BEST PLACES OF UJJAIN CITY

1) MAHAKALESHWARThe idol of Mahakaleshwar is known to be dakshinamurti, which means that it is facing the south. This is a unique feature, upheld by the tantric shivnetra tradition to be found only in Mahakaleshwar among the 12 Jyotirlingas. The idol of Omkareshwar Mahadev is consecrated in the sanctum above the Mahakal shrine. The images of Ganesh, Parvati and Karttikeya are installed in the west, north and east of the sanctum sanctorum. To the south is the image of Nandi, the vehicle of Lord Shiva. The idol of Nagchandreshwar on the third storey is open for darshan only on the day of Nag Panchami. The temple has five levels, one of which is underground. The temple itself is located in a spacious courtyard surrounded by massive walls near a lake. The shikhar or the spire is adorned with sculptural finery. Brass lamps light the way to the underground sanctum. It is believed that prasada (holy offering) offered here to the deity can be re-offered unlike all other shrines.

The presiding deity of time, Shiva, in his entire splendor, reigns eternally in the city of Ujjain. The temple of Mahakaleshwar, its shikhar soaring into the sky, an imposing façade against the skyline, evokes primordial awe and reverence with its majesty. The Mahakal dominates the life of the city and its people, even in the midst of the busy routine of modern preoccupations, and provides an unbreakable link with ancient Hindu traditions. On the day of Maha Shivaratri, a huge fair is held near the temple, and worship goes on through the night. In the precincts of the Mahakaleshwar temple is Shri Swapaneshwar Mahadev temple, where devotees pray to Shiva as Mahakaal, to realize the most important dreams of their lives. Sadashiv Mahadev is so empathetic, benevolent and easy to please that devotees are sure to be granted the boons they wish for with a

pure heart in this temple, it is believed. Here Mahadev is Swapaneshwar and Shakti is Swapaneshwari.

Source:- http://www.apnaujjain.com/9/mahakal.html

2) Ram Mandir Ghat

Ram Mandir Ghat, located near the Harsiddhi Temple in Ujjain is famous for its Kumbh Mela. Kumbh Mela is held in every 12 years. Ram Mandir Ghat, Ujjain is the most ancient bathing ghat in connection with the Kumbh celebrations.

During the Kumbh Mela, lakhs of fortune-seekers gather the city from all corners of India. It is believed that those people who took a holy dip in Ram Mandir Ghat will attain the much-awaited salvation. During the time of Kumbh Mela, this oldest bathing Ghat in Ujjain will be crowded with devotees. Apart from its religious significance, Ram Mandir Ghat is a fascinating place for a leisurely walk especially a walk in the early morning and at sunset is quite enchanting.

Source:- http://www.apnaujjain.com/11/ramghat.html

3) Iskon TempleSri Radha Madan Mohan Mandir is certainly the manifestation of HH Bhakti Charu Swami’s heart, with exquisitely beautiful deities, a befittingly gorgeous opulent temple, a flourishing Tulsi garden and attractive lush flower gardens, as if enveloping the temple awaiting to serve The Divine Couple. HH Bhakti Charu Swami had the temple erected from rough rocky ground to a breathtakingly beautiful marble temple, in an unbelievable and historical 10 months and 20 days! The temple is made from the finest of marbles which HH Bhakti Charu Swami personally selected from the very famous Marble mines of Makarana. It is marble from this very place that was used to build one of the Seven Wonders of the World – The Taj Mahal!

Source:- http://www.apnaujjain.com/101/isckonujjain.html

4) Gopal MandirDedicated to lord Krishna, Gopal Temple in Ujjain presents a classic example of Maratha architecture. Built in the 19th century, by Bayajibai Shinde, this huge temple is placed in the middle of a big market. Its strategic position in the heart of the city attributes the popularity of the temple.

This temple is a marble-spired structure and the deity's two feet tall statue is placed on a marble-inlaid altar with silver-plated doors. The door in the inner sanctum is the same door, which had been carried away by Ghazni from the Somnath temple. Mahadji Scindia recovered the door and now it has been installed in this temple.

Source:- http://www.apnaujjain.com/31/gopalmandir.html

5)Mangalnath Temple

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Mangalnath Temple is a greatly respected holy place situated in Ujjain. As per the inscriptions in Matsya Purana, Mangalnath is said to be the birthplace of Mars. Mangalnath Temple is placed on a serene surroundings and it overlooks the vast stretch of water in the majestic Shipra River.

A marvelous shrine located far away from the flurry of the city life, offers an unimaginable sense of tranquility to the tourists. The temple is situated at the place where the first meridian is said to pass the earth and so this place was a renowned spot for a clear view of the planet and consequently it turned to be an apt place for astronomical studies.

Source:- http://www.apnaujjain.com/15/mangalnath.html