Best places to visit in Ujjain. Credit: iStock
Situated on the east side of the Shipra River, Ujjain is an ancient city that holds within its narrow bylanes a history spanning thousands of years. For some, Ujjain is remembered as the seat of the Mauryan emperor Ashoka; for others, it is one of seven sacred Hindu cities. It is also the site of the famed Kumbh Mela and a Mukti Sthal (place of salvation). For travelers, this bustling city is a perfect getaway, offering a glimpse of India’s heritage through its temples and ghats. If you’re planning a weekend trip to Ujjain, here’s a guide to help you:
Mahakaleshwar Temple
Start your weekend at the Mahakaleshwar Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple gives Ujjain its epithet, “The City of Mahakal,” and is a major pilgrimage site, attracting thousands of visitors daily. What makes this Jyotirlinga unique is that it faces south, unlike the other 11, which face east. Locals believe this is because the south is associated with the direction of death. Many people worship at the Mahakaleshwar Temple to seek protection from an untimely death. Arrive early to avoid crowds and witness the morning aarti (prayer ritual).
Ram Ghat
Spend a few hours at the Ram Ghat along the Shipra River, which sees a beautiful evening aarti, which fills the air with chants and rituals. This location is also perfect for a leisurely stroll, or you can opt for a boat ride for a more panoramic view of the city at night.
Kaal Bhairav Temple
One of the most unique temples in the city, this temple is dedicated to Kaal Bhairav, a fierce form of Lord Shiva and the guardian deity of Ujjain. Believed to be over 5,000 years old, the temple is known for an intriguing tradition: the offering of alcohol as prasad. During worship, liquor is offered to Baba Kaal Bhairav, and it is also sold openly outside for devotees. A popular belief holds that the liquor offered to Kaal Bhairav is consumed by the idol, though no one knows where the liquid goes.
Kaliadeh Palace
Kaliadeh Palace is one of Ujjain’s most famous heritage sites. Built by the Sultan of Mandu in 1458 AD, it once housed a Sun god temple by the Kshipra River, with two tanks known as Surya Kunda and Brahma Kunda. Though damaged by the Pindaris, it was restored by Maharaja Madho Rao Scindia in 1920. The palace’s Persian-style architecture, including its grand central dome, is a highlight. Even Emperor Akbar and Jehangir visited the palace, with Persian inscriptions marking their presence.
Bhartrihari Caves
The Bhartrihari Caves, located on the banks of the River Shipra, date back to the 11th century AD. Named after the sage Bhartrihari, who meditated here for 12 years after renouncing his royal life, these caves are a symbol of India’s spiritual heritage. With narrow entrances and stone pillars, the caves house Hindu deity idols and a stone-carved statue of Bhartrihari in a sitting posture.
Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar in Ujjain, built by Sawai Raja Jai Singh between 1725 and 1730 AD and renovated by Maharaja Madhav Rao Scindia in 1923, is the oldest of five observatories he built in India. Its significance lies in its location, as the Tropic of Cancer is believed to pass through Ujjain. The observatory features instruments like Shanku Yantra, Digyansha Yantra, and Sundial for astronomical calculations. Unique to Ujjain, it still uses Masonic instruments for studies, and data on planetary motions is published annually, highlighting its continued importance in astronomy.
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