Day Excursion to Ujjain

Background: Situated on the banks of the river Kshipra, the ancient city of Ujjain was the capital of Avanti, one of the 16 Mahajanapadas (Great Republics) dating to 6 BCE. Famous kings such as Ashoka (3rd century BCE) and Vikramaditya (4th century CE) have ruled over this area. Ujjain’s charms have been beautifully described by the poet Kalidasa in his poem Meghadoota. The Tropic of Cancer passes through Ujjain, and the city was a major centre for the development of astronomy and astrology.

The Puranas (scriptures) contain many references to Ujjain, extolling the sanctity of the city. Ujjain is one of the sacred Sapta-puris (the Seven Tirthas or ‘Ford-Crossings’) which offer liberation from the cycle of birth and death. It is one of the four sacred spots where during the Churning of the Ocean, a few drops of Amrit (the elixir of immortality) accidentally fell. In commemoration of this event, millions of devotees gather every 12 years on the banks of the Ram Ghat for a kumbh mela, known as the Simhasth (the previous Simhasth was in 2016).

Devotees of Lord Shiva flock to Ujjain due to the presence of the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirling Temple. Here, Shiva appears in lingam form as Mahakaal, the destroyer of Time. For devotees of the Goddess, the Harsiddhi Temple at Ujjain is a must-visit, as it is a Shakti-peetha where it is believed that the elbow of Sati fell after her death. The Kaal Bhairav Temple is dedicated to Bhairava, Ujjain’s guardian deity, to whom devotees offer alcohol. The Chintanam Ganesh temple is very popular with all residents. The Mangalnath Temple is regarded as the birthplace of Mars, and visited by many who want to propitiate this planet (it is believed that Mars has the ability to affect human relationships, particularly marriage). There are several hundred more temples, and it is impossible to visit even one-tenth of it! In addition, there are dharamshalas and ashrams of various sects of mendicants.

About this tour: This is a private tour to Ujjain to visit a few major temples. The temples we suggest are Mahalakeshwar Temple, Harsiddhi Temple, Chintaman Ganpati and Kaal Bhairav. We will walk through the local bazaar area and go down to the Ram Ghat as well. If interested, then you can visit the Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory established in the 18th century, or go to the Bhratrihari Caves (to see an old cave site of the Nath sect of mendicants).

Starts: 8:00 am from your hotel in Indore. The drive to Ujjain is 1.5 hrs.

Duration: 6-8 hrs including drive time and lunch break. We will depart Ujjain at 3 pm and return by 4:30 pm.

When: All days of the week

Tour Notes: Please wear sensible and comfortable shoes. You have to remove shoes if you visit temples, but socks are ok. We do not arrange special viewing / tickets or conduct tours for the 3 am Bhasmaarti at Mahakal. If you are planning to visit Bhratrihari Caves please note there are steps to be climbed downhill and then back uphill.