Ujjain Darshan
Mahakaleshwar Temple
Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is situated below ground level(Garbhagriha) in the main temple. The idol of Mahakaleshwar is known to be dakshinamurti, facing the south. This is a unique feature upheld by tantric traditions to be found only in Mahakaleshwar among the 12 Jyotirlingas. Due to these considerations, worship of Shri Mahakal with vedic mantras proves fruitful for the devotee. The idol of Omkareshwar Shiva is consecrated in the sanctum above the Mahakal shrine. The images of Ganesh, Parvati and Kartikeya are installed in the west, north and east of the sanctum. To the south is the image of Nandi. The idol of Nagchandreshwar on the third storey is open for darshan only on the day of Nagpanchmi. Read more..
Harsiddhi Temple
The Harsiddhi temple is one of the 52 Shakti Peeths situated all over India. According to legend, Shiva married Sati, the daughter of Daksha, a Prajapati who was proud of his position and disliked his ascetic son-in-law. In an effort to put his son-in-law in his place, Daksha organized a yagna and deliberately did not invite Shiva. Hearing of the grand yagna, sati visited it by herself, ignoring her husband's advice, and, furious with her father for thus deliberately ignoring her husband, cast herself into the flames lit for the yagna. Her act led to Shiva's ganas going berserk with rage, and Shiva himself arriving at the scene and dancing the Tandava (the angry dance) with sati's body in his arms. While Shiva was later calmed down and amends made, it is believed that parts of Sati's body fell on earth as He danced, and each of these (totaling 52 in number) are revered as Shakti Peeths. Read more..
Kal Bhairav Temple
The Shaivites worship eight Bhairavas and the Kal Bhairava is the most important. It is thought that the temple of Kal Bhairava has been erected by the King Bhadrasen. This was done at the banks of the river Shipra, whose iridescent view rejuvenates the traveler and sanctifies him of his sins. The Kapalika and the Aghora sects usually worship Kal Bhairava. The temple of Kal Bhairava is therefore very important to them. Liquor is offered to the lord as a part of the worship and the temple exhibits beautiful Malwa style of architecture. The paintings on the wall of the temple are however only visible in part. Read more..
Gopal Temple
Gopal temple at Ujjain is dedicated to Lord Krishna in blue form. It is also known as Dwarikadhish Temple. Lord Krishna is the lover of milkmaids, the celestial herdsman and the great incarnation of Preserver of the Universe-God Vishnu. Gopal temple was constructed by Bayajibai Shinde, the queen of Maharajah Daulat Rao Shinde, in the 19th century. The steeple structure in Marble proves the fantabulous example of the architecture of Maratha. There is an outstanding statue of God Krishna in silver form with the height of 2 feet. The idol of God Krishna is placed on a marble-inlaid altar with the silver-plated doors. Read more..
ISKCON Temple
The International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), popularly known as the Hare Krishna Movement, was founded in 1966 by His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. ISKCON is a worldwide association of devotees of Lord Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead; its members consist of 10,000 temple devotees and 250,000 congregational devotees. Sri Sri Radha Madan Mohan Temple, of the ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) or Hare Krishna Movement is newest on the map of Ujjain. Its beautiful idols and architect is a major attraction for tourists. A well maintained goshala is present just behind the temple. The ISKCON temple is situated 3 km from railway station, on Dewas road. Read more..
Chintamani Ganesh Temple
The temple is built across the Shipra on the Fatehabad railway line. The Ganesh idol enshrined here is supposed to be swayambhu - born of itself. The temple itself is believed to be of considerable antiquity. Riddhi and Siddhi, the consorts of Ganesha, are seated on either side of Ganesha. The artistically carved pillars in the assembly hall date back to the Paramara period. Worshippers throng to this temple because the deity here is traditionally known as Chintaharan Ganesh meaning "the assurer of freedom from worldly anxieties". Read more..
Maharishi Sandeepani Ashram
The fact that ancient Ujjain apart from its political and religious importance, enjoyed the reputation of being a great seat of learning as early as the Mahabharata period is borne out by the fact that, Lord Krishna and Sudama received regular instruction in the ashram of Rishi Sandipani. The area near the ashram is known as Ankapata, popularly believed to have been the place used by Lord Krishna for washing his writing tablet. The numerals 1 to 100 found on a stone are believed to have been engraved by Guru Sandipani. Read more..
Shree Mangalnath
Mangalnath temple is located on the bank of river Shipra. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva, Mangalnath Temple is a greatly respected holy place situated in Ujjain. According to the Matsya Purana it is known as the birth place of Mars. Far away from the flurry of the city life, Mangalnath Temple is placed on a serene surroundings and it overlooks the vast stretch of water in the majestic Shipra River. The temple is situated at the place where the first meridian is said to pass the earth and so this place was a renowned spot for a clear view of the planet and consequently it turned to be an apt place for astronomical studies. Read more..
Kaliadeh Palace
The Kaliadeh Palace is located on the banks of the River Shipra and is the most visited sites of the state of Madhya Pradesh. It is like an isle that is separated by a small stretch of water that makes it look more elegant. this island-like site immediately conjures up the natural beauty of ancient Ujjain which poets down the ages have waxed lyrical. The glorious landscape of the flowing river on both sides of the palace and the man-made tanks and channels, with water gurgling through them, provide a spectacular backdrop to the imposing building. The Avanti-mahatmya of Skanda Purana has recorded a description of the Sun temple and two tanks, The Surya Kunda and the Brahma Kunda. Remains of old temple are scattered all around. A fragmented inscription of this place records building of the palace in 1458 AD, in the time of Mahmud Khilji. The central dome of the palace is a beautiful example of Persian architecture. Read more..
Bhartrihari Caves
These caves are situated just above the bank of the Shipra near the temple of Gadkalika. According to popular tradition, this is the spot where the great Sanskrit Poet Bhartrihari, who is said to have been the step brother of Vikramaditya, lived and meditated after renouncing worldly life. He is believed to have been a great scholar and poet. His famous works, Shringarshatak, Vairagyashatak, and Nitishatak, are known for the exquisite use of the Sanskrit meter. These caves are situated just above the bank of the Shipra near the temple of Gadkalika. Read more..
Pir Matsyendranath
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. This place is known as the tomb of Matsyendra Nath, the famous preceptor of Nath sect. An exquisite and beautiful shrine revered by both Muslims and Hindus lies on the Shipra river banks, namely Pir Matsyendranath and is dedicated to the great sage, Matsyendra. Read more..
Ram Ghat
Ram Ghat, Ujjain is legendary for its Kumbhmela. Ujjain is taken into account the Greenwich of India due for the fact the first meridian of longitude passes through it. According for the Indian astronomers, that the Tropic of Cancer passes through the picturesque city of Ujjain. Ram 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. Read more..
Triveni Ghat
The temple of Navagraha, the nine planets, on the Triveni ghat of Shipra is a prominent centre of attraction for the pilgrims. There is a confluence of Khan river near Triveni ghat on the Shipra. Mythological sanctity of the invisible river Saraswati, associated with the story of Triveni-sangam, is attributed to this place also. Presently, the Khan river , known with different names around Indore, has been blocked for irrigation in the upstream. Its water is not worth welcoming into the Shipra. Read more..