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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 as the 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.
Click Here for Tourist Map Of Ujjain
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