Mahakaleshwar Temple, located in the ancient city of Ujjain in the state of Madhya Pradesh, is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Mahakal lingam at this temple is believed to be Swayambhu (self-manifested), obtaining currents of Shakti (power) from within itself. Mahakaleshwar is also one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas in India.
Bhairav is a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva, and Kal Bhairava is the most important among the eight Bhairavas. If ancient scriptures are to be believed, Kal Bhairav temple is said to be related with the Tantra cult, a secret religious sect who thrived upon black magic.
Ram Mandir Ghat is of immense religious significance to Hindus because it is one of the four locations where the Kumbh Mela takes place every 12 years. It is considered to be one of the oldest bathing Ghat in connection with the Kumbh celebrations. Millions of people throng this place during the mega Kumbh festival as it is believed that a dip here can wash off all you sins. Watching the sunset from the Ram Mandir Ghat is one of the most enchanting scenes you'll experience.
The Kumbh Mela is one of the most extraordinary human gatherings on the planet. Held in India, the fair commemorates the legendary Samudra Manthan event in Hindu Mythology. The fair takes place only once in every twelve years for twelve days which are equivalent to the twelve years of the Hindu gods in the mortal world. The banks of river Ganga at Haridwar, river Godavari at Nashik, the confluence of river Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati at Allahabad and river Kshipra at Ujjain serve as the venues for this huge carnival.
The Harsiddhi Temple boasts of an idol of Annapurna painted in dark red colour between the idols of Mahasaraswati and Mahalaxmi. This temple, was almost in an irreparable condition, until the Marathas decided to reconcile it. This is the reason why the temple has a Maratha touch to it.
Situated on an island based in the Shipra River, this Palace holds immense religious significance. It was constructed in 1458 AD. The Palace is flanked on both sides by the waters of the rivers and the technical aptitude of the predecessors can be seen in the man-made tanks and channels.
The beauty of the majestic white marble building of ISKCON in Ujjain is truly a sight for sore eyes. The impeccably sculpted marble idols of Radha Madhana Mohan, Sri Krishna and Balram and Sri Gauri Nitai dressed in vibrantly coloured dresses and beautiful jewellery will definitely lift your spirits. Be sure to try some mouth-watering dishes at Govindas, right next to ISKCON.
Unlike the other architectural marvels in Ujjain and MP as a whole, Pir Matsyendranath is not a monument that is going to be eye-catchy. It was constructed in remembrance of the greatest leaders of the Natha sect of Saivism-Matsyendranath, very much like all the other monuments.
The architectural marvel Jantar Mantar (also called the Vedh Shala Observatory), established in the 17th century is the oldest to be constructed among the group of five observatories ( Jaipur, Delhi, Ujjain, Mathura, and Varanasi). Maharaja Jai Singh took onto its construction in 1719 to help the Hindu scholars and astrologers with their research and studies. Jantar Mantar, an outcome of great diligence has not only served as the research station to astronomers in the old times but also continues to serve its astronomical as well as tourism purpose even today.
As the name suggests, the Bade Ganeshji ka Mandir is a magnificent temple in Ujjain that houses one of the biggest idols of Lord Ganesh. Resting along the Mahakaleshwar reservoir, this temple is just a stone's throw away from the infamous Mahakal Temple. While you're here, you can also seek the blessings of Lord Hanuman at the Panchmukhi Hanuman Gate.
Blessed upon Goddess Earth by Lord Shiva himself, the Mangalnath Temple in Ujjain holds boundless religious significance. Considered as the birth place of planet Mars, this mystical temple is visited by hundreds of devotees daily to get rid of dark energies and stubborn life problems. You can also seek the blessings of Mahadeva here, the guardian deity of the city.
The Gadkalika Temple in Ujjain holds tremendous religious significance, especially among students. Staring into the glory of the immaculately sculpted idol of Goddess Kalika is an absolute divine experience, just like attending the soul cleansing morning and evening aarti.
Resting amidst the peaceful environs of Sandipani Ashram, the Gomti Kund is a steep pond that holds a blend of all holy waters of the world. They say Lord Krishna summoned all the holy waters and created the Gomti Kund so that his guru, Sandipani, wouldn't have to travel to them. Till date, this is the single source of water supply for the entire ashram.