Tourist Attractions in Ujjain

Ujjain is highly popular among pilgrims, devotees of Lord Shiva, leisure travelers and people interested in cultural heritage. Ujjain is an ancient city with glorious history. It is one of the Saptpuri (सप्तपुरी) of India. Being the seat of Mahakaleshwar Temple, one of the Dwadash Jyorirlingam (द्वादशज्योतिर्लिंग), Ujjain holds immense religious significance for the Hindus. Ujjain is one of the places sanctified by nectar from the Kumbh and a Kumbh Mela is held here once in twelve years. A large number of pilgrims gather here on this occasion on the banks of River Kshipra, participate in spiritual discourses and perform various religious rituals. Visitors from all across globe reach to observe the congregation. Ujjain is visited round the year by the devotees of Lord Shiva. The waters of the river Kshipra that washes the city are sacred, and during the Kumbh Mela and other religious holidays, bathing in the river is an act of worship.

Places to visit in Ujjain are primarily are famous temples, ancient caves and historical monuments. These tourist attractions showcase rich heritage of the place. Historically, Ujjain was a vice-regal capital of the Mauryan Empire and Asoka, during his father’s reign, was the viceroy of Ujjain. The legendary Hindu king Vikramaditya is said to have lived six months of the year at this place during his reign and the greatness of Ujjain is linked with this emperor and the legendary nine gems (Nava Ratnas, nine great men) who adorned his court. For several centuries Ujjain was the cultural capital of India. The great playwright Kalidas lived here and is reckoned one of the ‘gems’. Many Sanskrit plays of the classical period, like Shudrak’s Mricchakatikam and Bhavabhuti’s Malati-Madhava, depict life in the city, and the city of Avanti or Avantika (the ancient name of Ujjain) plays an important role in the romances and fairy tales of medieval India. It was also the meridian for astronomical calculations, and Varahamihir, the celebrated Hindu astronomer, is believed to have lived in Ujjain. A modern interesting development is the periodical cultural festival held in Ujjain in honour of Kalidas, the great dramatist and poet of the Gupta age, whose famous plays are performed by trained actors for a full season. Ujjain has been a seat of learning since the ages.

Ujjain tourism revolves around religious, cultural, historical and archaeological exploration. Plan your visit to famous Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, the holy place, which is one of the twelve Jyotirlingam of Lord Shiva. Sandipani Ashram, the place where Lord Krishna completed his education, is a must-see site. Kal Bhairav Temple is necessarily visited by a devotee of Lord Shiva. Kal Bhairav Temple is supposed to be built by King Bhadrasen near the Kshipra River. One can also visit Bhartrihari Caverns on the shore of Kshipra and get an idea how Bhartrihari, believed to be the half-brother of Vikramaditya, lived his life in spiritual contemplation at this place. A tourist or pilgrim can also visit Sri Shri Radha Mohan Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, established by the ISKCON (International Society for Consciousness Krishna). Among other tourist attractions in Ujjain are Harsiddhi Temple, Gopal Temple, Ram Ghat, Kaliadeh Palace etc.