The Divine City:Mahakal Ujjain

The Divine City: Mahakal Ujjain-Post 8

        Today, I am at Ujjain. Mahakal is another name of Ujjain. It is situated on the bank of Kshipra. The old name of Ujjain was Avantika. Ujjain is a city where Kavi Kalidas wrote Meghdutam during the ruling of Vikramaditya.

            In our Hindu mythology, talk about three supreme power. Vishnu, Mahesh, and Brahma. Brahma is a creature. Vishnu is a rearing. Mahesh is a destroyer. The three states of our life and three supreme power. Mahesh is worshiped as Shivling. Mahakal Jyotirling Ujjain is one of the famous twelve Jyotirling.

History of Mahakal Jyotirling

                The detailed origin of Shivling is not available. It is said in Puranas that the temple established by Prajapita Brahma. Maha Kavi Kalidas described the temple as Niketan due to the flat roof of the temple before the Gupta period.

                The sultan of Malwa and the Mugal emperor during the medieval period contributed a donation for offering puja. Ranoji Sindhiya established Ujjain his capital. His Diwan Sukhatanakar Ramchandra rebuilt Mahakal temple.

           Come out of the trap of history. Ujjain is called Mahakal ki Nagri. The twelve divine Jyotirling is famous in India. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is the most sacred abode, of Lord Shiva.

             The Bhasam Arti of the Jyotirlinga is famous and unique. Everyday Bhasam Arti is performed at 4 AM, the covered of Bhasam (fresh ash from the funeral) to Shivling before Arti, is astonishing. If you want to see Bhasam Arti, you have to book it in advance at the booking counter. 

Kal Bhairav Temple

               Another important temple at Ujjain is the Lord Kal Bhairav temple. It is near about 5 km from Mahakal temple. I have one amazing thing noticed here that liqueur (wine) offers to lord Kal Bhairav and distributed as prasad.

              If you give a wine bottle along with flowers and other Puja items, the priest offers wine to Kal Bhairav on a plate. Slowly liqueur consumes by lord Kal Bhairav. In front of your eye, wine disappears. Amazing, but it is not false.

           Nobody knows where these hundred of wine bottles gone and it is continuous for long. Come here at Ujjain and become a witness of this astonishing Puja.

Ram Ghat Ujjain

              Everybody knows that after every twelve years Kumbh held at Ujjain. Ramghat of Kshipra is the main bathing point during Kumbh. Harsiddhi Mata temple is some steps from here.

         In the other vicinity, there is Chitragupta temple. It is said that Chitragupta is Lekhakar (accountant) of Yamraj, who decided the reward/punishment to the soul after death according to their work done in their life.

Gopal Mandir

           The temple situated in the main market.The temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. Two feet high lord Krishna idol molded in silver. The temple is the second largest temple after Mahakal. The temple constructed in Maratha style is a good example of an old traditional building of the temple. The Janmashtami celebration of the temple is famous. Thousand of devotees attend the function.

Bade Ganesh

              The temple is nearby Mahakal. As it is showing in name, a large idol of Ganesh established here.

Ved Shala

              The Ved shala is at Chintaman road. It is built by Maharaja Jai Singh. The other name of Ved Shala is Jantar Mantar. Planetarium and telescope are available for observing the moon and other planets. Prime meridian of longitude passes through Ujjain. The tropic of cancer also passes from here. So Maharaja Jai Singh, who was also an astrologer built Ved Shala at this suitable place.

Raja Bharthari Cave

            Raja Bharthari cave is 5 to 6 Km from Mahakal. There is two cave, first-cave is big and the other is small. As you step down in the second cave it became narrow, so be careful.

Mangal Nath Temple

            The temple situated on the bank of Kshipra. As stated in Matsya Puran that Ujjain is the birthplace of Mangal (Mars). Mangal Nath temple dedicated to Lord Mangal. People worship here mangal Dosh puja.

ISKCON Temple

              The beautiful ISKCON temple is near the Nalkheda bus stand. White marble stone temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, Radha and Balram. The temple also is known as Radha Madan Mohan temple.

             The chanting "Hare Rama, Hare Krishna " and dancing of devotee is the main attraction here.

Harsiddhi Mata Temple

            Near to Mahakal temple, Harsiddhi Mata temple is another important temple. The temple is dedicated to Mata Harsiddhi. The idol is Sinduri (vermillion) color beside the idol of Mahalaxmi and Maha Saraswati. Lighting up deep Stambh (tower of the temple) in the evening and at the festival is a great unforgettable seen. The temple also counts as one of the 51 Shaktipeeths.

Singhasan Battisi

            All of us read the story of ideal king Vikramaditya of Ujjain. who was famous for his wisdom, courage, and justice. Singhasan Battisi actually is a collection of Indian folk tales.

           According to the story, a shepherd boy solved disputes of villagers sitting on a Teela (a small mud island). King Bhoj inquiry about the fact and got a thrown after digging the island. That was the thrown of Vikramaditya. The thrown was very beautiful, 32 Apsaras holding the thrown. When the king prepared to sit on thrown, one Apsara detained him, told the story of Vikramaditya life and instructed to became like him. After pray and fast whenever king prepared to sit on thrown, a story told by Apsara. The Singhasan Battisi is a collection of this story.

Maharshi Sandipani Ashram

            Ujjain is called Mahakal ki Nagri but there is a closed connection of Lord Krishna also with Ujjain. Guru Sandipani taught Lord Krishna, Balram and Sudama here.

         There is a stone in Ashram on which number 1 to 100 written. It is said that the number was written by Guru Sandipani. In this Ashram, you will find the idol of Guru Sandipani and his Charan Paduka.

           Nearby a pound called Gomtikund. It is believed that Lord Krishna bought river Gomti here for the bath of his Guru.

             Lord Krishna has completed all kinds of education in 64 days. He gave Gita to the world.

            Karmanya badhikarste maa faleshu kdachana
         Maa karmfal hetu bhruma tai sango astav karmani.
                                                                                                                                                  Gita 2.47

          (You have to right on your duty. Do your duty with a full heart and don't think about the result.)

How to reach Ujjain

           That is as easy as A B C D. Ujjain is a well-connected city by rail and road. Ujjain comes under the western railway. Train for Delhi, Mumbai, Bhopal, and other cities are available. Bhopal is 183 Km from Ujjain and 53 Km from Indore. Mumbai is 655 Km from here and Delhi is 774 Km.

           Nearest airport Indore is 53 Km, Flight from other cities available up to Indore. Buses and taxi are available for Ujjain.

Where to stay

          Ujjain is a city of pilgrims. A large number of Dharamshala, Lodges,  all kind of hotels are available.

        Make your travel trip to Ujjain. Mahakal ka Dham Ujjain. Where the king is Mahakal.

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        You are welcome at my blog for another post-Pachmarhi Darshan.