Imagine a city where old legends aren’t just stories, they're part of everyday life. This is Ujjain for you. People say Lord Shiva defeated the demon Tripurasura here, and Lord Krishna studied here. For thousands of years, the temples in Ujjain have attracted pilgrims and travellers. Set in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, Ujjain isn’t just about the city of temples. The city’s got this energy and spirituality just hangs in the air, walk along the narrow stone lanes or down by the ghats, and you feel it. And the temples of Ujjain are definitely something else. People come for all sorts of reasons. Some want blessings. Others just want to take in the architecture, lose themselves in the details, or soak up the atmosphere. And during Kumbh Mela, Ujjain turns into a whole different world. This guide rounds up the top 10 temples that attract millions every year.
10 Famous Temples in Ujjain
Ujjain has many temples where you can feel the spirituality, but out of them, here are the 10 must-visit Temples in Ujjain.
1. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple
Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, one of the 12 holy Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, is one of the main places in Ujjain. The famous Bhasma Aarti takes place every morning, where the Shivling is washed with milk, honey, and curd before being adorned with ash and flowers. According to historical narratives, the temple was built by Lord Brahma, and the newly constructed Mahakal Lok Corridor, located over 900 meters just prior to Rudrasagar Lake, has 108 pillars, 200 statues and murals of Lord Shiva, making it one of the must-visit temples in Ujjain to visit.
Location: Jaisinghpura, Ujjain
Temple Timings: 4 am - 11 pm (General Darshan) 6 am - 1 pm & 6 pm - 8 pm(Garbh Grih Darshan)
Aarti timing: 4 am Bhasma Aarti
2. Kal Bhairav Temple
Bhairav temple is located near the Bhagirathi caves and is among the best places to visit in Ujjain. The devotion to the Kaal Bhairav temple in Ujjain is very important for the Shiv devotees because Bhairav is the leader of the 8 attendants of lord Shiva. According to the temple legend, it was built by King Bhadrasen of Mahismati. Its significance is referenced in Hindu scriptures such as the Avanti Khanda of the Skanda Purana. Offerings to the deity typically include flowers, coconut, incense and, remarkably, liquor! So if you are a true Shiv devotee, then visiting this Mahadev temple in Ujjain should be on your wishlist.
Location: Jail Road, Bhairav Garh, Ujjain
Temple Timings: 6 am - 10 pm (General Darshan) 6 am - 11 am & 6 pm - 8 pm (Garbh Grih Darshan)
Aarti Timings: Dadyodak Aarti - 7.30 - 8.15 am; Bhog Aarti - 10:30 - 11:15 am; Sandhya Aarti - 6:30 - 7:15 pm; Shayan Aarti - 10:30-11:00 pm
3. Harsidhhi Temple
The Goddess Annapurna temple, or Harsidhhi temple, is one of the most divine and beautiful temples in Ujjain. Goddess Annapurna, with her skin painted bright vermilion, lovingly sits between Mahalaxmi and Mahasaraswati in the temple. The pillars of the Ardhamandapa date back to the 11th century and add to the antiquity of the temple. The temple was restored during the Maratha period, and two tall deepastambhas with 1008 lamps were erected at the entrance. During the festivity of Navaratri, all the lamps glow throughout the temple, creating an astounding and spiritual ambience that everyone loves.
Location: Harsidhhi Marg, Yogipura, Jaisinghpura, Ujjain
Temple timings: 5 am - 09 pm (General Darshan); Morning Darshan: 5 am - 12 pm; Evening Darshan: 4 pm - 9 pm
Aarti timings: Morning Aarti: 5:30 am; Evening Aarti: 8 pm
4. Chintaman Ganesh Temple
Chintaman Ganesh Temple of Ujjain is home to a huge idol of Lord Ganesha that is worshipped at the holy shrine. Unlike many temples, the flow of devotees to this temple happens all year, and on Wednesdays and Sundays, the crowd is nonstop. The idol itself is the major attraction of the temple, as the idol is believed to have been raised on its own from the ground and has never been switched or renovated.
Location: located on the Fatehabad railway line, 7 km off the city of Ujjain (near Mahakaleshwar Temple), Madhya Pradesh
Temple timings: Morning darshan- 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM; Evening darshan- 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Aarti timing: Morning aarti- 5:30 AM; Evening aarti- 8:00 PM
5. Mangalnath Temple
Mangalnath Temple is one of the most important temples in Ujjain. Situated a little away from the city, devotees throng to the temple in huge numbers on a daily basis. It is the only temple dedicated to Mangal and is among the temples that are most active in the city. There are many people who have a weak Mangal visit to perform Mangal Shaanti Puja on a regular basis in this Mangal Grah temple in Ujjain.
Location : Location: 8 km from Ujjain city centre, on the banks of the Shipra River in Madhya Pradesh
Temple timings: 4:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Aarti timings: Monday aarti- 5:30 AM; Evening aarti- 7:00 PM
6. Ram Ghat
Ram Ghat, located in Ujjain on the banks of the holy Shipra River, is one of the oldest and holiest ghats in India, and the main venue of Kumbh Mela (Simhastha Mela) every 12 years, culling millions of visitors for the holy dip. It is always packed with pilgrims praying, performing various rituals, and taking the holy dip. When evening comes, a heavenly experience takes place at Ram Ghat; hundreds of lamps light up and chanting fills the air during the evening aarti, making it one of the best things to do in Ujjain.
Location: Near Harsiddhi temple and near Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
Temple timings: Morning darshan-From sunrise to 12:00 PM; Evening darshan-From 4:00 PM onwards
Aarti timing: Aarti timing on Monday- Approx 6:00 AM; Evening Aarti timing - Approximately 7:00 PM
7. Bade Ganeshji Ka Mandir
Lord Ganesha is enthusiastically revered at the famous Bade Ganeshji Ka Mandir, located in Ujjain, near the Mahakaleshwar Temple. This temple is home to one of the largest and most beautiful idols of Lord Ganesha in the world. Worshipping Lord Ganesha destroys obstructions and brings happiness, wisdom, and prosperity. Another notable feature of the temple is its astrological and Sanskrit language training centre, where priests and students can receive training in Vedic systems.
Location: Near Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.
Temple timings: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Aarti timings: Monday aarti- 7:00 AM; Evening aarti- 8:00 PM
8. Sandipani Ashram
Lord Krishna, along with his brother Balarama and friend Sudama, was educated by the great Guru Sandipani at the historical and many times referenced gurukul, the famed Sandipani Ashram, situated in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. The historical significance and spiritual stature of the ashram are notable in the Bhagavata Purana. It is popularly said that Lord Krishna acquired all 64 skills here in a short time. There is a curiosity for visitors and devotees with a temple for Guru Sandipani, the revered Gomati Kund and several sites that detail the life of Shri Krishna, which all make for a spectacular event.
Location: 2- 3 km from Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
Temple timings: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Aarti timings: Monday Timing: 7:00 AM; Evening Timing: 6:30 PM
9. Gopal Mandir
Gopal Mandir is an incredibly beautiful temple built for Lord Krishna and boasts beautiful Maratha-style architecture. The temple was built in the 19th century by Bayaji Bai Shinde, wife of Maratha emperor Daulat Rao Shinde. The temple's beauty is enhanced by the stunning silver-plated shrine of the deity, Lord Krishna. After the Mahakaleshwar Temple, Gopal Mandir is the second largest of the temples in Ujjain. The temple in particular is beautifully lit during Janmashtami, along with kirtan, deity visits, as well as an array of other ceremonial activities.
Location: 2- 3 km from Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
Temple timings: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Aarti timings: Monday aarti- 7:00 AM; Evening aarti- 8:00 PM
10. Gadkalika Mandir
Gadkalika Mandir is one of the famous Shakti Peethas of Goddess Kali, located close to the village of Gad, which is how the name Gadkalika Mandir arises. It is also referred to as Ujjain Mahakali since this is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas where the upper lip of Goddess Sati fell. The Gadkalika Temple is important for its religiosity, especially for students, since it is the temple in which Kalidas prayed to the deity in order to gain knowledge.
Location: Close to Bhairavgarh, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
Temple timings: 4:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Aarti timing: Monday aarti: 5:00 AM; Evening aarti: 7:00 PM
Entry fees: General entry: Free; VIP entry: 251 Rupees
Tips for Visiting Temples in Ujjain
Here are the following must follow tips for an amazing and unforgettable trip experience in Ujjain temples;
Although there is no specific dress code in the Ujjain temple, you need to wear traditional, appropriate and simple dress.
Cover your head with a cloth while entering the sanctum.
Carry your own water bottle.
You can face security measures with heavy and large bags.
Booking in advance for Bhasma Arti.
Try to arrive early in the morning to avoid a heavy crowd.
Conclusion
The huge temples in Ujjain are not only edifices but also tales told through rocks. Each of them, from the great Lord Mahakal's energy to the mother goddess Harsiddhi's calm, gives something to the imagination.
Ujjain can be your destination if you want to be blessed, take Instagram-worthy pictures, or just be a part of spiritually buzzing India. The sacred temples in Ujjain have created a fusion of history, mythology, and devotion in one fantastic experience. It is not enough to read the story; you have to come and live the magic of the place. So, take your suitcase, put on your lightest shoes, and prepare yourself to go back in time.
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