Ujjain is a religious city of the country in Madhya Pradesh state. It is the holy land having numerous ancient temples with great value. Tourists from across the world come here to dive into the city’s divine environment. Ujjain is an old city listed in existence for more than 5000 years in Hindu mythologies. The city has a spiritual history leaving its evidence to date. The city hosts the largest religious gathering in the world during the Kumbh Mela, which is held here every 12 years.
According to the geographical locations this city is on the meeting point of 0° meridian longitude and tropic of cancer. This is the centre point of the earth hence the city is known as the Greenwich of India. The city has one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and is also one of the seven most religious cities in the country. In the 2nd century, the city was under the hold of the great Ashoka who was the last successor of the Maurya dynasty. Ujjain is a mesmerizing destination known for its historical temples, spiritual landmarks, sacred ponds, and many more.
Ujjain is famous for
- Mahakaleshwar Temple:- This is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva in the country. This temple is a must-visit place and the city is famous for this temple. It is a belief that the lingam here is self-manifested which is facing south unlike other lingams. The temple has a huge complex styled in Marathas and Chalukya architecture.
- Harsiddhi Temple:- It is one of the nine Shakti Peeths present in the country. It is believed that a body part of Devi Sati has fallen on the place where this temple is found. In the temple, there is an idol of Lord Shiva and Sati. This temple has a huge prestige among the locals and visitors. However, it is a must to visit the temple here.
- Kalbhairava Temple:- This temple is the second most visited destinations of the city. The temple is devoted to Bhairava an expression of Lord Shiva. They say that Kal Bhairava is related to Tantra Cults who follows the religious black magic traditions. This sacred temple has many mythologies describing its spiritual tales of Kal Bhairava.
- Rama Janardhan Mandir:- The temple was built in the 17th century and the boundaries around it were constructed in the 18th century by Marathas. This ancient temple has the idols of Shree Ram and Lord Vishnu. The temple has many pictures on its walls and structure making it a charming location.
Tourist Attractions
- Kaliadeh Palace:- It is a historic monument that lies on an island in the Shipra River. This palace was founded in the 15th century by the sultan of Mandu. The place is surrounded by water from two sides and earlier it was a famous sun temple on the bank of the Shipra River. However, you can witness the incredible Persian architecture of the palace. This palace was rebuilt during the rule of Scindia of Gwalior.
- Ram Ghat:- This is the main ghat of the Shipra River. It is the most sacred ghat where the Khumb Mela is organized. At this place, you can have a dip in the holy water of the river and enjoy some peaceful time on the river bank. The evening prayer of the Shipra River here is the major attraction of this place.
- Jantar Mantar:- It is an observatory founded by Raja Jai Singh II in the 17th century along with the other four observatories in the country. This place is also known as Vedh Shala Observatory used for studying the orbits and motions of the planets. However, it is the only place where the research on astronomical factories is still and a report is published every year.
- Bhrithari Cave:- This cave is near the Gadkalika Temple and on the bank of the Shipra River. This cave belongs to Bhrithari who was the elder brother of Raja Vikram Aditya who did his prayers here. The cave is divided into two parts one can be seen here having various tiny temples and the other one is closed and has a direct way to Kashi.
Specialties of Ujjain
Every location is famous for its taste, i.e., local food. While visiting a place and having a taste of its delicious local street food is a must. Ujjain is famous for its spicy and sour flavors in its dishes. Here you can try Pani Puri, Aloo Chole, Kulfi and the list goes on including Rabri and Barfi. Hence, when visiting the Nagri of Mahakal it is mandatory to try the Bhang Thandai at Mahakaleshwar Bhang Ghota.
The speciality of Ujjain is the Mahakaleshwar Temple which is the symbol of time and death. They say that tourist visit here to prevent their untimely death. This temple is now a huge premise having a south-facing Lingam Temple with many other structures of various gods. Additionally, here you can also see the structures describing the legendary scenes from the Hindu mythologies.
This city is known as the temple city of Madhya Pradesh as well as the most sacred land on the earth. Here you can participate in the evening aarti of Shipra River, this is the time when people in the city move to Ram Ghat to attend the aarti. During this time, you can feel the true harmony and spirituality in the air and get lost in the mesmerizing environment.
The best time to visit
The best time to visit Ujjain is the time when you want to have a serious talk with Mahakal. This city and temples are open the whole year for the tourists to pay their visits. But the peak season of tourist arrival in the city is from October to March. During this time weather is pleasant and cold so you can easily explore the mesmerizing ancient temples here. However, visiting in winter is good because in this season the temperature is not so low and high. However, in summer the climate of the city is hot and humid which creates a little difficulty for trailing in the city.
Conclusion
Therefore, Ujjain is a beautiful city to explore and experience the spiritual values of Hindu Culture. This city has many sacred temples valuable in their own ways and with their different beliefs. It is a mesmerizing location to wander in as well as you can also witness the nearby places having an amazing landscape. The city is full of historic values and astonishing facts that will take you to the world of powers. Moreover, during your visit to Ujjain, you can explore the school of Lord Krishna on the outskirts of the city. This place is named Sandipani Ashram on the edge of the Gomati River where the saint Guru Sandipani has taught Lord Krishna. However, this city is a religious center to visit and spend some divine moments in its peaceful and harmonious environment.
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