Ujjain, an ancient city in Madhya Pradesh, is a major Hindu pilgrimage destination situated beside the Kshipra River. The city is renowned for its temples, including the Mahakaleshwar Temple, known for its towering structure and ornate roof. The Bade Ganesh Temple features a colorful statue of the elephant-headed deity, while Harsiddhi Temple is famous for its tall pillars adorned with lamps. Ram Ghat, a revered bathing place, attracts devotees during the Kumbh Mela festival, while the Kal Bhairav Temple is notable for its unique offerings of alcohol. Ujjain is also home to the 18th-century VedShala observatory and the Mangalnath Temple, dedicated to the planet Mars, offering a rich blend of religious and astronomical significance.
places to visit in Ujjain
Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga
Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is a sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Ujjain. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingams, which are believed to be the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva. The temple is famous for its distinctive architecture and the belief that Lord Shiva resides here in his most powerful form.
Ram Ghat
Ram Ghat is a prominent Hindu pilgrimage site on the banks of the Shipra River. It is known for its numerous steps leading down to the river, which are used for performing religious ceremonies and taking holy dips, especially during the Kumbh Mela festival.
Kal Bhairav
Kal Bhairav Temple in Ujjain is dedicated to Kal Bhairav, the fierce form of Lord Shiva, believed to be the guardian deity of the city. The temple is known for its unique tradition where offerings of alcohol are made to the deity, a distinctive ritual for this temple.
Vikramaditya The Great Memorial Statue
The Vikramaditya The Great Memorial Statue in Ujjain is a 30-foot-tall brass statue of the legendary Indian king, Vikramaditya. The statue stands in a park-like setting, commemorating the king’s contributions to Indian culture, justice, and governance.
Harsiddhi Temple
Shri Harsiddhi Temple is one of the ancient Shakti Peeths of India, dedicated to Goddess Harsiddhi. It is one of the 51 Shakti Peeths associated with the mythology of Mata Sati and holds immense religious significance for Hindus.
Pir Matsyendranath
Pir Matsyendranath’s tomb, located in Ujjain, is dedicated to Matsyendranath, a revered saint in the Muslim community. According to belief, he took his Samadhi here, and the site is visited for its spiritual tranquility, situated near Gadhkalika Temple and Bhartrihari Caves.
Kaliadeh Palace
Kaliadeh Palace, located on the banks of the Shipra River in Ujjain, is a historical landmark known for its beautiful architecture and picturesque setting. The palace is an important site for visitors interested in the history of Ujjain and its royal heritage.
Bhartrihari Caves
The Bhartrihari Caves, named after Raja Vikramaditya’s stepbrother, are located near the Shipra River. These caves are a site of religious and historical importance, believed to be the meditation place of Bhartrihari, an ancient sage.
Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar in Ujjain is an 18th-century astronomical observatory, featuring a giant equinoctial sundial designed to measure time accurately, down to half a second. It was built by Maharaja Jai Singh II and is part of a series of observatories across India.
Chintaman Ganesh Temple
Chintaman Ganesh Temple, located on the banks of the Shipra River, is the largest Ganesh temple in Ujjain. Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, it is a popular spiritual site, known for its magnificent idol and peaceful atmosphere.
Chaubis Khamba Temple
Chaubis Khamba Temple is an ancient site known for its 24 ornate columns, which were part of the entrance gate to the Mahakala-Vana. The columns date back to the 9th or 10th century AD and are admired for their architectural design.
Best time to visit Ujjain
The best time to visit Ujjain is from October to March. During this period, the weather is most pleasant, with cooler temperatures that make it ideal for sightseeing and religious activities. Summers, from April to June, can be very hot, with temperatures often rising above 40°C. Monsoon season (July and August) brings humidity, which may not be comfortable for travel. Visitors are advised to carry light cotton clothes for the summer and warm woolens for the cooler winter months when temperatures can drop to around 8°C.
