Ujjain Simhastha (Kumbh Mela) is fast approaching and millions of people are already finalising their travel plans to the city of Ujjain. Even though Ujjain is one of the most popular religious destinations in India, there is a lot more one should know about this ancient city. This blog should help to provide a basic understanding of the city’s history and major attractions. Read on to discover some of the best places to visit in ujjain
History
Ujjain is one of the oldest cities in India. While agricultural settlements are believed to have taken place around 2000 BC, the city had begun to emerge as an urban center and a political and cultural hub by 600 BC. By all counts, the city is at least 2600 years old!
Religious Significance
Ujjain is one of the seven holy pilgrimage centres in India which are known as Sapta Puri tirthas (the other six being Ayodhya, Mathura, Haridwar, Varanasi, Kanchipuram and Dwarka).
The Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain houses one of the 12 Jyotirlingams (a devotional symbol of Lord Shiva. ) in India.
Chaurasi Mahadeo
The city abounds in temples, so much so that a popular legend goes that if one comes here with two cartloads of grain and o ffers only one handful at each temple, one would still run short of off erings. There are 84 Mahadeva temples in Ujjain, known as Chaurasi Mahadeo.
Ujjain Simhastha (Kumbh Mela)
Every twelve years, Ujjain hosts a Kumbh Mela known as the Ujjain Simhastha, a mass Hindu pilgrimage on the banks of Kshipra river. The next Simhastha will be held in Ujjain from 22 April 2016 to 21 May 2016. Check out our detailed blog about the Ujjain Simhasth here.
Other Attractions
Ujjain has its own Jantar Mantar! Ujjain was one of the five cities (the other ones being New Delhi, Jaipur, Mathura and Varanasi) where Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur constructed the Jantar Mantar. The Jantar Mantar in Ujjain is also known as Vedh Shala.
Bhartrihari caves, located on the bank of Kshipra river, are a set of two caves used by Bhartrihari, the stepbrother of King Vikramaditya, as his abode. There is an interesting story on what lead a member of the royal family become an ascetic and live in these caves (which will be covered in another post soon). During his life as a hermit, Bhartrihari wrote some of the best Sanskrit works of his time.
These were just some of the many interesting things about the city of Ujjain. With the Ujjain Simhastha (Kumbh Mela) just around the corner, now is the perfect time to plan a visit to this magical city. And the best part, you don’t have to live in a cave like Bhartrihari chose to! Check out these amazing OYOs in Ujjain that would help you make an easy booking for an affordable and comfortable stay.
P.s. You might like these related resources:
- Top 9 Places to Visit in Ujjain to Experience the City’s History and Culture
- Places you need to visit once you are near Ujjain!
- Planning a trip to Ujjain – Check out the quick tips for a Best time visit
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