Any spiritual journey is fascinating as it allows you to uncover the treasures of ancient traditions and mesmerizingly beautiful architecture that takes you to the age-old era and makes you feel eternally blissful.
Ujjain is one such city that nurtures the ancient tradition and gives you glimpses of the historic and mythological era. Moreover, situated on the banks of the Kshipra River, this place has numerous temples and places of historic importance.
This ancient city has much more to offer beyond its religious sites and includes several historical monuments, museums, and more that provide a glimpse into its glorious past. Consequently, one can rightly say that Ujjain is a bright gem in the crown of India’s religious tourism.
There is something extraordinary about the holy city of Ujjain which is quite evident from the varied range of things you can do here and experience a new level of tranquility. The mesmerizing sites and temples in Ujjain will surely take you to a different era and make you feel enchanted.
In this blog, we will be shedding some light on the ten most visited temples in Ujjain that are considered among India’s most sacred and were beautifully built in the ancient era. Also, we will be covering the top tourist attractions in Ujjain that are worth a visit.
Visiting these temples and sites will make you feel blissful and give you a captivating spiritual experience.
So, let’s get started!
Temples in Ujjain You Must Visit
Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple
The Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain is religiously significant as it is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India. Furthermore, it is the sacred shrine of Lord Shiva, and people believe that Lord Shiva himself visited this place.
The unique specialty of this Jyotirlinga is that it is ‘Swayambhu’, which means it originated by itself. Also, the Mahakaleshwar temple here is one of the 18 Mahashakti Peethas in India.
The Puranas mention that Prajapita Bramha himself built the temple. Another fact about the Mahaleshwar idol is that it is Dakshinmukhi that is it faces south, unlike all other Jyotirlingas.
The most mesmerizing event of this temple is the Bhasmarti which takes place every day at 4 am and is filled with immense spiritual energy and the early morning calmness makes it even more enchanting.
Highlights
- Is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas
- The temple remains open from 4 am to 10 pm
- Surrounded by Rudra Sagar Lake
- Bhasma Aarti takes place every day at 4 a.m.
Kal Bhairav Temple
The fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva is Bhairav and Kal Bhairav is the most important among the eight Bhairavas. People consider Kal Bhairav as the guardian deity of Ujjain and call him the Senapati of the town.
Another interesting thing about the temple is that they offer liquor as Prasada to the deity, and it is believed that the idol consumes it. You can see vendors outside the temple selling a basket containing flowers, coconut, and a bottle of Liquor.
The temple’s architectural marvel and overall atmosphere and ambiance will enthrall you. This makes it a must-visit spot. The presiding deity here is the Shiv Linga which sits under a massive banyan tree.
This temple sees a large crowd mostly on Mahashivratri and the devotion around the temple at those times is something you should not miss. This is the time when you get to see the actual grandeur of the temple.
Highlights
- Has an association with the tantra cult of the Hindu religion.
- Lord Shiva is the presiding deity here
- Mahashivratri is the best time to visit the temple
- People think this temple helps them overcome their worries and problems.
Mangalnath Temple
The Mangalnath temple in Ujjain holds enormous religious importance. Consequently, hundreds of devotees come to this temple, called the birthplace of the planet Mars, to offer their devotion and get rid of dark energies and obstacles in life.
The place also holds cosmic significance, and if you are interested in astrology, you can come here for sky gazing and studying planetary movements. Here, you can also seek the blessings of Lord Mahadev, the guardian deity of the city.
The temple sits at a serene location near the Kshipra River and features amazing architecture that transports you to an ancient era. It is a beautiful spot for spiritual rejuvenation and you will feel mesmerized with the overall ambience. The temple is specifically known for performing the Mangal Dosh Nivaran Pooja, which aims to alleviate the ill effects of the planet Mars.
- This is the place where Lord Shiva’s son Mangal was born
- They hold Mangal Dosha Puja at this temple.
- You can visit any day between 6 am and 7.30 pm.
- Is an important location for astrology enthusiasts.
Chintaman Ganesh Temple
The Chintaman Ganesh temple dedicates itself to Lord Ganesha, known as the Lord of the Beginnings. It was built around the 11th and 12th centuries and holds historical significance. It is also known as Bade Ganesh ji ka Mandir, located close to the Mahakaleshwar temple.
The temple also has an exceptional statue of Lord Hanuman with five faces which symbolizes courage, loyalty, devotion, strength, and righteousness.
People believe that praying in front of Lord Ganesha at this temple helps one overcome all obstacles and makes life stress-free. Therefore, hundreds of devotees visit this place daily to take the blessings of Lord Ganesha.
The temple boasts beautiful architecture with finely carved pillars and white shrines. The ambiance here is calm and soothing and makes you feel relaxed.
Highlights
- You can visit between 5.30 am and 8.30 pm every day
- They created the sanctum in the Nagara architectural style.
- According to mythology, King Vikramaditya erected the temple
- Situated close to Mahakaleshwar Temple
Harsiddhi Temple
Built by King Vikramaditya in honor of Goddess Harisiddhi, this temple is one of the 51 holy Shaktipeethas of India. This temple boasts an idol of Annapurna between the idol of Mahasarwati and Mahalaxmi.
The temple has beautiful architecture which is the fusion of Maratha and Parmaras culture. It has a stunning entrance gate with elaborate decorations. You can also see a gold-plated dome and a pyramid-shaped roof in the main temple.
They fashioned the idol of Goddess Harisiddhi from black stone and decorated it with beautiful jewels. People believe that the Harisiddhi Shaktipeeth of Ujjain is a great source of power and energy.
The Harsiddhi temple is considered one of the major temples that add grace to the divine land of Ujjain with its presence. Moreover, Navaratri is the main festival here, and thousands of devotees offer their devotion to the Goddess Harsiddhi.
Highlights
- Visiting hours of the temple which is from 5 am to 7 pm.
- It is one among India’s 51 Shakti Peethas
- The main temple has a gold-plated dome and a pyramid-shaped roof
- King Vikramaditya erected the temple in the first century BC
Shri Chaubis Khamba Mata Temple
Dated back to the 9th or 10th century, the Chaubis Khamba Mata temple is a captivating historical wonder. The name Chaubis Khamba derives from the fact that there are 24 Poles (Khambas) here in the temple.
These poles, along with the rest of the temple complex, showcase beautiful architecture from the 10th century. Additionally, the temple offers immense tranquility, which makes it a must-visit destination.
The temple mostly celebrates festivals like Mahashivratri and Navratri. You can see thousands of devotees visiting this temple during those times and the ambiance is just spellbinding.
It is one of the oldest temples of Ujjain and is among the most popular places of pilgrimage. During the times of King Vikramaditya, builders constructed the temple, where you can see images of the guardian deities Mahalaya and Mahamaya.
Highlights
- Dates back to the 9th or 10th century
- The temple dedicates itself to Chhoti Mata and Badi Mata
- Built during the times of King Vikramaditya
- They observe Navratri here on a huge scale.
Navgraha Mandir
The temple, situated on the banks of the Kshipra River, uniquely dedicates itself to the planets of our solar system. Furthermore, people believe that those who sincerely worship Lord Shani at this temple get rid of all their worries and sorrows.
The architecture of this temple is beautiful with a grand entrance gate and exquisite sculptures on all its sides. Several pillars, displaying different deities, support the structure.
Here you can see the deities of nine planets housed in nine different chambers and each chamber also has a small lingam. People believe that King Vikramaditya worshipped at this ancient temple. Moreover, devotees perform many rituals in this temple, with the most popular being the Navgraha Dosha Shanti Pooja, including the Sade Sati Pooja of Shani.
The temple complex has a calm environment, and one really feels blissful after visiting this temple. Therefore, this temple is a must-visit for an enchanting spiritual experience.
Highlights
- Saturday is the day to visit this temple.
- Navgraha Mandir is located on Triveni on Indore road.
- A fair is held on Shani Shastri Amavasya
- Located on the convergence of 3 rivers; Shipra, Gandaki, and Saraswati.
Shri Dwarkadhish Gopal Mandir
The majestic marble-towered Gopal Mandir, famous for its 2-foot-tall Krishna idol, stands at the center of the market square. Additionally, a silver-plated altar supports the idol, which is entirely cloaked in silver and gold jewelry.
The temple is one of the popular places of pilgrimage in Ujjain and is among the best places to visit. It is also the second largest temple in Ujjain after the Mahakeashwar temple.
The Scindias originally owned the vintage property, which was later turned into a temple. People believe the temple is around two hundred years old. Moreover, the temple, built in the 19th century, is a brilliant specimen of Maratha architecture.
They hold a grand pooja in the temple that lasts for 2 hours. They celebrate the festivals of Janmashtami and Harihar Parwa here with great enthusiasm.
Highlights
- Has a 2 feet high statue of Lord Krishna
- You can visit between 5.30 am and 7.30 pm
- This temple is an outstanding example of Maratha architecture
- Was built in the 19th century
Shri Gadhkalika Temple
The Gadhkalika temple in Ujjain holds tremendous religious significance among devotees from all over the country. Additionally, the temple has an immaculately sculpted idol of Goddess Kalika and is among the famous places to visit in Ujjain.
The temple is an ancient Hindu shrine and its history dates back to the times of Mahabharata. They believe that the idol of Goddess Kalika is older than the temple and claim it to be from the era of Satyuga.
King Harshvardhan renovated the temple in the 7th century, and later, the Gwalior state rebuilt it. People believe that Kalidasa worshipped Goddess Gadhkalika at this place and gained knowledge.
Though it is not a Shaktipeeth, it holds equal importance to that of the Shakti Peeth due to its location in the region of Harsiddhi.
Highlights
- Situated near Bhartrihari Caves
- Dedicated to Goddess Kali
- They celebrate Navratri as the major festival here.
- It was built during the time of Mahabharata.
ISKCON Temple
This majestic white marble temple in Ujjain is an appealing place that is a must-visit. The temple houses marble idols of Radha Madana Mohan, Shri Krishna, Balram, and Shri Gauri Nitai, dressed in vibrant colored dresses and beautiful jewelry.
The temple is located at a distance of 5 km from Ujjain junction near the Nandakheda Bus stand. It is regarded among the famous temples of Ujjain and one of the prominent ISKCON temples in India.
It is a magnificent marble temple that was opened in 2006 and is also known as the Radha Madana Mohan temple. Krishna devotees hold the temple in special regard because they believe that Krishna, Balaram, and Sudama received their education in this city from Maharishi Sandipani.
The temple is also the only solar-powered temple in Ujjain and is managed by the ISKCON organization. The temple has abundant flower beds and Tulsi gardens which makes the place even more pleasing and joyful.
Highlights
- Have idols of Radha Madhana Mohan, Lord Krishna, and Radha with Gopis, and Sri Gauri Nitai
- The temple complex comprises Goshala, resident housing, an office, and Brahma Chari Ashram.
- The priests conduct six aartis every day to the deities
- Janmashtami is one of the main festivals celebrated here
Top Attractions in Ujjain
Mahakal Lok Corridor
The 900-metre-long Mahakal Lok Corridor project surrounds the old Rudrasagar Lake. Consequently, the project receives a large number of tourists every day and is becoming a global tourist destination.
They built the corridor around the centuries-old Mahakaleshwar temple and included two gateways, the Nandi Dwar and the Pinaki Dwar. Additionally, a row of 108 sandstone columns features a ‘Trishul’ design on top, with various ‘Mudras’ of Lord Shiva etched on the pillars.
The corridor complex includes a park and playing area for children, a parking lot, Triveni museum, and an open-air theatre. Furthermore, the other highlights of the temple include gushing fountains and mural paintings. Additionally, there are 50 mural paintings that depict the stories of Lord Shiva from the Shiv Puran.
Highlights
- The mega corridor has a length of around 920 meters
- The corridor has around 200 statues
- Showcases murals of the stories mentioned in the Shiva Purana
- A total of eight forms of Lord Shiva are available for Mahakal Lok Darshana.
Bhartrihari Caves
People associate the Bhartrihari Caves with the great scholar and renowned poet Bhartrihari, known for his great works in Sanskrit. Moreover, people believe that he wrote some of his popular works, like Nitishatak, Vairagyashatak, and Shringarshatak, in these caves.
Situated near the Gadhkalika Mata temple above the banks of the Kshipra river, the Bhartrihari Caves are one of the major tourist attractions in Ujjain. Furthermore, the place is serene, and one can feel the peaceful and spiritual ambiance.
The cave also has a stone-carved statue of the Poet Bhartrihari in the sitting position. There is also a small temple in the caves which is the holy Shrine of the Nath community.
It is said that Bhartrihari, the brother of King Vikramaditya, gave up his worldly life to do penance in these caves. Consequently, he meditated there and spent most of his life in these caves.
Highlights
- Brother of King Vikramaditya gave up his worldly life to do penance in these caves.
- The cave features paintings and scriptures
- The cave is in close proximity to the revered temple of Gadkalika
- The caves offer a serene and spiritual atmosphere.
Kaliadeh Palace
This palace, built in the 18th century near the Kshipra river, offers a scenic view of the river and surrounding hills. Additionally, many tourists visit this place for picnics and boating. Furthermore, the Mandu Rulers built it in 1458 AD.
Inside this monument, you can see a glimpse of Persian architecture, with many Persian inscriptions found. The place holds historical significance and takes you to a different era.
Emperor Akbar and Jehangir visited this beautiful palace. Moreover, it is a must-visit if historical monuments interest you. Furthermore, Maharaja Madhao Rao Scindia restored the palace in 1920 after the Pindaris damaged it.
The palace is built at a fascinating riverside position and offers a scenic view which makes it an ideal spot for picnics and outings.
Highlights
- Made in Persian architecture
- Built by Mandu Rulers in the year 1458 AD
- Among the most iconic historical places to visit
- Popular spot for picnics and boating
Ram Ghat, Ujjain
Situated near the Kshipra River, Ram Ghat is the most vibrant tourist destination in Ujjain. Moreover, the place has a peaceful and serene atmosphere, and devotees come here to take a dip in the holy river and attend the evening aarti.
The Ram Ghat is of immense religious importance as the holy Kumbha Mela takes place here every 12 years. Additionally, people consider this Ghat to be one of the oldest bathing ghats in connection to the Kumbha celebrations.
They maintain the place well, and you will find many Dharmashalas nearby. The sunset in the evenings is a must experience which fills you with joy and calmness.
The most mesmerizing experience is taking a boat ride in the river in the evening when the sun is setting and the aarti is going on. It is the most enchanting experience you can have.
Highlights
- Has a peaceful and serene atmosphere
- Kumbh Mela takes place every 12 years.
- One of the oldest bathing Ghat
- You can take a boat ride here
Sandipani Ashram
The Sandipani Ashram is a holy shrine built in remembrance of Rishi Sandipani. Additionally, this is the place where Rishi Sandipani gave his teachings to Lord Krishna, Balaram, and Sudama. Furthermore, there are mentions about this Ashram in the Mahabharata.
This place has played a significant role in spreading knowledge in the ancient mythological times. Additionally, you can also see the Mystical Gomati Kund here. Furthermore, the ashram holds historical and mythological significance, and you can glimpse the traditional education system here.
People believe that Lord Krishna used an area near the Ashram known as Ankapata to wash his writings. There is also a stone where Guru Sandipani himself engraved the numbers 1 to 1000.
This is an ideal place for those interested in Vedas and spiritual learnings. The Sandipani Ashram organizes a summer course for the interested students every year. The Ashram provides free boarding and lodging within its premises during those times.
Highlights
- Inside Ashram there is 6000 year old Shiva linga called Sarveshwar Mahadev
- Shri Krishna lived here for 64 days and took his teachings
- Built-in remembrance of the Maharishi Sandipani
- You can feel a Cool, Calm atmosphere with the Aura of Ancient Vedic culture
Summary
Ujjain is a place of tremendous religious significance in India. Mainly known for the Mahakaleshwar temple, Ujjain is also home to many ancient temples and sites that are mentioned in this article.
Tourists and devotees from all over the country come to Ujjain for the mesmerizing spiritual experience that this place provides. Moreover, it is among the most sacred places in India and has a history dating back to the mythological times.
The places mentioned above are historically important and take you to a different era. If you are planning to visit Ujjain, you surely should not miss these captivating places.
Ujjain is a popular tourist spot and provides many facilities like private transport, hotels, tour guides, and the best restaurants. Therefore, if you are planning to travel, you must include Ujjain in your travel list and experience the spellbinding aura of this place.
