Quick Facts
Location - Ujjain is an ancient city of Malwa in central India on
the eastern bank of the Kshipra River.
How To Reach - The nearest airport is Indore(53km), which links with
Mumbai, Delhi and Bhopal. The Nearest railhead is Ujjain, which links with
major cities of India. Roads connects Ujjain with Ahmedabad, Bhopal, Mumbai,
Delhi, Gwalior, Indore, and Khajuraho. Local buses connects with Ratlam,
Mandu, Dhar, Kota, Omkareshwar and others.
Where To Stay - Plenty of accommodation available ranging from delux
hotels to budget.
When To Go - September To March
Major Attractions - Mahakaleshwar Temple, Bade Ganeshji Ka Mandir,
Bhartrihari Caves, Kaliadeh Palace, Observatory (Veda Shala), Harsiddhi
Temple and Gadkalika Temple
Ujjain is one of the holiest cities in India and considered one of the
seven sacred cities of the Hindus, also known as Saptapurior Mokshapuri to
Hindus. It is also an ancient town where religious activities were carried
out about 2000 years ago. The township is also mentioned in the Atharva
Veda, the last of the four Vedas of Hindu scriptures. Early history of
Ujjain can't be traced out as it lost in ancient times. According to legend,
it was known as Avantika and later on King Shiva defeated demon king of
Tripuri and named it to Ujjainyini means one who conquers with pride.
The city is quietly lie on the right bank of River Shipra. The holy city
for Hindus is also a site for the grandiose Kumbh Mela. Ujjain is famous for
mythical stories and sacred history. Ujjain was ruled by some great emperors
like Vikramaditya and Ashoka. Famous Sanskrit poet Kalidasa wrote legendary
poems in this place. Not only Hinduism, Ujjain witnessed a profound
emergence of Buddhism in the 4th century. The place is scattered with
damaged sculptures and monasteries. Other Buddhist remains are ancient bones
and skeletons, coins, terracotta figurines, beads and semi precious stones.
Sights And Activities
Mahakaleshwar Temple
At first impression, it may not draw your attention but behind a conga line
through the underground chambers can be magical. At other times, the marble
walkways are a peaceful preamble to the subterranean chamber containing one
of India's 12 jyoti linga - naturally occurring lingam believed to derive
currents of Shakti(creative energy) from within themselves rather than being
ritually invested with mantra shakti by priests.
Harsiddhi Mandir
This small temple was built during the Maratha period. The temple is famous
for the shrine of goddess Annapurna. At the entrance, two blackened stone
towers bristling with lamps are a special feature of Maratha art.
Gopal Mandir
The most beautiful one among all, built by Scindias inspired by Maratha
architecture in the 19th century. It was much damaged by Muslim plunderers,
stole the main silver plated doors and installed them in Ghazni,
Afghanisthan. Md. Shah Abdali later took them to Lahore, before Mahadji
Scindia brought them back here.
Ved Shala (Observatory)
Ujjain enjoyed a position of considerable importance in the field of
astronomy. It has been India's Greenwich since the 4th century BC and built
by Maharaji Jai Singh in 18th century. He also built many other observatory
in Delhi, Jaipur, varanasi and Mathura, Ujjain's one is only one still in
use. The observatory has a small plantarium and telescope used to determine
the the locations of heavenly bodies for astrological divinations.
Kalidas Academy
The Kalidas Academy is made in memory of famous poet Kalidasa by Madhya
Pradesh government. The institution enable research and study in Sanskrit
classical and traditional performing arts. The theater inside the
institution is made according to Bharata natya Shastra, along with a
exhibition hall and theater museum, library and seminary halls, research
facilities for scholars.
Strolling Around The Ghat
The famous of all is ram Ghat. Just walk or sit on a Ghat and plunge into
the spirituality undefined.
