Bhakti D
Ujjain holds immense historical significance in India. It’s one of the oldest cities in the country and has been a center of culture, commerce, and spirituality for centuries. Historically, it was known as Ujjayini and was the capital of the ancient Avanti kingdom. It’s mentioned in Hindu scriptures such as the Mahabharata and the Ramayana.
Historical and Cultural Significance of Ujjain
Ujjain is also renowned as the site of the Kumbh Mela, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, held every 12 years. It’s home to several important Hindu temples, including the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga temple, which is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India. Additionally, Ujjain has been a center of learning and astronomy.
Key Historical Highlights
Throughout history, Ujjain has been a hub for scholars, poets, and intellectuals. It has contributed significantly to the fields of mathematics, astronomy, and literature. Overall, Ujjain’s historical significance lies in its rich cultural heritage, spiritual importance, and contributions to knowledge and learning.
Raja Vikramaditya is a legendary figure associated with Ujjain. He is celebrated for his valor, wisdom, and justice, as depicted in the “Vikram and Betaal” tales. Though his historical existence is debated, his legendary exploits have left a lasting impact on Indian folklore and literature.
Travel Plan
We’ve decided to celebrate Diwali in Ujjain in 2025. We’ve booked a flight from Hyderabad to Indore. Indore is around 70 kilometers from Ujjain, and the journey typically takes about two hours by road. The route is quite good. After landing in Indore, there are many tea and snack centers on the way to Ujjain, where you can enjoy excellent tea.
Accommodation
We had booked a bungalow on Airbnb, located about 5 kilometers from the temples in Ujjain. There are many hotels within a 5-minute distance from the temples, but since there were six people in our group and we all wanted to stay together, we opted to book a house instead.
Major Attractions in Ujjain
In Ujjain, the main attractions include the darshan of Mahakaleshwar, the Bhasma Aarti, the Kal Bhairav temple, and the ashram of Sandipani Rishi. It’s advisable to book the Bhasma Aarti online in advance.
Bhasma Aarti (A Must-Experience Ritual)
The Bhasma Aarti is a sacred ritual performed at the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain. It involves offering ashes (bhasma) to Lord Shiva as a form of worship. It is a highly revered and spiritually charged ceremony. Devotees gather to witness the Aarti, which is accompanied by the chanting of sacred hymns and the sound of bells. The priests perform the Aarti using burning incense, camphor, and lamps, creating a mesmerizing and divine ambiance.
The Bhasma Aarti at the Mahakaleshwar Temple starts at 5 a.m., so you need to arrive between 2 and 3 in the morning. Although it’s crowded, LED screens are installed inside the hall for clear viewing. The Aarti continues until around 6:30 a.m., creating a spiritually vibrant atmosphere. The energy during the Aarti is incredibly powerful, as if the divine presence itself is manifesting. The Panchamrit Abhishek is performed on the lingam, followed by adornment according to the significance of the day.
Participating in the Bhasma Aarti is believed to bestow blessings, purification, and spiritual upliftment upon devotees. It is considered a profound and deeply enriching experience for those who attend. After the Bhasma Aarti, there is a queue for the darshan of Mahakaleshwar. After the darshan, in the outer courtyard, there is a small temple of Lord Shankar where you can perform Abhishek.
Outside the temple, there are stalls serving poha and chai, where you can taste the famous Indori poha. Ujjain offers a variety of delicious food, including dal bafla, churma, and aloo bafla, which are popular dishes in the region.
A magnificent and expansive corridor has been developed at Ujjain’s Mahakal Temple. When the entire area lights up in the evening, the sight becomes truly breathtaking and mesmerizing. The glow of the illumination enhances the temple’s beauty even further.
Within this grand corridor, towering and impressive statues of the Saptarishis have been installed, adding to the spiritual and architectural splendour of the place. The entire setup creates a divine and majestic atmosphere for devotees visiting the temple.
Must Visit Places in Ujjain
Ujjain, an ancient city in India, boasts rich cultural and historical significance. Here are some must-visit places:
1. Mahakaleshwar Temple: One of the twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is a significant pilgrimage site.
2. Kal Bhairav Temple: Dedicated to a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva, this temple is known for its unique rituals and vibrant atmosphere.
3. Ram Ghat: Situated on the banks of the Shipra River, it is a sacred spot for bathing and performing religious rituals.
4. Kumbh Mela: If your visit coincides with the Kumbh Mela, it is a must-see event, attracting millions of devotees and tourists from around the world.
5. Vedh Shala (Jantar Mantar): An ancient observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh II, it is a fascinating place for astronomy enthusiasts.
6. Chintaman Ganesh Temple: Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, it is believed to be one of the oldest temples in Ujjain, dating back to the 11th century.
7. Bhartrihari Caves: Located on the banks of the Shipra River, these caves are associated with the great philosopher Bhartrihari.
8. Sandipani Ashram: According to legend, this is where Lord Krishna and Sudama received their education from Guru Sandipani.
These are just a few highlights; Ujjain has much more to offer in terms of spirituality, history, and culture.
Food Culture of Ujjain
Ujjain’s food culture is a delightful mix of traditional dishes and vibrant street food, offering a rich and satisfying culinary experience.
1. Poha Jalebi: A beloved breakfast staple combining savoury poha with sweet, crispy jalebi.
2. Kachori and Samosa: Popular fried snacks filled with spicy lentils or potatoes.
3. Bhutte Ka Kees: A unique regional dish made from grated corn cooked with milk and spices.
4. Gulab Jamun and Ras Malai: Classic Indian desserts, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
5. Dal Bafla: Boiled and baked wheat balls served with dal, making for a hearty and flavourful meal.
A Sacred Nearby Trip: Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga
There is another Jyotirlinga near Ujjain that you must visit—the divine Omkareshwar. The distance from Ujjain to Omkareshwar is 141 km, but due to the slightly rough road, it takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach. The Omkareshwar Temple is uniquely shaped like the sacred symbol ‘ॐ’. This holy temple stands on the ghats of the sacred Narmada River. The temple is very old and built with ancient stone architecture. There can be a long queue for darshan, but the joy of waiting in line and finally receiving the darshan is truly special.
Ujjain continues to shine as a vibrant blend of history, spirituality, and culture, offering visitors an experience that is both deeply sacred and enriching. With its ancient temples, grand corridors, and unique culinary heritage, the city stands as a timeless testament to India’s spiritual legacy. Ujjain promises to welcome devotees and travellers with unmatched devotion and charm.
