Temples to see in Ujjain

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga ( Hindi: महाकालेश्वर ज्योतिर्लिंग) is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingams, which are supposed to be the most sacred abodes of Shiva.

Bhartrihari caves of Madhya Pradesh stand proudly on the bank of the Shipra River, near the revered Gadkalika Temple of Ujjain. Named after the famous sage 'Bhatrihari', the caves stand as testimony to the traditional wealth of India. Today, these caves are popular amongst tourists visiting Madhya Pradesh for their historical charm. The pellucid waters of Shipra cascades near the caves and add to the beauty of the place.

This temple situated above the tank near the Mahakaleshwar temple, enshrines a huge artistic sculpture of Ganesh, the son of Shiva. The Ganesh idol enshrined here is supposed to be swayambhu - born of itself.

Harsidhhi, a contracted form or, at its very least, a form of "Harshad Amba" - The Happy Mother, is considered one of the aspect of Amba and Kalika, the Hindu Devi. She is also known by the names like Harshal, Harshad, Harshat Shikotar, Sikotar Momai and Vahanvati Mata.

This temple is situated away from the bustle of the city and can be reached through a winding road. The temple looks upon a vast expanse of the Shipra waters and fills the onlooker with an indescribable sense of peace.Mangalnath is regarded as the birth place of Mars, according to the Matsya Purana. In ancient times, it was famous for a clear view of the planet and hence suitable for astronomical studies. Mahadev or Shiva is the deity which is worshipped in the temple of Mangalnath.

One of the most famous temples in Ujjain, this temple adds to the similarity of Ujjain and Kashi. As at Kashi, Kal Bhairav is the Kshetrapal, or the guardian deity of the city, and it is the custom to leave the keys with the deity when the temple is closed at night, in the belief that he takes care of the temple and its properties.

Situated about 2 miles from the city of Ujjain, the deity in this temple is believed to have been worshipped by Kalidasa. The legend goes that he was an idiot and it is by his devotion to the goddess Kalika that he acquired great literary skills. Emperor Harshavardhan had this temple renovated in the 7th century AD. There is further evidence of renovation during the Paramara period. The temple has been rebuilt in the modern times by the erstwhile Gwalior State.

In the holly city of Ujjain bhairavgad their is sitauted Temple Sidwat. it has got the same importance as what akshaya vat in Prayag,has panch vat in Nashik , Bansiwat in Vrindawan , bodhi vat in Gaya. The fairs organised in Ujjain is named after this Siddh Vat. Particularly the rituals ( shanti ) of Kal Sarpa Yoga and Naga Bali Narayana Bali are performed here. In this pooja milk is specially offered to the Vat Vriksha as a sign of devotion .

Sri Sri Radha Madan Mohan Temple, of the ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) or Hare Krishna Movement is newest on the map of Ujjain. Its beautiful idols and architect is a major attraction for tourists. A well maintained goshala is present just behind the temple. The ISKCON temple is situated 3 km from railway station, on Dewas road.

Chintaman Ganesh Temple is an antediluvian shrine that dates back to 11th -12th centuries. This ancient temple is highly revered and one of the most visited shrines of Ujjaini in Madhya Pradesh. It is believed that the temple was built during the reign of Paramaras in Madhya Pradesh (Malwa). Chintamani Ganesha Mandir is wholly made out in stone. The very appearance of the temple suggests that it belongs to prehistoric times. Still, the temple has not lost its charm; in fact, it has become unique with its ancient origin.

Gopal Temple is dedicated to the blue god Krishna who is the divine herdsman, the lover of milkmaids and the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the Preserver of the Universe. The marble-spired structure is an excellent example of Maratha architecture. Lord Krishna's two feet tall statue is moulded in silver and is placed on a marble-inlaid altar with silver-plated doors.

Situated on the Triveni Ghat of the Shipra, the temple is located away from the old site of Ujjaini town. It is dedicated to the nine planets, attracts large crowds on new moon days falling on Saturdays. Its religious importance has increased in recent years though there is no known reference to it in the ancient texts.

This is an extremely attractive spot on the banks of the Shipra quite close to the Bhartihari Caves and the Gadkalika Temple. It is dedicated to the memory of one of the great leaders of the Natha sect of Saivism-Matsyendranath. Since muslims as well as the followers of the Natha sect call their saints 'pir', the ancient site of Pir Matsyendranath is venerated by both. Excavations at this site have yielded some antiquities which date back to the 6th and 7th century BC.