Ujjain

Welcome! So, you are planning to visit Ujjain – the second oldest city in the country with a recorded history. Of course, the famous Mahakaleshwar Temple is on your list of things to do. But did you also know that no member of a Royal Family is allowed to spend the night in Ujjain – because two “Kings” cannot live together in one city and Mahakal is the “King” of Ujjain? Or that Raja Vikramaditya (of the Vikram and Betal fame) built his Palace outside of the city for the same reason? Or that there was an underground tunnel connecting this Palace to Mahakaleshwar Temple so that water can be brought from the Royal household to the Temple for “Jalabhishek”.

We at TROLET welcome you to explore such hidden stories – beyond the popular legends of this ancient city with remarkable cultural traditions. We will take you to -

1. Mahakaleshwar Temple-

   One of the 12 jyotirlingas, this pilgrimage destination captivates a large number of Worshippers with it’s mystical aura. You can feel the presence of almighty in this serene and spiritual land.

   Fact File - Do you know, an arti one of its kind named ‘Bhasma Arti’ is performed in this temple where the Lord Shiva Lingam is ‘bathed’ every morning by the ash of a corpse that has been cremated the day before.

2. Mangalnath Temple -

   Considered to be the birthplace of Mars (mangala in hindi), this temple is situated where the first meridian is said to pass the earth. Renowned for clear view of the planet, this is an appropriate place for astronomical studies.

   Fact File - Do you know, You can get rid of Mangal Dosh, a flaw in one’s kundali by performing ‘Bhaat Puja’ in this temple. The puja is performed by bhaat(cooked rice) and the Shiva lingam is decorated with this bhaat, giving it a look of Amarnath Lingam.

3. Harsiddhi Temple-

   One of the 52 shaktipeeths,the temple was build by famous King Vikramaditya who was believed to be a great devotee of Devi Harsiddhi. The temple has idols of Annapurna, Harsiddhi and Kali placed one above the other.

   Fact File - According to Shiva Purana, when Shiva carried away the burning body of Sati from the sacrificial fire, her elbow dropped at this place. This temple is adorned with two 61 feet Diya-Stambhs (Oil-lamp towers) containing 756 lamps.

4. Kal Bhairav Temple-

   In the form of the Kaala Bhairava, Shiva is said to be guarding Shaktipeeth of Devi Harsiddhi. You may find it astonishing and unbelievable but this is the only place in the world where liquor is offered in any temple as ‘chadhava’ (offerings) to fulfill one’s wishes. The devotee can buy a bottle of wine, rum or whisky and present it to the deity. The bottle is handed over to the priest along with other puja material.

   Fact File - An enigmatic occurrence can be experienced in the temple when the liquor chadava is opened into a shallow plate which is placed near the mouth of the idol . Slowly, the liquor level starts going down and the contents of the plate disappears in front of your eyes. It may sound unbelievable, but it is true…… Nobody knows where the liquor goes, this mystery is still not decoded.

5. Navgrah Temple-

   Situated on Triveni ghat of river Shipra, this temple is of prominent importance as it is dedicated to nine planets. Here Sani Bhagawan appears in two forms, one is called 7½ years Bada Sani and the other one as 2½ year Chhota Sani. This temple attracts large crowds on new moon days falling on Saturdays.

   Fact File - It is believed that leaving your dress, shoes or leather material in this temples helps to get rid of the unfavourable effects of Shani on one’s life. These tonnes of leftover materials are later carried in trucks and Tenders are passed to sell them.

6. Sandipani Ashram-

   As per mythology Lord Krishna and his childhood friend Sudama studied at this ashram of Rishi Sandipani. A sacred pond known as Gomti kund exists nearby. Krishna is believed to have bought Gomti River here so that his guru did not have to go to Dwarika every day to take holy dip in River Gomti.

   Fact File - The temple here is the only temple in India to have standing bull Nandi. Footprints of Shri Krishna can be seen in this temple.

7. Other Tourist Attractions -
   • Bhartahari Gufa
   • Ram janardan Mandir
   • Siddhavat
   • Gad Kaalika
   • Jantar Mantar