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| Ujain - Ujjayini
Ujjain (India)
| | | | Ujjain (Hindi : उज्जैन) (also known as Ujain, Ujjayini, Avanti, Avantikapuri), is an ancient city of Malwa region in central India, on the eastern bank of the Kshipra River (Hindi : क्षिप्रा), today part of the state of Madhya Pradesh. It is the administrative centre of Ujjain District and Ujjain Division. | | Ujjain : Virtual tour |  | 9 sections and 27 items |
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Ujjain : Building(s) (1)
|  | Ved Shala Observatory
1725
Built by Maharaja Jai Singh, the Ved Shala Observatory was known to house state-of-the-art instruments to study astronomy.
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| Ram Ghat (5)
Ghâts of the Kshipra River
The Shipra, also known as the Kshipra, is a river in Madhya Pradesh. It rises in the Vindhya Range north of Dhar, and flows south across the Malwa Plateau to join the Chambal River. It is one of the sacred rivers in Hinduism.
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|  | City of Ujjain (6)
Ujjain, on the eastern bank of the Kshipra River, is one of seven most holy places for Hindus in India where Varanasi is considered as the holiest of the seven holy cities.
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Ujjain : Place(s) of worship (5)
|  | Chintaman Ganesh Temple (4)
approx. between the XIst and the XIInd century
The temple is built across the Shipra. The Ganesh idol enshrined here is supposed to be swayambhu - born of itself.
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|  | Gopal Mandir (3)
1883
This huge temple is situated in the middle of the big market square. It was constructed by Bayajibai Shinde, the queen of Maharajah Daulat Rao Shinde in 1883.
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|  | Harsiddhi Durga Temple (4)
The Harisiddhi Temple at Ujjain is one of the most visited tourist site in India, and it has gained so much importance due to its sacredness that is intimately associated with the temple.
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|  | Jama Masjid of Ujjain
Although Ujjain may be known for its Hindu temples and sacred rivers making it an important Hindu pilgrimage, Muslim influences are also apparent. The Jama Masjid is a recent construction which radiates its presence in the centre of the town, not far from the Gopal Mandir.
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|  | Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga
XIXth century
Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingams, which are supposed to be the most sacred abodes of Shiva.
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| | Ujjain : Visit Guide | |
Ujjain is connected with rest of India by road and rail.The closest airport is in Indore (52km). | | Ujjain : Description | |
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In ancient times the city was called Ujjayini. As mentioned in the Mahabharata epic, Ujjayini was the capital of the Avanti Kingdom, and has been the Prime Meridian for Hindu geographers since the 4th century BCE. Ujjain is one of the seven sacred cities (Sapta Puri) of the Hindus, and the Kumbh Mela religious festival is held there every 12 years. It is also home to Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines to the god Shiva and is also the place where Lord Krishna got education with Balarama and Sudama from Maharshi Sandipani.
Ancient monuments and tourist sites in Ujjain
* The Mahakal Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, is a famous and venerated Shiva temple. The Shivling in this temple is supposed to be the only Jyotirling which faces south and hence it is known as Dakshinmukhi or the south-facing ling. It is the most popular and important temple of Ujjain. Every year on shivratri (claimed to be the Birthday of Lord Shiva), there is a huge crowd of devotees for darshan. The same kind of public crowd can be seen in the month of Savaan, NagPanchami. On every Monday of "Savan", there is a huge procession for the Lord Shiva idol in the city attended by large numbers of devotees from across the India. Mahakal derives its name from "kaal" meaning end of life - death; the word Mahakaal means Lord of Death.
* Sri Sri Radha Madan Mohan Temple, of the ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) or Hare Krishna Movement, also has a guest house and restaurant, and is a major attraction for tourists, though it is very new on the map of Ujjain.
* The temple of Chintaman Ganesh is the biggest ancient temple of Lord Ganesha in Ujjain.
* The temple of Maa Wagheshvari is known for its tall idol of the goddess Wagheshwari and "Sinh (lion) - Dwar (gate)".
* The Harsidhhi Temple is one of the Shaktipeeth, situated at 52 places in India.
* The Sandipani Ashram is where tradition says Shri Krishna was educated with Balarama and Sudama from Maharshi Sandipani.
* The Siddha Ashram, located between Ramghat and Narshinghat, is known for research in Ayurvedic medicine and Kundalini Shaktipat.
* The Kaliyadeh Palace, located on the outskirts of the city, is one of the palaces belonging to royal Scindia family of Madhya Pradesh.
* The Bhrathari caves is an ancient site which has some interesting legends associated with it.It is said that it holds tunnels which lead directly to 4 ancient dhams (char dham).these ways were later shut down by Britishers.
* The Observatory (Vedha Shala) built by a Rajput king, Raja Jai Singh II, in the 1720s, is one of the five such observatories in India and features ancient astronomical devices.
* The Prashanti Dham is a holy place, where Sai Baba's Ashram is situated.
* Jain temples : Jai Singh Pura Atishay Kshetra, Tapobhoomi, Avanti Parshwanath, Hanumant baag,Manibhadradham Bhairavgarh.
* The Kothi Palace presents a sight worth watching in the evening.
* The Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan museum, located near Chamunda tower, holds many ancient objects.
* The throne of Maharaja Vikramaditya, known as the "seat of judgment (salabanjika throne)" may be located in the Rudra Sagar lake.
* Other temples are Harsidhhi (Durga Temple), Gadh Kalika, Kaal Bhairav, Triveni (Nav Graha Shani Mandir), Mangalnaath, Siddhhanath and Shiv Shakti.
Among Seven Holy Cities of India
Moreover, Ujjain is one of seven most holy places for Hindus in India where Varanasi is considered as the holiest of the seven holy cities.
"Ayodhyā Mathurā Māyā Kāsi Kāñchī Avantikā I
Purī Dvārāvatī chaiva saptaitā moksadāyikāh II - Garuḍa Purāṇa I XVI .14"
A Kṣetra is a sacred ground, a field of active power, a place where Moksha, final release can be obtained. The Garuda Purana enumerates seven cities as giver of Moksha, They are Ayodhya, Mathura, Māyā, Kāsi, Kāñchī, Avantikā and Dvārāvatī.
Various Names of Ujjain
Since Ujjain is one of the oldest cities in India, it has been known by many names :
* Avantika
* Padmavati
* Kushasthali
* Bhagavati
* Haranyavati
* Kandakatringa
* Kumudvati
* Pratikalpa
* Ujjayani
* Udeni
* Vishala
It is said that to the Western astronomers it was known as "Arin".
Geography
Ujjain is situated on the Malwa Plateau in Central India. The soil is black and stony. The vegetation is typical of arid regions with thorny trees like babul and acacia dominating the landscape. Soybean, wheat, jowar and bajra are the main crops grown.
Ujjain has an average elevation of 491 meters (1610 ft).
Demographics
As of 2001 India census, Ujjain had a population of 429,933. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Ujjain has an average literacy rate of 72%, higher than the national average of 59.5% : male literacy is 79%, and female literacy is 66%. In Ujjain, 13% of the population is under 7 years.
Climate
Ujjain experiences typical climate conditions of the interior Indian subcontinent. The summer months (April-June) are harsh with temperatures reaching up to 45°C. In addition, hot winds (called loo) may blow in the afternoons, worsening the heat. The winter months (Nov.-Feb.) are pleasant and cool with daytime temperatures typically 20°C, though it may drop to subzero in the night. The monsoon typically arrives in late June and the months of June till September receive moderate to heavy rainfall. There are periods of rainfall followed by long periods of bright sunshine and high humidity. The month of October generally is very warm and with high humidity.
Transport
Ujjain is well-connected by rail, air and road. It is on the Western Railway and is connected by direct train to most major Indian cities.Ujjain has an air strip. The nearest airport is Indore Airport.The road network is developed with other parts of Madhya Pradesh.Ujjain is connected to Indore through SH-27 and SH-18 Dewas-Badnawar passes through it.
Railway Stations
There are three railway stations :
1. Ujjain Junction main
2. Vikram Nagar
3. Chintaman (Metre Gauge)
4. Pingleshwar
Bus Stations
1. Dewas Gate(main bus stand)
2. Nanakheda
Major Roads
Indore Road, Dewas Road, Agar Road, Badnagar Road, Maksi Road, Nagda Road , Tarana Road Via Undasa Dam , Chintaman Road Connected to fourlane from Badnagar to Sanwer.
84 Mahadeva (Shiva) of Ujjain
There are 84 Gods of Ujjain, Chaurasi Mahadev (Shiva), out of them four are the dwarapalas of Mahakala Ujjain. The four dwarapalas are Pingaleshwara (East), Kayavarohaneshwara (South), Vilveshwara (West) and Dardareshwara (North). The Chaurasi Ishwaras are :
Agasteshwara Mahadeva
Gurihashwara Mahadeva
Dudeshwara Mahadeva
Damarukeshwara Mahadeva
Anadikalpeshwara Mahadeva
Swarnajaleshwara Mahadeva
Trivishtapeshwara Mahadeva
Kapaleshwara Mahadeva
Swargadareshwara Mahadeva
Karkoteshwara Mahadeva
Siddheshwara Mahadeva
Lokapaleshwara Mahadeva
Kameshwara Mahadeva
Kutumbeshwara Mahadeva
Indradhamneshwara Mahadeva
Ishaneshwara Mahadeva
Apsareshwara Mahadeva
Kalakaleshwara Mahadeva
Nagachandreshwara Mahadeva
Pratihareshwara Mahadeva
Kukkuteshwara Mahadeva
Karkateshwara Mahadeva
Meghanadeshwara Mahadeva
Mahalayeshwara Mahadeva
Mukteshwara Mahadeva
Someshwara Mahadeva
Anarkeshwara Mahadeva
Jateshwara Mahadeva
Rameshwara Mahadeva
Chyavaneshwara Mahadeva
Khandeshwara Mahadeva
Pantaneshwara Mahadeva
Anandeshwara Mahadeva
Kandhadeshwara Mahadeva
Indreshwara Mahadeva
Markandeshwara Mahadeva
Shiveshwara Mahadeva
Kusumeshwara Mahadeva
Akrureshwara Mahadeva
Kundeshwara Mahadeva
Lumpeshwara Mahadeva
Gangeshwara Mahadeva
Angarakeshwara Mahadeva
Uttareshwara Mahadeva
Trilochaneshwara Mahadeva
Vireshwara Mahadeva
Nripareshwara Mahadeva
Abhayeshwara Mahadeva
Prithukeshwara Mahadeva
Sthawareshwara Mahadeva
Shuleshwara Mahadeva
Onkareshwara Mahadeva
Vishvareshwara Mahadeva
Kantheshwara Mahadeva
Singheshwara Mahadeva
Revanteshwara Mahadeva
Ghanteshwara Mahadeva
Prayageshwara Mahadeva
Shrisiddheshwara Mahadeva
Matangeshwara Mahadeva
Saubhageshwara Mahadeva
Rupeshwara Mahadeva
Sahastradhanukareshwara Mahadeva
Pashupateshwara Mahadeva
Brahmeshwara Mahadeva
Jalapeshwara Mahadeva
Kedareshwara Mahadeva
Pishachamukteshwara Mahadeva
Sangameshwara Mahadeva
Duddhareshwara Mahadeva
Yageshwara Mahadeva
Chandradityeshwara Mahadeva
Karabheshwara Mahadeva
Rajasthaleshwara Mahadeva
Badaleashwara Mahadeva
Aruneshwara Mahadeva
Pushpadanteshwara Mahadeva
Abhimukteshwara Mahadeva
Hanumanteshwara Mahadeva
Shriswapneshwara Mahadeva
Pingaleshwara Mahadeva
Kayavarihaneshwara Mahadeva
Bilkeshwara Mahadeva
Durdureshwara Mahadeva.
From Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ujjain
Text is available under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Text_of_the_GNU_Free_Documentation_License | | Ujjain : History | |
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The earliest references to the city, as Ujjaini, are from the time of the Buddha, when it was the capital of the Avanti Kingdom. Since the 4th century B.C. the city has marked the first meridian of longitude in Hindu geography. It is also reputed to have been the residence of Ashoka (who subsequently became the emperor), when he was the viceroy of the western provinces of the Maurya empire.
In the Post-Mauryan period, the city was ruled by the Sungas and the Satavahanas consecutively. It was contested for a period between the Satavahanas and the Ror Sakas (devotees of Shakumbari), known as Western Satraps; however, following the end of the Satavahana dynasty, the city was retained by the Rors from the 2nd to the 4th century CE. Ujjain is mentioned as the city of Ozene in the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea, an antique Greek description of sea ports and trade centers in the western Indian Ocean. Following the enthroning of the Gupta dynasty, the city soon became an important seat in the annals of that empire. Ujjain is considered to be the traditional capital of King Chandragupta II, also known as Vikramaditya, at whose court the nine poets known as the navaratna (nine jewels) of Sanskrit literature are said to have flourished.
In the 6th and 7th centuries, Ujjain was a major centre of mathematical and astronomical research. The famous mathematicians who worked there included : Brahmagupta, whose book Brahmasphutasiddhanta was responsible for spreading the use of zero, negative numbers and the positional number system to Arabia and Cambodia; Varahamihira, who was the first to discover many trigonometric identities; and Bhaskaracharya, or Bhaskara II, whose book Lilavati broke new ground in many areas of mathematics.
Ujjain was invaded by the forces of the Delhi Sultanate led by Iltutmish in 1235, suffering widespread destruction and systematic desecration of temples. Under the Mughal emperor Akbar it became the capital of Malwa.
During the last half of the 18th century Ujjain was the headquarters of the Maratha leader Scindia. The Scindias later established themselves at Gwalior, and Ujjain remained part of Gwalior state until Indian Independence in 1947. Gwalior state became a princely state of the British Raj after the Maratha defeat in the Third Anglo-Maratha War, and Gwalior, Ujjain, and the neighboring princely states were made a part of the Central India Agency. After Indian independence, the Scindia ruler of Gwalior acceded to the Indian Union, and Ujjain became part of the Madhya Bharat state. In 1956 Madhya Bharat was merged into the Madhya Pradesh state. | | Ujjain : More pictures | |
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