After a long-awaited plan, I finally embarked on a one-day
whirlwind journey through the sacred city of Ujjain. Though my legs ached and
the sun wore me down, my spirit felt lighter with each stop. Ujjain is not just
a city; it is a living memory of India’s spiritual soul. Here's a glimpse into
the places I visited and the emotions they stirred.
1. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga
My journey began at the beating heart of Ujjain — the Mahakaleshwar Temple. One
of the twelve Jyotirlingas, this temple radiates a forceful energy, ancient and
eternal. The moment I stepped inside the sanctum, I felt a silence deeper than
sound. Time stood still as I bowed before Mahakal, the Lord of Time.
2. Garh Kalika Temple
Next, I visited the temple of Goddess Kalika, believed to have been worshipped
by King Vikramaditya himself. The raw, fierce power of the deity here was
palpable. It felt like stepping into the battlefield of mind and ego, emerging
with a strange clarity.
3. Harsiddhi Temple
This Shakti Peeth with its oil-lit deep-stambh (lamp towers) was a beautiful
contrast of devotion and architectural grace. The temple's calmness was
grounding, and the presence of Shakti felt nurturing.
4. Mangalnath Temple
A cosmic stop on this journey, Mangalnath is said to be the birthplace of Mars.
Standing here, with the Shipra flowing nearby and the sky open above, I felt
incredibly small and yet connected to something vast.
5. Kal Bhairav Temple
One of the most intriguing visits was to Kal Bhairav, the fierce protector of
Ujjain. Devotees used to offer liquor to the deity (which is now stopped) — a tradition as unique as the
presence I felt inside. It was a reminder that divinity is not always soft;
sometimes it is wild and unbound.
6. Ram Ghat
A walk along the banks of Shipra at Ram Ghat was like flowing with a river of
memories. Priests chanting, lamps floating, the sun setting — every moment here
felt like a poetic verse.
7. Mahakal Lok
The newly created Mahakal Lok, a majestic corridor with divine murals and
sculptures, was an awe-inspiring blend of mythology and modern design. Walking
here felt like walking through the pages of a sacred epic.
8. Bharat Mata Mandir
This temple reminded me of our roots, of the motherland, and of the sacrifices
that shape our civilization. A quiet yet moving place.
9. Sandipani Ashram
Where Lord Krishna studied with Sudama and Balarama. Being here felt like
stepping into the Gurukul era, where learning was divine and discipline sacred.
10. Chintaman Ganesh Temple
The remover of obstacles, seated calmly with ancient carvings surrounding him.
A temple where faith speaks louder than words.
11. Bhartuhari Caves
The final stretch of my journey led me into these silent caves. Legend says the
great King Bhartuhari meditated here after renouncing his kingdom. The
atmosphere was thick with solitude and reflection.
As I left Ujjain, my body was tired, but my soul felt soothed. In one day, I
touched centuries. Every temple, every chant, every stone told a story — not
just of gods and kings, but of inner journeys and silent revolutions.
If you’re seeking a place where mythology, devotion, and
cosmic wonder meet — Ujjain will welcome you. Not just as a visitor, but as a
seeker.
Tips for Fellow Travellers:
- Start
early; most temples open around 5 AM.
- Wear
comfortable clothes suitable for temple visits.
- Stay
hydrated and take breaks at ghats for calm reflection.
- If
possible, plan your trip over two days to explore more deeply.
- Most importantly, be a responsible citizen by throwing garbage in dustbins only.
- Only go for special poojas if you have enough cash and you truly believe that those rituals will give you results. Do carry cash in small amount as temple dakshinas are taken in cash only.
- Avoid going there during public holidays/weekends if you don't want to face huge crowds.
Let Ujjain be not just a destination, but an awakening.
