One of the four sites for Kumbh Mela, also known as Ujjayini, Avanti, Avantika, Avantikapuri, Ujjain is the fifth largest city of Madhya Pradesh. Ujjain is located on the eastern bank of the Kshipra River. Ujjain is one of the prominent Hindu pilgrimage sites as the famous Mahakaleshwar temple dedicated to lord shiva is situated here. Ujjain is a top attraction for travelers as it has an immense wealth of religion, architecture and educational value.

Ujjain is also known as Greenwich of India because of its geographical location in which tropic of cancer passes through Jantar Mantar. Religion has been the center of philosophy, culture, learning, and faith since ancient times Of Ujjain. On this basis, many religious sites were built naturally here. Many kings, religious leaders who cherished Hindu religion and culture, adorned this religious place with beautiful and attractive temples and places of worship.

The city of temples, Ujjain is famous for the presence of Mahakaleshwar temple which is the most sacred and revered place of pilgrimage for the Hindus community. Mahakaleshwar temple is sacred as it is one of the 12 jyotirlingas in India and Lingam at the Mahakala is believed to be swayambhu (born of itself) deriving currents of power from within itself. It’s a three-storey temple having Mahakaleshwar at the lowest, Omkaresvara in the middle and Nagachandresvara lingam in the uppermost part of the temple. There is a Kunda called Koti tirtha which is considered to be very sacred. The prime attraction for tourist in Ujjain is Mahakaleshwar Bhasm Aarti. Bhasm aarti is performed every day before dawn breaks. A lot of travellers specially visit Mahakaleshwar temple to witness the Bhasm Aarti as this is the only jyotirlinga where this aarti is performed.

Temples to see in Ujjain are:

1. Kal Bhairav Temple: Kal Bhairav is an aggressive form of Lord Shiva. Temple is famous among tantriks and sadhus.

2. Ram Mandir Ghat where Kumbh Mela takes place every 12 years. It is believed that there are four places where the drop of nectar fell down during the ocean churning among demons and gods, Kumbha Mela is organized at that places and Ujjain is one of that city.

3. Harsiddhi Temple: The temple of Shri Harsiddhidevi Devi has a special place in the ancient and holy places of worship of Ujjain. In the Skanda Purana, there is a description that Maa Bhagwati killed the evil demons at the request of Shivji, hence her name became famous by the name Harsiddhi. According to Shivpuran, Sati’s elbow fell here and hence it is a Shaktipeeth.

4. Other temples include Bade Ganpati Temple, Gopal temple, Shri Ram Janardan temple, Mangalnath Temple and many other places are also there.

Best time to Visit Ujjain

Ujjain seems at its best during the months from October to March. Winters are quite cold and the weather is pleasant for sightseeing.

Connectivity to Ujjain

The city of temples Ujjain is very well connected to other major cities through road, railway, and air transport. The nearest airport is the Indore Airport which is 50-55 km away from the Ujjain. Ujjain is also connected to major cities like Delhi, Indore, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Agra through road transport.