Thursday, October 5, 2017

UJJAIN YATRA SRI AVANTIKA DHAMA INDIA

Ujjain Yatra
Sri Avantika Dhama

Ujjain is an ancient holy city on the bank of the Kshipra River, today part of the state of Madhya Pradesh in central India. Ujjain is the place where Lord Krishna, along with Balarama and Sudama, received education from Maharishi Sandipani. Ujjain is one of the four sites in India that host the Kumbh Mela (also called the Simhastha Mela), once in 12 years. On the occasion of Simhastha Kumbh Mela the divinity and spiritual aroma of Ujjain meets its highest peak when millions of pilgrims take dips and worship sacred River Kshipra. The Garuda Purana enumerates seven sacred cities (Sapta Moksha Puri) as giver of Moksha (Ayodhya, Mathura, Maya, Kasi, Kanchi, Avantika, Dwarka); Ujjain or Avantika is one among these seven sacred cities. Lord Ramacandra along with Sita-devi and Laxmana also came to Ujjain. Lord Ramacandra performed the ‘Pind-dan’ ceremony for His father Dasaratha at the Ram Ghat on the bank of Kshipra river, which is the famous holy site of Kumbh Mela. This simple and peaceful city is famous for its principal deity Sri Mahakaleshwar who is one of the 12 self-manifested Jyotilingams of Lord Siva. Lord Krishna's principal queen Mitravinda was from Ujjain. Ujjain is one of the 52 Shakti peethas in India. Lord Siva killed demon Tripurasur here in Ujjain. International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has a gorgeous Temple in Ujjain with exquisitely beautiful deities of Sri Sri Radha Madan Mohan, a flourishing Tulsi garden and attractive lush flower gardens, Goshala, gift shops, restaurant and a Guest House.

There is an interesting pastime behind the sanctity of the city. Its origin is ascribed to the legend of Sagar Manthan (churning of the primordial ocean to discover the pot of nectar). After the nectar was discovered, there was a quarrel between the demigods and the demons to have the nectar first and thus attain immortality. Demigods and demons fought in the sky for the pot of amrita. As Srimad-Bhagavatam (Bhagavata Purana) Canto 8, chapter 9 states, the Supreme Personality of Godhead Lord Sri Krishna incarnated as Mohini-Murti and flew away with the Kumbh of elixir spilling drops of amrita at four places: Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nashik. So, a drop of amrit nectar spilled and fell on Ujjain, thus making the city sacred.

Since Ujjain is one of the oldest cities in India, it has been known by many names: Avantika, Padmavati, Kushasthali, Bhagavati, Haranyavati, Kandakatringa, Kumudvati, Pratikalpa, Ujjayani, Udeni Vishala. In the Mahabharata, Ujjayini was the capital of the Avanti Kingdom. To the western astronomers Ujjain was known as "Arin", which was used as the centre of ancient and medieval world maps. One of the most famous kings of Ujjain of his time was king Vikramaditya. He was famous for his kshatriya spirit and also great intelligence. His encounter with the Vetal demon and his special simhasan are well known. The throne of Maharaja Vikramaditya, known as the "seat of judgment (salabanjika throne)" is said to be still there in Ujjain.

Ujjain is 55km (1 hour drive) from Indore. Indore is well connected by Air, Rail, Bus transport.

Important places to visit Ujjain:
1. Sandipani Muni Ashram
2. Narayana Gaon
3. Sri Rama Janardhana Temple
4. Ram Ghat (or Kshipra River Ghat)
5. Sri Nrsimha Ghat Temple
6. Sri Mahakaleshwar Temple
7. ISKCON Ujjain (Hare Krishna) - Sri Sri Radha Madan Mohan Temple
8. Harsiddhi Temple
9. Sri Siddhwat Ghat
10. Sri Bharthari Caves
11. Sri Gadkalika Temple
12. Sri Mangalnath Temple
13. Sri Gopal Mandir
14. Sri Ram Mandir
15. King Vikramaditya Throne
16. ISKCON Indore (Hare Krishna) - Sri Sri Radha Govinda Temple


1. Sandipani Ashram
The famous hermitage of Sandipani Muni, where sage instructed Krishna and His elder brother Balarama, is 2km from Ujjain. On account of Lord Krishna’s lotus feet purifying this place, it also became well known as Ankapad kshetra. After killing Kamsa in Mathura and freeing His parents, Vasudeva and Devaki from Kamsa's captivity, Lord Krishna and Balarama stayed in Mathura for a while. Afterwards, Krishna and Balarama, though omniscient, desired to reside at the school of a spiritual master, and thus They went to live with Sandipani Muni at Avantipura. To teach the proper way to respect one’s guru, Krishna and Balarama served Their spiritual master with great devotion. Sandipani Muni, pleased by Their service, imparted to Them detailed knowledge of all the Vedas, together with their six corollaries and the Upanisads. Krishna and Balarama needed to hear each subject explained only once to assimilate it completely, and thus in 64 days They learned the 64 traditional arts. A man is called intelligent if he has a sharp memory and fine discretion. As far as Krishna’s memory is concerned, it is said that when He was studying in the school of Sandipani Muni in Avantipura, He showed such a sharp memory that by once taking instructions from the teacher He immediately became perfect in any subject. Actually, His going to the school of Sandipani Muni was to show the people of the world that however great or ingenious one may be, he must go to higher authorities for general education. However great one may be, he must accept a teacher or spiritual master. (Srila Prabhupada, Nectar of devotion) In the beginning of the 16th century Sripad Vallabhacharya delivered his devotional discourses in the vicinity of this ashram.

Krishna recovers the son of His teacher: Before taking leave of Their guru, the two Lords offered Sandipani Muni any gift he desired. The wise Sandipani, seeing Their amazing prowess, requested that They bring back his son, who had died in the ocean at Prabhasa. Krishna and Balarama mounted a chariot and went to Prabhasa, where They approached the shore and were worshiped by the presiding deity of the ocean. Krishna asked the ocean to return His spiritual master’s son, and the lord of the ocean replied that a demon dwelling within the ocean named Pancajana had taken the boy away. Hearing this, Sri Krishna entered the ocean, killed that demon and took the shell that had grown from his body. But when Krishna did not find His guru’s son within the demon’s belly, He went to the planet of Yamaraja, the lord of death. Yamaraja came forward when he heard Krishna blow the Pancajanya conchshell and devotedly worshipped Him. Lord Krishna then asked Yamaraja for Sandipani Muni’s son, and Yamaraja immediately gave him to the two Lords. Krishna and Balarama then returned to Their spiritual master and presented him with his son, requesting him to choose yet another favour. But Sandipani Muni replied that by having obtained disciples such as Them, all his desires were fulfilled. He thus instructed Them to return home. The brothers then left, arriving in Mathura amidst a tumultuous reception.

Gomati Kunda: Sandipani Muni always followed a strict regulation of everyday taking bath in Gomati river. As Gomati was not flowing at Ujjain, so he would go to Dwarka. Seeing that Guru Maharaj would not be seen in the early morning hours, Lord Krishna asked Guru patni (wife of guru) about it. She revealed the whole incident. Hearing this Lord Krishna arranged for Gomati Kunda here in his ashram.

Why Sandipani Muni was chosen? In Gopala Champu Uttara 8.16, discussion between Krishna and Balarama: "Even though there are many worthy sages like Vyasadeva available to us, they will recognize us, and thinking that we are omniscient will be reluctant to teach us. This is because they are Vaishnavas and therefore know the truth of things related to Vishnu. However, we absolutely must engage in our studies, because to not do so would be a transgression and that would set a bad example leading to inauspiciousness. Therefore, we should approach a guru who is fully knowledgeable in the scriptures but is a Shaivite. There is one such sage, Sandipani Muni, who was born in Kashi and comes to Prabhasa Kshetra from time to time. He is living happily in Avanti now, near his beloved Siva. Let us go there.” More insights from Gaudiya acaryas on Sandipani Muni: Rupa Gosvami (Bhakti Rasamrta Sindhu 3.4.8-11) classifies him among those in a parental mood (vatsalya-rasa), among the guravah or elders whom Krishna respects.

[Ref. Srimad-Bhagavatam Canto 10 chapter 45 and Krishna Book chapter 45]

Sandipani Ashram
Sandipani Ashram - On account of Lord Krishna’s lotus feet purifying this place, it also became well known as Ankapad kshetra.
Sandipani Ashram
Exact spot where Sri Krishna, Balarama and Sudama were instructed by Sandipani Muni
Sandipani Muni Instructs Krishna and Balarama
Krishna and Balarama learned 64 subjects in 64 days from their teacher Sandipani Muni. Because They Themselves are the original source of all knowledge, They understood everything after hearing it just once.
Krishna and Balarama practiced the regulations of student life perfectly to set the example for others. They trained under Sandipani Muni and he was very pleased with Them. After learning everything perfectly, Krishna and Balarama offered to serve Their teacher by giving him anything he desired. Sandipani Muni spoke with his wife. They understood that Krishna and Balarama were the Supreme Personality of Godhead so they asked Them for the return of their son, who had drowned in the ocean. Krishna and Balarama immediately went to the ocean at Prabhasa-kshetra and called for the controlling deity of the ocean.
Sacred Gomati Kunda at Sandipani Ashram
Sandipani Ashram

2. Narayana Gaon
Narayana Gaon is a village about 35km from Ujjain. Formerly a forest this was the place where Krishna and Sudama spend their time on a stormy night. A small temple of Krishna Sudama is built here. Two trees of Sudama and Krishna nearby are said to be of the same wood they were each carrying for their Guru’s service. Temple has a Damodara Kunda.

When Sudama went to visit Krishna in Dwarka, Krishna reminded him of some of their childhood activities. Lord Krishna said, "My dear friend, I think you remember our activities during the days when we were living as students. You may remember that once we went to collect fuel from the forest on the order of the guru's wife. While collecting the dried wood, we entered the dense forest and by chance became lost. There was an unexpected dust storm and then clouds and lighting in the sky and the explosive sound of thunder. Then sunset came, and we were lost in the dark jungle. After this, there was severe rainfall; the whole ground was overflooded with water, and we could not trace out the way to our guru's ashram. You may remember that heavy rainfall - it was not actually rainfall but a sort of devastation. On account of the dust storm and heavy rain, we began to feel greatly pained, and in whichever direction we turned we were bewildered. In that distressed condition, we took each other's hand and tried to find our way out." (Ref. Srimad-Bhagavatam Canto 10, chapter 80 and Krishna Book chapter 80.)

Sudama and Krishna in the forest
Sri Krishna Sudama Dhama - Narayana Gaon
Sri Krishna and Sri Sudama Temple at Narayana Gaon
Sri Krishna and Sri Sudama Temple at Narayana Gaon
Two trees of Sudama and Krishna that have sprung from the same wood they were each carrying for their Guru’s service.
Sri Sudama Tree
Sri Krishna Tree
Deities of Sri Krishna and Sri Sudama at Narayana Gaon Temple
Damodara Kunda at Narayana Gaon Temple
Damodara Kunda at Narayana Gaon Temple
Sri Krishna and Sudama
Beautiful fields on the way to Narayana Gaon from Ujjain
Beautiful fields on the way to Narayana Gaon from Ujjain

3. Sri Rama Janardhana Temple
Sri Rama Janardhana Temple is a very important temple in Ujjain. This marvellous and eye-catching Temple is dedicated to both Lord Ramacandra and Lord Sri Krishna. Uniqueness of this Temple is that the deities of Lord Ramacandra and Laxmana have a moustache and a beard. There are two separate dedicated Temples to Lord Rama and Lord Krishna. There is a large tank in the Temple compound. Around the boundary of tank are various small temple shrines such as Govardhandhari Krishna, Brahma, etc. Sri Rama Janardhana Temple was built in the 17th century by Mirza Raja Jai Singh. Temple is a perfect example of the elegant and fabulous architectural structural style of the Maratha period. The imposing and classic Maratha paintings decorate the walls and many structures were later on added in the 18th century by the Maratha Kings. The boundary wall and the tank were added later in Maratha Period in the 18th Century. Besides the attractive scenes from the lives of Rama and Krishna the painting of Bedalya Bua Maharaj and Sant Tukoba etc. are quite impressive.

Sri Rama Janardhana Temple at Ujjain
Sri Rama Janardhana Temple
Sri Sri Sita Rama Laxmana
Uniqueness of this Temple is that the deities of Lord Ramacandra and Laxmana have a beard.
Lord Janardhana
Beautiful surroundings at Sri Ram Janardhana Temple
Water tank at Sri Ram Janardhana Temple

4. Ram Ghat (or Kshipra River Ghat)
Ram Ghat on the banks of sacred Kshipra River is the most ancient bathing ghat in connection with the Kumbh Mela celebrations. The famous Ujjain Kumbh Mela, also known as Simhastha Kumbh Mahaparv is held every 12 years at Ram Ghat. Simhastha Kumbh Mahaparv is one of the four Kumbh Melas celebrated as the largest spiritual gathering on planet earth. Simhastha Kumbh Mahaparv is rejoiced by taking holy dip on the banks of river Kshipra in Ujjain.Simhastha Kumbh Mahaparv event is based on the celestial line-up of planets and the signs of the zodiac which occurs every 12 years. The celebration of Kumbh Mela takes place at the four sacred places as per the position of Sun and Jupiter in different zodiac signs. On the occasion of Kumbh Mela the divinity and spiritual aroma of Ujjain meets its highest peak when millions of pilgrims take dips and worship sacred River Kshipra. Sages and devotees from every nook and corner attend the religious ceremony of Kumbh Mela. The unique combination of divinity and purity is experienced when the crowd of ash-dubbed sages, priests, devotees gets fused together with the roaring of elephants and camels. People who witness the spiritual fest feel good fortune by their side and sense positive aroma purifying their souls and thoughts. Major attraction of this festival is ‘Shahi Snan’ (royal bath) which takes place on predetermined dates varying every year. It is believed that those who take royal bath in holy Kshipra River on the occasion of Kumbh Mela wash their sins of all previous births. The devotees consider it as an opportunity to get them revived from the never ending birth cycle.

While Lord Varaha was engaging in fighting against Hiranyaksha, the water emitting from His lotus body in form of perspiration became known as river Kshipra. Hence also called as Vishnu dehaudbhava. She is also called as Jvaragni. The sacred Kshipra River rises in the Kakri Bardi hills of Vindhya Range north of Dhar, and flows south across the Malwa plateau to join the Chambal River. The holy city of Ujjain is situated on its right bank. There are hundreds of Temple shrines along the banks of the river Kshipra. Kshipra is a perennial river. With this reference, the word Kshipra is used as a symbol of "purity" (of soul, emotions, body, etc.) or "chastity" or "clarity". The Kaliadeh Temple is located on the banks of the River Kshipra and is the most visited sites. Ujjain is taken into account as the Greenwich of India due for the fact that the first meridian of longitude passes through it. According to Indian astronomers, the Tropic of Cancer passes through the picturesque city of Ujjain.

Other Ghats situated on the bank of Kshipra river are: Nrsimha Ghat, Triveni Ghat, Gau Ghat, Mangalnath Ghat, Siddwat Ghat, Kabir Ghat, Rinmukteshwar Ghat, Bhukimata Ghat, Datt Akhada Ghat, Chintaman Ghat, Prashanti Dham Ghat and Sunheri Ghat.

Ram Ghat (or Kshipra River Ghat) at Ujjain
Simhastha Kumbh Mahaparv is one of the four Kumbh Mela’s celebrated as largest spiritual gathering on the planet earth.
Holy Kshipra River
Hare Krishna (ISKCON) devotees taking part during Simhastha Kumbh Mahaparv
Devotees performing Harinam Sankirtana during Simhastha Kumbh Mahaparv
Devotees doing Srila Prabhupada’s Book Distribution during Simhastha Kumbh Mahaparv
Transcendentalists performing Harinam Sankirtana
Group of sadhus during Simhastha Kumbh Mahaparv
Transcendentalists taking holy dip at Kshipra River during Simhastha Kumbh Mahaparv
Transcendentalists at holy Kshipra River during Simhastha Kumbh Mahaparv
Local Temple near Ram Ghat

5. Sri Nrsimha Ghat Temple
Sri Nrsimha Ghat Temple is dedicated to Lord Nrsimhadeva, the half-man and half-lion incarnation of Supreme Personality of Godhead Lord Sri Krishna. This Temple is situated on the banks of River Kshipra. This temple is located on the Tropic of Cancer passing through Ujjain.

Lord Nrsimhadeva Temple at Sri Nrsimha Ghat in Ujjain
Lord Nrsimhadeva Temple

6. Sri Mahakaleshwar Temple
Sri Mahakaleshwar Temple, also popularly known as Mahakal Temple, one of the twelve Jyotir lingas, is a famous and venerated Siva temple. It derives its name from "kal" meaning end of life - death. Mahakal means Lord of Death. TheSiva-linga in this temple is the only Jyotirlinga which faces south and hence it is known as Dakshin mukhi or the south-facing lingam. Every year on the day of Maha Siva-ratri, huge crowds of devotees throng the temple fordarshan. The Temple is multiple storied. In the basement is huge deity of Mahakaleshwar, on the ground floor isOmkareshwar and on first floor is Nagachandreshwar. While both Mahakaleshwar and Omkareshwar remains open throughout the year, Nagachandreshwar temple opens once only on Naga Panchami day. A large-sized kunda known as Koti Tirtha is also found in the temple.

The Origin of Mahakaleshwar - Siva Purana
There used to live a brahmin at Avantikapuri. He was a great devotee of Lord Siva and used to worship daily. Thisbrahmin had four sons whose names were Devapriya, Medhapriya, Sukrit and Dharmabahu. By the blessings of Lord Siva the brahmin enjoyed a very happy and contented life. After his death, the brahmin's son continued the tradition of Siva's worship. There was a mountain named Ratnamala on which a demon named Dushan used to live. Being intoxicated by the boons received from Lord Brahma, he used to torment all the people. He had all the surrounding area under his control except the house in which the brahmin family lived.

Dushan ordered his fellow demons to bring the brahmin after capturing them. All the demons went to Avantikapuri and created havoc. They went to the brahmins and told them about Dushan's order. The brahmins were busy doing worship at that time so they did not give ear to their words. The brahmins continued with their worship. The demon became very angry and tried to attack them. Suddenly the earth cracked with a tremendous sound and Lord Siva manifested from within the cracks. He killed all the demons. He then went to the Ratnamala mountain and killed Dushan. He again returned to the brahmins and expressed his desire of fulfilling their wishes. The brahmins expressed their desire of getting liberated from the bondages of this world. They also requested him to remain at that place. Lord Siva accepted their request and established himself in the form of Mahakal.

Srimad-Bhagavatam (Bhagavad Purana) Canto 12, chapter 13, verse 16 describes:
nimna-ganam yatha ganga devanam acyuto yatha
vaisnavanam yatha sambhuh purananam idam tatha

Translation:
Just as the Ganga is the greatest of all rivers, Lord Acyuta the supreme among deities and Lord Sambhu [Siva] the greatest of Vaisnavas, so Srimad-Bhagavatam is the greatest of all Puranas.

Lord Siva is the greatest devotee of Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Sri Krishna (vaisnavanam yatha sambhuh).

Lord Siva is one of the 12 mahajanas as described in Srimad-Bhagavatam (Bhagavata Purana) Canto 6, chapter 3, verses 20-21.
svayambhur naradah sambhuh kumarah kapilo manuh
prahlado janako bhismo balir vaiyasakir vayam
dvadasaite vijanimo dharmam bhagavatam bhatah
guhyam visuddham durbodham yam jnatvamrtam asnute

Translation:
Lord Brahma, Bhagavan Narada, Lord Siva, the four Kumaras, Lord Kapila [the son of Devahuti], Svayambhuva Manu, Prahlada Maharaja, Janaka Maharaja, Grandfather Bhisma, Bali Maharaja, Sukadeva Gosvami and I myself know the real religious principle. My dear servants, this transcendental religious principle, which is known as bhagavata-dharma, or surrender unto the Supreme Lord and love for Him, is uncontaminated by the material modes of nature. It is very confidential and difficult for ordinary human beings to understand, but if by chance one fortunately understands it, he is immediately liberated, and thus he returns home, back to Godhead.

Sri Mahakaleshwar Temple at Ujjain
Sri Mahakaleshwar at Ujjain
Sri Mahakaleshwar Temple at Ujjain

7. ISKCON Ujjain (Hare Krishna) - Sri Sri Radha Madan Mohan Temple
International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has a gorgeous Temple in Ujjain with most merciful deities of Sri Sri Radha Madan Mohan, a flourishing Tulsi garden and attractive lush flower gardens, Goshala, gift shops, restaurant and a Guest House. This temple is certainly the manifestation of His Holiness Bhakti Charu Swami Maharaj’s heart. The temple is erected from rough rocky ground to a breathtakingly beautiful marble temple. The Unparalleled Beauty of The Most Merciful Lordships Sri Sri Radha Madan Mohan ji, Sri Sri Gaura Nitai, Sri Sri Krishna Balaram ji, Sri Sri Jagannatha, Baladeva, Subhadra and Lord Nrsimhadeva is simply heartrending.

Under the expert guidance of HH Bhakti Charu Maharaj, ISKCON Ujjain runs a wide range of valuable and successful projects - Preaching Project which conducts preaching programs in colleges, schools, villages, Youth programs, etc.; Mid-Day Meal Project based at the ISKCON Jagannatha temple, which feeds 22,000 school children per day in 146 schools; Deity Dress Project where not only temple Deities’ stunningly gorgeous outfits are made but also for the Deities of various temples; Murti Project and Altar Project where deities of Guru Parampara and Srila Prabhupada and exquisitely beautiful carved altars are made and supplied worldwide; Incense Project where temple sells own brand of wonderfully fragrant natural incense; Goshala where cows are lovingly taken care of; GCL (Gita Champion League) projectGuest house, Restaurant and Avantika School.

Although the temple community is abuzz with so many activities, the temple itself maintains a sweet serene mood with kirtan right from morning till night. Ekadasi brings a special treat as there is non-stop 24 hour kirtan in the temple. Devotees from all over the world visit here regularly. ISKCON Ujjain is the 1st Solar Powered temple in Ujjain. The Temple has a full-time LIVE broadcast. The Temple is also involved in a lot of community service projects. Some of the projects are: IFRF-Mid Day meal program, Food for Life, De-Addiction Campaign/Re-habilitation program, ISKCON Pride of Ujjain Award which is given to a person or organization who is contributing significantly in the field of social work, and Bhaktivedanta Meditation Center for the welfare of Policemen as they work under great stress etc. The devotees of Ujjain are very warm and welcoming, and eager to serve for the pleasure of Their Lordships Sri Sri Radha Madan Mohan!

Welcome to ISKCON Ujjain
ISKCON Ujjain Temple
ISKCON Ujjain Temple
Their Lordships Sri Sri Radha Madan Mohan
Sri Sri Krishna Balarama
Sri Sandipani Muni - Guru of Sri Krishna and Balarama
Sri Sri Jagannatha Baladeva Subhadra
Sri Sri Gaura Nitai
Lord Nrsimhadeva
His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
Splendid world class Deity altars are hand crafted by devotees at ISKCON Ujjain
Finest Deity dresses for your Temple
ISKCON Ujjain Food for Life program
ISKCON Ujjain has Guest House facility available
Avanti School of Excellence started by ISKCON Ujjain
Goshala at ISKCON Ujjain
His Holiness Bhakti Charu Swami Maharaj

8. Harsiddhi Temple
Harsiddhi Temple is one of the Shakti peethas, which are situated at 52 places in India. It is dedicated to the goddess Annapurna and houses the Shri Yantra, a symbol of "shakti" or power. This temple is connected with the Siva and Sati pastime at Daksha yajna which is described in Srimad-Bhagavatam (Bhagavad Purana) Canto 4 chapter 4. As per Siva Purana when Lord Siva carried away the burning body of Sati from the sacrificial fire, her elbow dropped and fell at this place. Another legend in the Skanda Purana states the manner in which the goddess Chandi acquired the epithet of Harsiddhi. Once when Siva and Parvati were alone on mount Kailash two demons called Chand and Prachand tried to force their way in. Lord Siva called upon Chandi to destroy them which she did. Pleased, Siva bestowed upon her the epithet of one who vanquishes all. The Temple has a deity of goddess Annapurna painted in dark vermilion color between the deities of Maha Sarasvati and Maha Laxmi. Being in deplorable condition this temple was renovated during the Maratha period. This is the 13th Shakti peetha among the 52 Shakti peethas of Sati. The temple turns magnificent in the evenings during festivals, when hundreds of lamps on the 15 feet lamp stand being lit together.

Harsiddhi Temple at Ujjain
Harsiddhi Temple

9. Sri Siddhwat Ghat
Sri Siddhwat Ghat is situated near Siddhawat Temple, on the left bank of River Kshipra. A road, next to the Sidhawat Temple, leads to this Ghat.

Sri Siddhwat Ghat
Sri Siddhwat Ghat Temple
Sri Siddhwat Ghat Temple
Sri Siddhwat Ghat

10. Sri Bharthari Caves
Once a great king of Avantika was overly attached to his beautiful wife. He was like a pet dog in her hands. Later when the King realized that his wife was attached to someone else, he underwent a great renunciation and left everything to go on to become the great sage Bharthari. This is the cave where he performed his tapasya. He meditated for a long time inside these caves. Bharthari is crowned as a great poet and scholar. Shringarshatak, Vairagyashatak and Nitishatak are exquisite works written by him. He made fine use of Sanskrit language in his compositions. Bhartrihari caves have a small temple which is a holy pilgrimage center for the Nath community. The shrine of Pir Matsyendranath is located in proximity of the caves. Bharthari Caves are located on the banks of the Kshipra River, proximate to Gadkalika Temple. The crystal clear water of the river adds charm to the site.

Sri Bharthari Caves in Ujjain
Goshala at Bharthari Caves

11. Sri Gadkalika Temple
This Temple is dedicated to goddess Kalika. This pretty shrine holds an amazing legend which states that the genius of Kalidasa, the great poet blossomed only after he worshipped in this temple. It is said that Kalidasa was an uneducated person and it was due to his dedication to goddess Kalika that he earned her blessings and also acquired unparalleled literary skills. During 7th century, Harshavardhana renovated the temple. The erstwhile Gwalior rulers rebuilt this holy shrine to its former glory. Excavations held near the temple premises unearthed bricks, a part of the plinth and other sculptures that belonged to various periods.

Sri Gadkalika Temple

12. Sri Mangalnath Temple
According to Matsya Purana, Mangalnath is considered to be the birth place of Mars.

Temple legend: It is believed that Mangal Dev was born to Parvati in the form of Bhumi (Earth) and Lord Siva in the land of Ujjain. The legend has it that Andhakasura, a demon performed penance to please Lord Siva to grant him a unique boon where he sought that every drop of his blood falling off his body should transform into a new replica of him. Pleased with Andhakasura's penance, Lord Siva appeared and granted him the wish. After that, the demon became fearless and started running havoc. On the battleground, every drop of Andhakasura's blood would transform into a new replica of himself thus increasing his army manifold. Worried that Siva's wish had made Andhakasura indestructible, the demigods and the others pleaded with Lord Siva for help. Lord Siva fought a very tough battle with the demon but was unable to destroy him. When Lord Siva got tired of fighting Andhakasura’s huge army, he started sweating. The droplets of sweat falling off his forehead cut open the bhumi (earth) from where Mangal Dev emerged. Mangal with his divine powers absorbed every drop of blood that fell from the asura's body putting an end to the proliferation of demons. At last, Andhakasura was killed at the hands of Lord Siva. This is how Bhauma or Mangal Dev (Mars) came into being and acquired the red complexion.

According to another belief, Mangal Dev was born from the three droplets of Lord Siva's sweat that fell on the ground while Siva was deeply engrossed in meditation on the Kailash Mountain. Mangal dev was then raised by Bhumi. Since Mangal used to be an ardent follower of Lord Siva, the presiding deity is Lord Siva. The temple is situated at the place where the first meridian is said to pass the earth and so this place was a renowned spot for a clear view of the planet and consequently it turned to be an apt place for astronomical studies. This marvelous shrine located far away from the flurry of the city life, offers an unimaginable sense of tranquility to the tourists.

Sri Mangalnath Temple in Ujjain

13. Sri Gopal Mandir
This huge temple is situated in the middle of the big market square. It was constructed by Bayajibai Shinde, the queen of Maharajah Daulat Rao Shinde in 1883. Gopal Mandir is dedicated to Lord Sri Krishna. The Gopal Mandir is a marble-towered structure and a representative sample of Maratha architecture. The door in the inner sanctum is the same door, which had been carried away by Mahmud Ghazni from the Somnath temple in Gujarat to Ghazni in Afganistan in 1026 AD. The Afghan invader, Mahmud Shah Abdali, later took the gates to Lahore, from where Mahadji Scindia recovered them. The Scindia ruler later installed them in Gopal Temple.

Sri Gopal

14. Sri Ram Mandir
Sri Ram Mandir is at Ram Ghat near Sri Gopal Mandir. This temple is dedicated to Lord Ramacandra.

Sri Sri Sita Ram Laxmana near Ram Ghat

15. King Vikramaditya Throne
One of the most famous kings of Ujjain of his time was king Vikramaditya. He was famous for his ksatriya spirit and also great intelligence. Vikramaditya was a renowned king who ruled India. He had earned name for his wisdom, velour and nobility. The second son of Ujjain’s King Gandharvasena, Vikramaditya was born in 102 BC and died in 15 AD. He ruled Ujjain for over 100 years. His era is known as Vikram Samvat and is still followed in India. The throne (Singhasan) of Vikramaditya was given by Lord Indra and had mystic powers. This throne went missing after the period of Vikramaditya. When it appeared in the period of the king Bhoja, he tried to climb it. The salabhanjikas(Mystic powers) tested him and finally accepted Bhoja to sit on the throne. Vikramaditya’s encounter with the Vetal demon are well known. The throne of Maharaja Vikramaditya, known as the "seat of judgment (salabanjika throne)" is said to be still located in the Rudra Sagar lake.

King Vikramaditya Throne

16. ISKCON Indore (Hare Krishna) - Sri Sri Radha Govinda Temple
ISKCON has a Temple in Indore. The address is: Sri Sri Radha Govinda Mandir, Hare Krishna Vihar Colony, Near Advance Academy School, Nipania, Indore, Madhya Pradesh - 452016.

Sri Sri Radha Govinda Mandir (ISKCON) at Indore
Their Lordships Sri Sri Radha Govinda
His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
Their Lordships Sri Sri Jagannatha Baladeva Subhadra
Gift shop at Sri Sri Radha Govinda Mandir, Indore

Directions to reach Ujjain:
By Air: Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport at Indore is the nearest airport to Ujjain, 55 km away. Indore is connected to major cities in India by air. It has direct air connectivity with New Delhi, Mumbai, Bhopal, Pune, Hyderabad, Nagpur, Raipur and Ahmedabad. Taxi services are available to reach Ujjain from Indore airport.

By Train: Ujjain railway station is a major junction of Western railway zone. It has many long distance and direct trains to almost all parts of India.

By Road: Ujjain is well connected by road. Regular bus services are available from Indore (55 km), Gwalior (450 km), Ahmedabad (400 km) and Bhopal (183 km) to Ujjain.

Ujjain Yatra

Krishna Recovers the Son of His Teacher: www.vedabase.com/kb/45

ISKCON Ujjain Temple: www.iskconujjain.com

Food for Life Vrindavana: www.fflv.org

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