Ujjain

Ujjain is the fifth-largest city of Madhya Pradesh by population and the administrative center of Ujjain district and division. As one of the sacred Sapta Puri pilgrimage sites, the city remains crowded with devotees throughout the year who come to worship Lord Shiva.

An ancient city on the eastern bank of the Shipra River, Ujjain is the most prominent city on the Malwa plateau of central India, known for its rich historical legacy. Once the capital of the Avanti Kingdom, one of the sixteen mahajanapadas, it was an important political, cultural, and commercial hub until Indore emerged as its alternative in the 19th century. The city also holds deep significance for Shaivites, Vaishnavites, and Shakti followers.

The origin of Sri Mahakaleshwar Temple is lost in time, though references to it appear in the prehistoric period. According to the Puranas, the temple was first established by Lord Brahma. Ancient punch-marked coins of Ujjain, dating back to the 4th–3rd century BC, also bear figures of Lord Shiva, proving its antiquity.

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Sri Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas of India. The presiding deity here is believed to be Swayambhu, deriving energy from itself, unlike other lingams that are consecrated through rituals and mantras.

One of the most revered rituals of the temple is the Bhasm Aarti of Mahakal, performed daily at 4 AM. This divine ceremony attracts devotees from across the country who come to witness this spiritual experience. While in ancient times the aarti used ash from the first funeral pyre of the night, today it is conducted with specially prepared ashes from cow dung. The serene atmosphere during the ritual fills devotees with peace, faith, and positivity.

The Harsiddhi Temple, dedicated to Goddess Shakti (Annapurna), is one of the most revered shrines included in every Ujjain temple tour. The idol of the Goddess, painted in dark vermillion, sits between the figures of Goddess Mahalaxmi and Goddess Mahasaraswati. As per the Shiva Purana, when Lord Shiva carried the body of Goddess Sati, her elbow fell at this spot, making it a holy Shakti Peeth.

Reconstructed during the Maratha period, the temple is known for its two towering lamp pillars, a unique example of Maratha art. Located just 2.5 km from Ujjain Junction, the temple is open daily from 5 AM to 7 PM, with no entry fee for devotees. For pilgrims booking an Ujjain Mahakal Darshan tour package or an Ujjain Omkareshwar tour, a visit to Harsiddhi Temple is a must for blessings of the Divine Mother.

The Sandipani Ashram is a holy shrine that glorifies Ujjain, built in remembrance of Maharishi Sandipani. As per mythology, this is the divine place where Guru Sandipani taught Lord Krishna, his brother Balaram, and his friend Sudama. Counted among the famous attractions of the city, it is an important stop on every Ujjain temple tour.

Inside the ashram, a stone engraved with numerals from 1 to 100 is preserved and believed to have been inscribed by Guru Sandipani himself. Along with the main shrine, the complex also houses other temples, including the Sarveshwar Mahadev Temple, which enshrines a 6000-year-old Shivlinga with Sheshnaag in its natural form. Devotees believe Guru Sandipani and his disciples once worshipped here, making it a spiritually enriching site for pilgrims visiting on Ujjain tour packages or Ujjain Omkareshwar tours.

The Chintaman Ganesh Temple is one of the most famous Ganesha shrines in India and a major highlight of every Ujjain temple tour. Located on the banks of the Kshipra River, the temple’s name “Chintaman” means “reliever of stress,” and true to its name, it draws countless devotees seeking peace and blessings.

As per legends, Lord Ganesha is worshipped as the lord of auspicious beginnings, which is why devotees frequently visit this temple before starting new ventures or entering important phases of life. Inside the sanctum, the idol of Lord Ganesha is flanked by his divine consorts, Riddhi and Siddhi, symbolizing prosperity and spiritual success.

A must-visit spot on Ujjain tour packages and Ujjain Mahakal Darshan trips, this temple continues to bless devotees with positivity, prosperity, and new beginnings.

The Ram Mandir Ghat, located on the banks of the Kshipra River, is one of the most famous and sacred ghats in Ujjain. It holds immense religious importance as one of the four venues where the Kumbh Mela is organized every 12 years. As per mythology, a few drops of Amrit spilled here by Lord Vishnu, making the ghat a holy site for devotees. The Kumbh Mela in Ujjain is among the world’s largest spiritual gatherings, drawing over 2 crore pilgrims. A major attraction for visitors is the serene Kshipra Aarti performed every evening at the ghat.

The best time to plan an Ujjain temple tour package is between October and March, when the weather is cool and pleasant for sightseeing and darshan. During the summer months, the temperature may rise up to 37°C, making travel slightly uncomfortable. For pilgrims booking Ujjain Mahakal Darshan or Ujjain Omkareshwar tour packages, the winter season ensures a more comfortable and fulfilling spiritual journey.