is situated to the east of Shipra River, ujjain It is an ancient city that holds thousands of years of history in its narrow streets. For some, Ujjain is remembered as the seat of the Maurya emperor Ashoka; For others, it is one of the seven holy Hindu cities. It is also the site of the famous Kumbh Mela and Mukti Sthal (place of salvation). For travelers, this bustling city is an ideal destination, 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 with the Mahakaleshwar Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of India. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple gives Ujjain the title of “City of Mahakal” and is a major pilgrimage site, attracting thousands of visitors every day. What makes this Jyotirlinga unique is that it faces south, whereas the other 11 Jyotirlingas face east. Local people believe that this is because the south direction is associated with the direction of death. Many people worship at the Mahakaleshwar temple to get protection from untimely death. Arrive early to avoid the crowds and witness the morning aarti (prayer ritual).

Ramghat

Spend a few hours at Ram Ghat on the banks of River Shipra, where a beautiful evening aarti takes place, filling the atmosphere with chants and rituals. The place 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, the fierce form of Lord Shiva and the patron deity of Ujjain. Believed to be over 5,000 years old, this temple is known for an interesting tradition: offering liquor as prasad. During the puja, liquor is offered to Baba Kaal Bhairav ​​and liquor is also sold openly to the devotees outside. A popular belief is that the wine offered to Kaal Bhairava is drunk by the idol, although no one knows where the wine goes.

Kaliadeh Palace

Kaliyadeh Palace is one of the most famous heritage sites of Ujjain. Built by the Sultan of Mandu in 1458 AD, it once housed a Sun God temple on the banks of the Kshipra River, with two tanks known as Surya Kund and Brahma Kund. Although damaged by the Pindaris, it was restored by Maharaja Madho Rao Scindia in 1920. The Persian-style architecture of the palace, including its grand central dome, is a highlight. Even the emperors Akbar and Jahangir visited the palace, with Persian inscriptions attesting to their presence.

Bhartrihari Caves

Bhartrihari caves located on the banks of Shipra river date back to the 11th century AD. Named after sage Bhartrihari, who meditated here for 12 years after giving up his royal life, these caves are a symbol of India’s spiritual heritage. With narrow entrances and stone pillars, the caves have sculptures of Hindu deities and a stone-carved statue of Bhartrihari in a sitting posture.

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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 the five observatories built by him in India. Its importance lies in its location, as the Tropic of Cancer is believed to pass through Ujjain. The observatory has instruments like cone astrolabe, azimuth and sundial for astronomical calculations. Unique to Ujjain, it still uses masonic instruments for study, and data on the planetary motions is published annually, highlighting its continuing importance in astronomy.

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