Location : Right Bank of River
Shipra
Original Name : Avantika
Attractions : Kumbh Mela,
Mahakaleshwara Temple |
Tourism in
Ujjain
Ujjain is situated on the right bank of
River bank or River Shipra. It is a very
holy city for the Hindus a site for the
triennial Kumbh Mela. According to Hindu
scriptures, it was originally called
Avantika. There is an interesting tale
behind the sanctity of the city. It's origin
is ascribed to the mythological legend of
Sagar Manbthan (churning of the primordial
ocean to discover the pot of nectar). The
story goes that after the nectar was
discovered, there was a chase between the
gods and the demons to have the nectar first
and thus attain immortality. During this
chase a drop of nectar spilled and fell on
Ujjain, thus making the city sacred.
Apart from mythological legends, the city
has a long and distinguished history. It was
governed by the likes of Vikramaditya and
Ashoka. Kalidas wrote his soul stirring
poetry here.
Today, Ujjain represents an interesting
blend of an age old legacy and the modern
day lifestyle.
What to See
Mahakaleshwara : This temple of Lord Shiva
with its lingam is one of the 12
Jyotirlingas in India. It is also known asthe shrine of Mahakaleshwara. The temple has
an idol of Omkareshwara Shiva consecrated in
the sanctum above the Mahakal Shrine. The
temple also mages of Ganesh, Parvati,
Kartikeya and Shiva's Bull, Nandi.
Bade Ganeshji Ka Mandir : There is a
sculpted image of Lord Ganesh, ion this
temple, close to the tank near Mahakaleshwar.
Chintamani Ganesh : A temple of considerable
antiquity and a popular place of pilgrimage,
the idol here is believed to be self formed.
Bhartrihari Caves : According to legend, the
caves on the banks of the river Shipra near
Gadkalika Temple are where the great
scholar-poet Bhartrihari lived and
meditated.
Harsiddhi Temple : Another Important shrine
with the image of Goddess Annapurna.
Kal Bhairava : The specialty of this temple
is its intricate paintings in the Malwa
style. 
Observatory : The stars and the skies seemed
fascinating in the 17th century too. That
would perhaps explain the number of
observatories that we have in India. Even
this 17th century observatory has a
planetarium and a telescope.
Vikram Kirti Mandir : This Mandir has the
Scindia Oriental Research Institute, an
archaeological museum and an art gallery.
Actually, a cultural centre, it is dedicated
to the memory of King Vikramaditya - the
much honoured King of Ujjain.
Gopal Mandir : A sanctum inlaid with marble
and silver plated doors constitute the main
attraction of this temple.
Navagraha Mandir : The ruling planets have
always had an important place in the Indian
rituals and tradition. This temple is
dedicated to the nine ruling planets (Navagraha
means nine planets) It is located on the
Triveni Ghat of the Shipra river.
Festivals
Mahashivratri : Having one of the 12
Jyotirlingas in India, obviously,
Mahashivratri is a big event here. Thousand
of pilgrims flock to the fair grounds near
the famous Mahakaleshwar temple and fast and
worship throughout the night.
Simhastha Kumbh Mela : It is a mammoth fair,
held once in twelve years at Simhastha. The
magnificence and awesome spectacle of the
bathing ritual defies description.
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India
Travel Guide / States / Madhya Pradesh / Cities / Ujjain Travel
