|
Ujjain
is situated on the right bank of River bank or River Shipra. It is
a very holy city for the Hindus a site for the triennial Kumbh
Mela. According to Hindu scriptures, it was originally called
Avantika. There is an interesting tale behind the sanctity of the
city. It's origin is ascribed to the mythological legend of Sagar
Manthan (churning of the primordial ocean to discover the pot of
nectar). The story goes that after the nectar was discovered,
there was a chase between the gods and the demons to have the
nectar first and thus attain immortality. During this chase a drop
of nectar spilled and fell on Ujjain, thus making the city sacred.
Apart from mythological legends, the city has a long a nd
distinguished history. It was governed by the likes of
Vikramaditya and Ashoka. Kalidas wrote his soul stirring poetry
here.
Today, Ujjain represents an interesting blend of an age old legacy
and the modern day lifestyle.
Mahakaleshwara : This temple of Lord Shiva with
its lingam is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. It is also
known as the shrine of Mahakaleshwara. The temple has an idol of
Omkareshwara Shiva consecrated in the sanctum above the Mahakal
Shrine. The temple also mages of Ganesh, Parvati, Kartikeya and
Shiva's Bull, Nandi.
Bade Ganeshji Ka Mandir : There is a sculpted
image of Lord Ganesh, ion this temple, close to the tank near
Mahakaleshwar.
Chintamani Ganesh : A temple of considerable
antiquity and a popular place of pilgrimage, the idol here is
believed to be self formed.
Bhartrihari Caves : According to legend, the
caves on the banks of the river Shipra near Gadkalika Temple are
where the great scholar-poet Bhartrihari lived and meditated.
Harsiddhi Temple : Another Important shrine with
the image of Goddess Annapurna.
Kal Bhairava : The specialty of this temple is
its intricate paintings in the Malwa style.
Observatory : The stars and the skies seemed
fascinating in the 17th century too. That would perhaps explain
the number of observatories that we have in India. Even this 17th
century observatory has a planetarium and a telescope.
Vikram Kirti Mandir : This Mandir has the Scindia
Oriental Research Institute, an archaeological museum and an art
gallery. Actually, a cultural centre, it is dedicated to the
memory of King Vikramaditya - the much honoured King of Ujjain.
Gopal Mandir : A sanctum inlaid with marble and
silver plated doors constitute the main attraction of this temple.
Navagraha Mandir : The ruling planets have always
had an important place in the Indian rituals and tradition. This
temple is dedicated to the nine ruling planets (Navagraha means
nine planets) It is located on the Triveni Ghat of the Shipra
river.
Festivals
Mahashivratri : Having one of the 12 Jyotirlingas
in India, obviously, Mahashivratri is a big event here. Thousand
of pilgrims flock to the fair grounds near the famous
Mahakaleshwar temple and fast and worship throughout the night.
Simhastha Kumbh Mela : It is a mammoth fair, held
once in twelve years at Simhastha. The magnificence and awesome
spectacle of the bathing ritual defies description.
|
