu Mythology, Harsiddhi Temple, in Ujjain is the abode of numerous Goddesses of Hindu Pantheon. One among the fascinating aspect of this shrine is the structure which is made up of a rock smeared with turmeric paste and vermilion .The temple turns magnificient on the eve of the Navaratri festival, when hundreds of lamps on the 15 feet lamp stand being lit together.

Yet another characteristic feature of the marvelous shrine is the presence of Sri Yantra, or nine triangles that represent nine names of Goddess Durga. This lovely shrine also houses images of other goddess also. The famous dark vermilion image of Annapurna, the Goddess of Nourishment, and the idol of Mahasaraswati, the Goddess of Wisdom and Knowledge are significant for their typical Maratha architecture.

Vikram Kirti Mandir The Vikram Kirti Mandir in Ujjain has been established in order to jog the memory of the young generation about the glory of the Mauryan Age. A cultural centre, which is established on the occasion of the second millennium of the Vikram era, the Vikram Kirti Mandir holds the Scindia Oriental Research Institute, an archaeological museum, an art gallery and an auditorium.

The Scindia Oriental Research Institute has a priceless assortment of 18,000 manuscripts on diverse subjects and runs a reference library of vital oriental publications. The Institute's manuscript collection, which covers a wide range of subjects, is really amazing. Besides the illustrated manuscript of Shrimad Bhagavata, this museum houses rare collection of Mugal and Rajput paintings, Palm leaf and bark leaf manuscripts, vast collection of coins, sculptures and inscriptions.

Navgraha Mandir :- unique temple dedicated to the Planets of Our Solar system, Navgraha Mandir in Ujjain indicates that the planets need to be propitiated to avoid a negative influence. In India, Astronomy and Astrology adorned a pivotal role in the life of people of ancient times and the popular belief is that each planet exercises an influence on the lives of people.

Marking of the first meridian at Ujjain, adds a special significance to this temple, which situates at the confluence of the Shipra and two other rivulets. Devotees tender flowers, coconuts and vermilion, and especially mustard oil as their offerings to the deities.

The Kal Bhairava Temple :- Bhairav is a fierce materialization of Lord Shiva, and the city of Ujjain has numerous shrines dedicated to this ferocious manifestation. Kal Bhairav temple is believed to be associated with the Tantra cult, a heretical secret religious group with brawny black magic nuances. The temple premises are mottled with holy men with ash smeared body and long matted hair.

The Kal Bhairava Temple houses a Shiva linga under a banyan tree inside the periphery of the temple opposite to the statue of Nandi Bull. Kal Bhairav temple also depicts beautiful sculptures of other deities along with Lord Vishnu. On the eve of Mahasivarathri, the temple premises put on a festive mood when this shrine is packed with ardent devotees.

Bade Ganeshji Temple Situated near the tank of the Mahakaleshwar Temple, Bade Ganeshji Ka Mandir holds a colossal statue of the elephant-headed God. The elephant head of the deity signifies wisdom, discretion and foresight that the Hindus attribute to divinity.

In the center of the Ganeshji temple, there lies an exceptional statue of Hanuman, a deity of devotion and belief. What makes this deity so unique is the fact that Hanuman is depicted here with five faces, which symbolises courage, loyalty, devotion, strength, and righteousness. An important centre for learning, Bade Ganeshji Temple imparts knowledge in the field of astrology and Sanskrit.

Ram Mandir Ghat :- Ram Mandir Ghat, located near the Harsiddhi Temple in Ujjain is famous for its Kumbh Mela. Kumbh Mela is held in every 12 years. Ram Mandir Ghat, Ujjain is the most ancient bathing ghat in connection with the Kumbh celebrations.

During the Kumbh Mela, lakhs of fortune-seekers gather the city from all corners of India. It is believed that those people who took a holy dip in Ram Mandir Ghat will attain the much-awaited salvation. During the time of Kumbh Mela, this oldest bathing Ghat in Ujjain will be crowded with devotees. Apart from its religious significance, Ram Mandir Ghat is a fascinating place for a leisurely walk especially a walk in the early morning and at sunset is quite enchanting.

Patal Bhairav Temple A legendary temple, which holds an astounding story about the power of the mother Goddess, Patal Bhairav Temple adorns a prime position.

Hindu mythology states Bhairav Nath, a selfish demon, chased a young girl Vaishno Devi, who was none other than the incarnation of the Mother Goddess. In order to escape from the demon, Devi shot an arrow into the Earth from which water gushed out and then found a shelter under a cave. When Bhairav located her, Devi was compelled to take the form of Mahakali, and killed the demon. In his last moments, Bhairav pleaded for forgiveness. Bhairav was granted Moksha along with a boon that every devotee, in order to accomplish their pilgrimage, had to visit Bhairav Nath's temple near the Holy cave after the darshan of the goddess.

Sandipani Ashram The Ancient Indian Tradition of gurukul imparts education to students irrespective of their wealth or poverty. Besides a variety of subjects and ancient scriptures, in gurukul, students were taught battle techniques and spiritualism. From the vedic period itself, Ujjain was a reputed center of learning.

Sandipani Ashram is a famous hermitage situated in Ujjain, where Lord Krishna spent his formative years until adolescence. Sandipani, the saint in the hermitage, taught Krishna and Balarama, here in this Ashram.

The Ashram situates adjacent to so many remarkable spots, which are closely associated with lord Krishna. Another important feature of this ashram is that the supporters of Vallabha sect regard this place as the 73rd seat of Vallabhacharya where he conveyed his speeches throughout India. Sandipani Ashram and its serene surroundings provides a divine feeling to all those who wish to be in tranquil ambience.

Gomti Kund :- The legendary place where Lord Krishna believed to have summoned the holy rivers from all the pilgrim centres so that his old Guru can peacefully do all the rituals. Gomti Kund is a steeped water tank, which situates near to the Sandipani Ashram.

Sandipani ashram bears references in the Vedas and Puranas and excavations held here revealed 3,000 years old painted artifacts, which show that this was a significant place from ancient days. Remnants of excavation show a close resemblance to the articles unearthed from Hastinapura, Indraprastha, Mathura & Kausambi. One among the oldest holy spot, Gomati Kund is the perennial source of water supply to the Ashram.

Chaubis Khamba Temple An impressive structure, which belongs to ninth or tenth century AD, Chaubis Khamba Temple presents an architectural marvel. The majestic entrance gate of the magnificient Mahakala-Vana, the remains of which provides an amazing spectacle. Two splendid images of goddesses are depicted on each side of the gate with the inscription of their names on the foot steps.

These guardian-deities by name Mahamaya and Mahalaya in a very graceful form guards the grand entrance of the structure. One can imagine the dimensions of the boundary-wall of the conventionally recognized Mahakala-vana, which is now covered under thick inhabitation.

Ram Janardan Temples :- Constructed by Mirza Raja Jaisingh in the Seventeenth Century, Ram Janardan temples present an eye-catching look. Presenting an outstanding structural elegance, these temples depict masterpieces of Maratha paintings on their walls. The Maratha Kings added some of the structures in the temples in the eighteenth century. The imposing pictures on the walls of the temples add the charm of the temples.

These fabulous shrines also houses some amazing sculptures which dates back to the 11th and 12th century. The image of Govardhandhari Krishna, Brahma, Vishnu and Mashesa are very striking for their architectural grandeur and sculptural excellences. It is certain that these awe-inspiring shrines are worthy enough to catch the attention of not only the devotee but also a casual visitor.

Pir Matsyendranath Pre-Islamic India held peers and saints with great respect and it is believed that they have attained spiritual awareness through stern atonement. Matsyendra, a peer belonged to the Natha sect of Saivism lived in the outskirts of Ujjain, and Pir Matsyendranath is dedicated to the memory of this great leader.

The Hindus and the Muslims of Ujjain equally revere an exceptionally attractive shrine on the banks of the Shipra, Pir Matsyendranath. Excavations at this site have revealed some antiques, which date back to the 6th and 7th century BC.Though this shrine is not a marvel in terms of architecture, its simple white structure with a dome flanked by small minarets on four sides provides a serene appeal to the surroundings.

Bhartruhari Caves Bhartruhari Caves in Ujjain is believed to be the place where Bhartrihari, the step brother of Vikramaditya, have lived and meditated after renouncing worldly life. His famous works, Shringarshataka, Vairagyashataka, and Nitishataka, were possibly written here.

Situated just above the bank of the Shipra River, Bhartrihari Caves is a predominant tourist place in Ujjain. One among the ideal location where one can experience the glorious heritage of past, Bhartrihari Caves exemplifies the historical elegance of Ujjain

PLACES AROUND UJJAIN

Many of sites in Ujjain are a long way away from the center of town. Therefore, it would be advisable to opt for the easily available auto rickshaws or the more romantic but slower tongas.

Mandu is 152 km from the town. Here, one can visit Taj-ul-Masjid, Shaukat Mahal, Rupmati's Pavilion, and Hindola Mahal, which tell the tales of the kings and queens of the region.

Dewas, 36 km from the town, has a famous Devi Chamunda temple situated on a hilltop. Agar is an archeological site situated 66 km away from Ujjain that must not be missed.

At a distance of 21 km from Ujjain is Ratlam, a town famous for its cactus garden. The garden has over 1,205 species of cacti, one of the largest collections of the plant in Asia.