The ancient city of Ujjain is situated on the banks of the Shipra River. Ujjain is the city of temples. The Simhastha Kumbh Mela is held here every 12 years. One of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, the Mahakaleshwar Temple (Mahakal) is located in this city. Apart from Mahakal, there are many temples here. Ujjain is at a distance of 55 km from Indore, the largest city of Madhya Pradesh. The ancient names of Ujjain are Avantika, Ujjayani, Amravati, Suvarnaganga etc. This city is known as the main pilgrimage center of India. Situated on the right bank of the holy Shipra river, this city is considered one of the Saptapuris of India. Ujjain was the capital of Vikramaditya's kingdom. It is also known as the city of Kalidas.
Mahakaleshwar Temple
Mahakaleshwar Temple of Ujjain is one of the major twelve Jyotirlingas of India. The greatness of Mahakaleshwar temple is described in detail in various Puranas. From great poet Tulsidas to many famous poets of Sanskrit literature have described this temple. The idol of Mahakaleshwar is south facing. Among the twelve Jyotirlingas, only Mahakaleshwar has the importance of famous south facing worship in the Tantric tradition. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is divided into three sections Mahakaleshwar, Omkareshwar and Shri Nagchandreshwar. The main attractions of the Mahakaleshwar Temple are Bhasma Aarti of Lord Mahakal, Nagchandreshwar Temple, Royal Ride of Lord Mahakal etc. It is said that your visit to Mahakaleshwar is incomplete if you do not see the Bhasma Aarti of Mahakal that takes place every morning.
Shree Bade Ganesh Mandir
Near Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple, a grand idol of Bade Ganesha is situated on Harsiddhi Marg. Along with the five-faced Hanuman idol made of Saptadhatu in the temple premises, the idols of Navagraha temple and Krishna Yashoda etc. are also enshrined.
Mangalnath Temple
According to the Puranas, the city of Ujjain is called the mother of Mars. People who have heavy Mars in their horoscope, they come here to get worship done for the peace of their malefic planets. It is said that this temple is centuries old. There is an influx of devotees in this temple on every Tuesday.
Harsiddhi Temple
The temple of Harsiddhi Devi is prominent among the ancient and important religious places of Ujjain city. Harsiddhi Devi was worshiped by Emperor Vikramaditya in this temple located a little away from Chintaman Ganesh Temple and on the banks of Rudrasagar pond. Harsiddhi Devi was the deity of the Vaishnava sect. According to Shivpuran, the elbow of Sati fell here after Daksha Yagya.
Shipra Ghat
The ghats of Shipra river have a prominent place in the religious form of Ujjain city. There are also new and old temples of different gods and goddesses on the ghats. The glory of these ghats of Shipra is seen during Simhastha, when millions of devotees take bath here.
Gopal Mandir
Gopal Mandir is the second largest temple of Ujjain city. This temple is located in the busiest area in the middle of the city. The temple was built around 1833 by Maharani Baija Bai, the queen of Maharaja Daulatrao Scindia. There is a Krishna (Gopal) idol in the temple. The silver doors of the temple are another attraction here.
Gadkalika Devi Temple
The temple of Gadkalika Devi is dedicated to Kalika Devi. The great poet Kalidas was a worshiper of Gadkalika Devi. This temple was rebuilt by Maharaja Harshavardhana during the seventh century. The temple is believed to have been established during the Mahabharata period, but the idol is from the Satya Yuga. Thousands of devotees gather in this temple of Maa Kalika for darshan. Goddess Kalika is considered the goddess of Tantrikas. Seeing the grandeur of this temple, the Maharaja of Gwalior also got it rebuilt. Shipra river flows from near this temple.
Bhartrihari Caves
The remains of an eleventh-century temple called Bhatrihari's cave have been renovated from time to time. There is a cave of Bhatrihari in the upper part of the Shipra coast. One has to go inside the cave through a narrow path. This place is situated near Gadkalika temple. It is said about these caves that Bhatrihari used to live here and used to do penance. Bhatrihari was a great scholar and poet. The Shringanshatak, Vairagyashatak and Nitishtak composed by him are very famous. He has a very high place in Sanskrit literature.
Kaal Bhairav Temple
Kaal Bhairav Temple is situated on the banks of Shipra river which is very ancient and miraculous. This temple is associated with the Kapalik sect of worshipers of Lord Shiva. Even today there is a huge statue of Kaal Bhairav inside the temple. In ancient times this temple was built by King Bhadrasen. Kaal Bhairav has an important place in the Ashta Bhairav mentioned in the Puranas.
Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh is a state in central India, known for its rich history and cultural heritage. The state is home to several ancient cities, including Indore, Bhopal, and Gwalior, which are known for their palaces, temples, and monuments. Madhya Pradesh is also home to several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, including Kanha National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park, and Pench National Park. The state has a rich tradition of folk music and dance, with several forms originating in the region, including the Bundeli and Malwa folk music and the Gond and Baiga tribal dances.
Ujjain
Ujjain is an ancient city in the western part of Madhya Pradesh. It is considered one of the seven sacred cities in Hinduism and is a major pilgrimage site. The city is known for its ancient temples, including the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple and the Kal Bhairav Temple. Ujjain is also famous for its Kumbh Mela, which is held once every 12 years and attracts millions of devotees.