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.