Tourist places in and around Ujjain
Mahakaleshwar Temple
Located near the lake, this temple is dedicated to Shiva's manifestation of Mahakal. Built in five levels, including an underground level, the temple is surrounded by a spacious courtyard and huge walls. The lingam is believed to have been formed on its own and the entire temple is lit up by brass lamps. The tower (shikhara) is finely sculpted as are the balconies, and the walls have adornments of sculptures, motifs and statues. The sanctum also houses images of Ganesha, Parvati, Kartikeya and Nandi Bull. The main roof in the sanctum is adored with 100 kg silver Rudrayantra. The huge Jaladhari (vessel of water suspended over the shivalinga) is also made in silver. A particular event you should not miss is the Bhasma Aarti or ash-smearing ceremony, in which hot ashes from the cremation grounds are smeared on the shivalinga. This event is believed to symbolize the fact that life and death are inseparable.Open from: Bhasma Aarti 4.00 am-6.00 am
The famous shrine of Lord shiva enshrines one of the tweleve Jyotirlingas in the country. It was destroyed by Altamish of Delhi in 1235and was restored in 19th century by the Scindias.
Bade Ganeshji Ka Mandir
Located near the Mahakaleshwar Temple, Bade Ganeshji ka Mandir houses a huge statue of Ganesha. A unique element you're unlikely to find elsewhere is the presence of a five-faced Hanuman in the middle of the temple. This temple is also an institute for imparting education in astrology and Sanskrit language.It is located near the Mahakaleshwar temple and is known for the large ornate statue of Lord Ganesh.
Chintaman Ganesh Mandir
Of considerable antiquity, the Ganesha idol is believed to be a swayambhu or self-made idol, like the shivalinga in Mahakaleshwara Temple. The temple showcases finely carved pillars in the main hall. The white sanctum houses the main idol flanked by his consorts, Riddhi and Siddhi.This ancient temple on the opposite bank of the river shipra has artistically carved pillars in the assembly hall.
Gopal Mandir
Dedicated to Lord Krishna, this beautiful marble temple is situated in the main market area. The sanctum houses a two feet tall idol of Krishna covered in silver and placed on a white marble altar with silver-plated doors.The 19th century shrine was built by the queen of Maharaja Daulat Rao Scindia. The siver plated doors of the sanctum were originally taken from the temple at somnath to Ghazni in Afghanistan and then to Lahore. The gates were rescued by Mahadji Scindia and installed in the temple.
Harsiddhi Temple
Another shaktipeeth where Sati's elbow is said to have fallen, the dark vermilion idol of Goddess Annapurna is the presiding deity here. Highlights of the temple include two towering lighted iron lamp, which are especially bright during Navratri, when hundreds of lamp are lit. Another interesting feature is the Yantra or Nine Triangles depicting the nine names of Goddess Durga. Before you enter the temple, you would come across a rock smeared with turmeric and vermilion. This is believed to be the head of King Vikramaditya, which was offered to Goddess Durga.It houses the famous image of the goddess Annapurna.
Kalbhairav Temple
This temple is dedicated to Bhairava, a manifestation of Shiva as the Destroyer. The temple also has sculptures of Vishnu, along with other Hindu gods and goddesses. The main shivalinga is placed under a banyan tree opposite the Nandi Bull. The temple is particularly active during the Shivratri festival.Kaliadeh Palace
This historical palace is said to have been built over a Hindu Sun Temple on an island in River Shipra. The bridge connecting the island to the mainland still has remnants from the Sun Temple. The water from the river is transported to the palace, where it cascades over carved stone screens.Situated on the banks of the Shipra, the 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.
This ‘Water Palace' of the Mandu sultans was built in 1458, on an island in the shipra. Its central dome is a fine example of Persian architecture.
Navagraha Mandir
This temple is dedicated to the nine ruling planets and located on the Triveni Ghat of the Shipra River. The idols are covered with different coloured cloths and offerings of flowers, coconuts and vermilion are made by devotees.Pir Matsyendranath
This structure was built in the memory of Matsyendranath, a famous Shaivite leader of the Natha Sect. Set on the banks of River Shipra, this is a simply created white structure marked by a dome and four small minarets.Sandipani Muni's Ashram
This Ashram is dedicated to the Guru Sandipani, who imparted training and instructions to Lord Krishna. The Ankapata area near the ashram is believed to have been used by Lord Krishna for washing his writing tablets. You'd also find numbers from 1 to 100 engraved on the stone, believed to have been done by Guru Sandipani himself. Adjacent to the ashram is the Gomti Kund, which is a stepped water tank. Legend has it that Krishna directed the waters from holy places across the centres, so his Guru would not have to travel.The 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 Guru Sandipani located here.
Vikram Kirti Mandir
houses the Scindia Oriental Research Institute, an archaeological museum, and an art gallery. The Scindia Oriental Institute has a rare collection of old palm-leaf and bark-leaf manuscripts. Dedicated in the memory of King Vikramaditya; the much honored King of Ujjain it's a well known cultural centre. There is an illustrated manuscript of the Srimad-Bhagavatam in which gold and silver were employed in the paintings. There is also a rich collection of old Rajput and Mughal style paintings.Vedh shala (observatory)
This is an observatory designed by Maharaja Jai Singh, similar to the Jantar Mantar in Delhi and Jaipur. You can get a guided tour of how the instruments were used. Samrata Yantra was used to calculate time, Nadi Walaya Yantra calculated the position of the sun and equinoctial days, Dignasha Yantra was used to mathematically calculate the position of stars and planets and Bhitti Yantra was used for calculating the declination of the sun and distance of the zenith. If you're interested, you can also purchase a copy of the yearly position of planets.It was built by Raja Jai Singh II of Jaipur in 1730, when he was the Governor of Malwa under the Mughal Emperor Muhammad shah. Ujjain has been India's Greenwhich wince the 4th century BC, as it stands on the first meridian of longitude for Hindu astronomers, who believed that the Tropic of Cancer also passed through the site.
Bhartrihari Caves
This is said to be the caves on the bank of River Shipra, where the scholar-poet Bhartrihari stayed and meditated.These caves are situated just above the bank of the Shipra near the temple of Gadkaklika. According to the popular tradition, this is the spot where 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 fo the exquisite use of the Sanskrit meter.