Ujjain is a very sacred city for Hindus on eastern bank of river Kshipra. It is about 70kms north to Indore city and western region of Madhya Pradesh state. In history, Ujjain was known by many names like Ujjaini, Avantika, Amravati, Pratikalpa and Kummudduity. It is also site for the triennial Kumbh Mela, which comes to Ujjain every 12 years. It was an important city in the Kingdom ruled by Ashoka’s Father, when it was known as Avanti. Later it was so attractive to Chandragupta II [380-414 AD], one of the Gupta kings, that for long period he ruled from here rather than his actual capital, Patliputra. His court supported the ’nine gems’ of Hindu literature including the important poet Kalidas. Later Ujjain became a center for much turmoil & although it was, for a time, capital of the Malwa region it passed between the Rajputs & Mughals before eventually falling to the Scindias of Gwalior.
According to Hindu mythology, Gods and Demons churned the Ocean to acquire Amrit (the immortal nectar). Once the vessel of Nectar was retrieved, Gods were chased by the Demons and, in the process, some drops of the Nectar fell on Earth. Ujjain is considered to be one of those places. The city, therefore, became an important spot for major religious activities and finds mention in the Atharva Veda and the Skanda Purana. It also served as the host to many renowned historical figures, like King Vikramaditya, Raja Bhoj, Kalidasa, etc.
Ujjain is famous for its Mahakaleshwar Temple. The temple enshrines one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. It is situated near a lake and has five levels. The lingam of the temple is considered as Swayabhu (itself born). Mahakaleshwar temple is located in a spacious courtyard, surrounded by massive walls. It has a finely sculptured tapering shikhara, which dominates the city. Brass lamps illuminate the underground sanctum. Unlike other shrines, prasada once offered here to the deity can be re-offered. On Shivratri, a huge fair is organized here and worshipping takes place throughout the night.
Mahakaleshwar or the Mahakal shrine is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. The shrine is a famed and respected temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Sri Sri Radha Madan Mohan Temple has been established by the ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness). The shrine is regarded as a milestone of the Hare Krishna Campaign.
According to the Saivite culture, the veneration of the eight Bhairavas is an integral feature of the Hindu customs. The main among these Bhairavas is the Kal Bhairava, assumed to be constructed by the monarch Bhadresen, near the riverbanks of Shipra.
Bade Ganeshji Ka Mandir is located over the reservoir close to the Mahakaleshwar Mandir. The place of worship houses an enormous and aesthetic statue of Lord Ganesha, who is Lord Shiva's son.
The Chintaman Ganesh shrine is the largest historic place of worship dedicated to Lord Ganesha and is among popular tourist places in Ujjain.
The temple is famous for its magniloquent statue of the deity Wagheshwari and 'Sinh (lion) - Dwar (gate)'.
This memorial is dedicated to Vir Durgadas who played a key role in making the city of Jodhpur free. The entire monument has been built in Rajput pattern architecture.
This historic mansion is situated in the northern part of the city of Ujjain. The regal Scindia clan of Madhya Pradesh ruled from the Kaliyadeh Palace.