1. Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple
Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple is a prominent Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the most important holy places to visit in Ujjain. In fact, it is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, which are considered to be the holiest abodes of Shiva. Bordered by the massive Rudra Sagar Lake, the temple continues to be one of the most sacred and outstanding places of pilgrimage for Hindus providing visitors with an altogether different and unmatched peace of mind and composure. The temple showcases sculptural artistry and sophistication that takes a cue from the Maratha and Chalukya styles of architectural design and is complete with impressive images of Ganesha, Kartikeya, and Parvati adorning the walls. The temple also hosts many religious festivals and celebrations every year that is celebrated with great fervour and devotion. Apart from these, the splendid Bhasmaarti of the temple is a ritual ceremony that you should not miss.
Address: Jaisinghpura, Ujjain
Timings: 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM
2. KalBhairava Temple
The Kalbhairava Temple is supposed to be associated with the Tantra cult of Hinduism, which is a secret religious sect who thrived upon black magic. Bhairav is believed to have been a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva, and KalBhairava is the most sacred among the eight Bhairavas. The temple enshrines a Shivalinga opposite Nandi the Bull, which during Mahashivratri draws thousands of devotees to this religious site. You can also spot many sadhus with ash-smudged bodies and long matted hair around this temple. Legend has it, that the bull was gifted to Shiva and Parvati as a wedding present from King Daksha, the father of Goddess Parvati. The best time to visit Ujjain to complete your sacred journey in this temple is around the festival of Mahashivratri when devotees congregate in great numbers and the temple comes to life.
Address: Jail Road, BhairavGarh, Ujjain
Timings: 6:00 AM to 8:30 PM
3. Chintaman Ganesh Temple
Situated close to the Shipra River on the Fatehabad railway line, Chintaman Ganesh Temple is one of the oldest temples in Ujjain, housing a large idol of one of the most worshipped Gods of India, Lord Ganesh. It is believed that the largest idol here was born of itself; hence it’s of huge religious significance. Devotees throng to this temple because the deity here is commonly known as Chintaharan Ganesh meaning ‘the assurer of freedom from worldly anxieties’.
Address: Chintaman Road, Ujjain
Timings: 5:30 AM to 8:30 PM
4. Harisiddhi Temple
The Harisiddhi Temple was built in honour of Goddess Harisiddhi and is one of the 51 Shaktipeetas across the country located near River Shipra. Legend has it that when Lord Shiva was performing the tandava while carrying Sati’s burning body, Vishnu released his chakra, which split her body to 51 parts. Devotees who flock to this temple believe that the Goddess’s elbow fell in Ujjain, where this temple was constructed by legendary King Vikramaditya. The idol of Mata Harshiddhi is beautiful and gives a truly divine feeling. The temple enshrines 3 Goddesses one on top of another, namely, Annapurna, the Goddess of nourishment, Mahasaraswati, the Goddess of wisdom and knowledge, and Mahalakshmi, the Goddess of wealth. The red sandstone temple is peculiar to the Maratha art of architecture.
The Harisiddhi Temple was built in honour of Goddess Harisiddhi and is one of the 51 Shaktipeetas across the country located near River Shipra. Legend has it that when Lord Shiva was performing the tandava while carrying Sati’s burning body, Vishnu released his chakra, which split her body to 51 parts. Devotees who flock to this temple believe that the Goddess’s elbow fell in Ujjain, where this temple was constructed by legendary King Vikramaditya. The idol of Mata Harshiddhi is beautiful and gives a truly divine feeling. The temple enshrines 3 Goddesses one on top of another, namely, Annapurna, the Goddess of nourishment, Mahasaraswati, the Goddess of wisdom and knowledge, and Mahalakshmi, the Goddess of wealth. The red sandstone temple is peculiar to the Maratha art of architecture.
Address: Harsiddhi Marg, Ujjain
Timings: 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM
5. Ram Ghat
Ram Ghat is located adjacent to the Harsiddhi Temple is amongst the most popular places to see in Ujjain. It is believed that this is the spot where Lord Ram used to take bath when he was here along with his consort Sita and brother Laxman, and as such, this ghat is one of the most frequented religious sites in Ujjain. The ghat is one of the four locations that host the auspicious Kumbh Mela that is held in every 12 years. On a regular day, devotees take a dip in the water here and perform their daily rituals, which is believed to wash away all your sufferings and help attain salvation. Apart from its religious significance, the ghat is also a good place for a leisurely walk especially in the early morning and at dusk.
Address: Jaisinghpura, Ujjain
Timings: 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM
