Most Famous Religious Places in Ujjain

Ujjain, one of the seven sacred cities (Sapta Puri) in Hinduism, holds a revered place in Indian spiritual and religious history. Situated on the banks of the Kshipra River in the state of Madhya Pradesh, Ujjain has been an important center for spiritual practices, pilgrimage, and religious activities for millennia. It is most famous for its association with Lord Shiva and the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, making it a key destination for Hindu devotees. Additionally, Ujjain is one of the host cities for the Kumbh Mela, a significant religious gathering that attracts millions of pilgrims from around the world. However, Ujjain's religious significance is not limited to Hinduism alone, as the city also hosts Jain temples, a Gurudwara, and a mosque, showcasing its rich and diverse religious heritage. This article explores the most famous religious places in Ujjain, highlighting their historical, cultural, and spiritual importance.

Gadkalika Temple

This place is on the same land where old Avanti was residing, whose actual elements is ruined and is suppressed inside the earth. In it digging golden material of prehistoric period was found. Gadkalika goddess is treated as a regarded goddess of great poet Kalidas. Approximately 2 miles away from city this place is situated in an isolated place.

Gadkalika goddess temple has also got recognition as a form of power. As Shakti Peetha it is 33th place of Ujjain. In Skanda Purana 24 Shakti places are considered. This temple was renovated by Samrat Harshvardhan in approx 606 AD. Durga Saptashati lessons and other prayers are carried on regularly basis here. In Navratri there is atmosphere of festival. This place is known as tantric established. It is written in Shakti Sangam Tirth - “अवन्ति संज्ञ के देशे कलिका यत्र तिठषति” similarly in Purana description, importance of this place can be found. In Linga Purana there is a story that when Lord Rama was returning back to Ayodhya after winning, stayed near Rudra sea. On the same night Kalika was in search of food. She tried to catch Hanuman but when Hanuman took immense form the goddess was frightened. While running the part of body which was fallen due to decay from her at that place, it is place of Kalika Goddess.

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Shri 24 Khamba Mata Temple

Fame of 24 Khamba Mataji’s temple by priest Rambabu

This ancient temple is approximately 2000 years old. This temple is one of the ancient temples of king Vikramaditya’s time. King Vikramaditya established the idol of goddess after doing spiritual practices and meditation here and it is considered as a Sidh Peeth. Two goddess are residing here Mahamaya and Mahalaya. It is said that this two are sisters. Mahamaya is older and Mahalaya is younger. This place is built on 24 columns and thus this temple is famous with the name of 24 Khamba Mataji.

This goddess is also known in the form of Mahakal goddess rampart. Long years ago from today, the entrance gate of Mahakal were opened from here. Prior, devotees used to greet 24 Khamba Mataji and then they use to enter the Mahakal temple. Today also when ride of Mahakal is done first of all palanquin of Mahakal stops at 24 Khamba Mataji. The prayer of goddess is done here and then the ride moves forward.

Nagar prayer is offered here every year on Kwar – Shukla Paksha – Ashtami, which comes before Dussehra. This prayer starts from 24 Khamba Mataji and ends at Gadkalika temple. In this complete tour total 40 goddess and Bheruji temple’s comes. Prior, this prayer was done by king and now it is done by collector and commissioner. Before the independence buffalo was offered to the prayer. Now only simple prayer is offered in which alcohol, Abir, Gulal, Puri, Bhajiye etc items are there.

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Nagarkot

Nagarkot Ki Rani (Queen of the city wall) is considered as the guardian deity of North-East corner of ancient Ujjayini. From the eyes of archeological this place also has an importance. Many popular tales of Vikramaditya and Bhartruhari are associated with this place. The place is associated with the traditions of Natha Cult also. A tank associated with the Paramar period is also there in the front of temple. There are two small temples on each side of the tank. In one of the temple there is an idol of Lord Karthikeyan (Lord Murugan) that belongs to Gupta period. The temple situated on the ancient mud rampart is the queen of the city wall, thus it is famous with the name of Nagarkot Ki Rani. This has got the importance as kotri goddess in form of one of the goddess mentioned from among seven in navmatrakaon of Avanti Khand. Banasur’s naked goddess is known as Kotavi. ‘Kotalgarh that is naked women’s place’, Kotavvi is also worshiped as grandfather and grandmother. Thus Ujjayini’s Nagarkot queen is kotavvi grandmother. Its other places are Varanasi, Almora, Kangra and are in Mathura’s Charchika goddess form.

Chausath Yogini Temple

In Tantric tradition Chausath Yogini also has importance. All around the Shiva temples this yogis have special fame. In Ujjain’s Nayapura, Chausath Yogini temple is there. The temple is of Marathas time but in it there are small-small prestigious goddess idols which appear to be of Parvati Paramar style.

Bhumi Mata

Bhumi Mata or goddess earth’s idol house is also in Ujjaini. In Harivamsha Purana, the earth or Bhu Mata is treated in the form of goddess who gives clothes and is a life nourish provider. Married to Varaha god, Mangal planet was born from goddess earth. Thus in Mangalnath temple premises, idol of power symbolic goddess earth is placed.

This is idol as follows:

शुक्लवणॉ महीकायॉ, दिव्याभरण भुषिॅता

चतुर्भुजा सौम्यव पुंश्चणडांशु शंहशाम्बरा

Yogeshwari Tekri

In Ujjaiyini since 9th century Kapalika and Pashupat tantric and Matavlambion has their influence. They had their multiple monasteries over there. In middle period in Ujjain there were Nutan and Chandika monastery peetha. Yogeshwari was the ascetic of Chandika monastery. Possibly on the name of which one religious place in the form of Yogeshwari Tekri is famous. Though, this place was under the influence of ascetic of shakt mat. Similarly description of the pillars found from the Brathari cave also gives the evidence of Bhairavi service.

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Gopal Mandir

The blue shiny idol of Lord Krishna also known as Dwarkadhish is an eye catching temple, well known as Gopal Mandir. Gopal Mandir was constructed by Bayajibai Shinde in the 19th Century. The temple has silver plated doors an outstanding statue of two feet hight placed on a marble - unlaid alter. These silver doors stolen by Mahmud Gazni and was recovered by Mahadji Scindia and again installed in Gopal Mandir.

Avanti Parshwanath Temple

After the idol of god Avanti Parshwanath appeared the dignity of god was completed by the auspicious hand of Chief Acharya Shri Sidhsen Divakar Suri. After the long time the temple became creaky. Renovation was then done.

It is said that in order to settle the god one majestic temple with peaks was constructed in the medieval period. Before the dignity, this majestic temple was actually constructed. Before the night of dignity some orthodox elements settled the Shiva linga at that place. They were having the back power of the king.

The Jain society was astounded and flabbergasted at that time and at the same time one miracle happened, the unique and miraculous idol of god Avanti Parshvanatha was settled by itself in the platform of the hall below where other idols were to be placed. The solution came out! The god has chosen the relevant place by himself.

The future looking Jain society did not constructed pillar on the temple of god at that time. The god lived in the bottom hall in the form of house temple only. At that period the invasion of temple was at high speed. To save their pilgrimage from attack its form was preserved in house temple only. This temple that is situated on the bank of Kshipra River required renovation due to the sequence of time. The Acharya Bhagwant, Upadhya Panyas and other saints and female saints coming to Ujjain always had a motive that this majestic temple needs renovation. This pilgrimage is like a Kohinoor diamond for Jain rule. This pilgrimage is unique among all other pilgrimages. The picturesque idol of the god is incomparable. This pilgrimage should be completely built with the nectar of beauty like other pilgrimages. It must have pillars. Its design must be based on pure scholastic and architecture.

In our party and in our trust the consideration and deliberation continued. We were continuously getting the motivation from adorable Gurus and Bhagwants. With this the creaky condition of temple was also giving us suggestion for renovation. In between of this Chaturmas of venerable Gurudeva Marudhar Mani Upadhyay Pravar Shri Maniprabh Sagar Ji M. Sa., the follower of venerable man Gurudeva late acharya Shri Jinkanti Sagar Surishwar ji M. Sa. Happened in our city. The continuous motivation of venerable man did the accretions of our feelings and the renovation was done with the purity of scholastic, the fruit of which today this old pilgrimage is taking the majestic shape in the form of pillar constituting temple. The one who have touched this pilgrimage even once, they themselves have the experience of the tremendous impact of this place. The information reaches to all those and they themselves can naturally become the participant in this great religious work. This is the only great wish.

Mata Gujri Ji

The establishment of Shri Gurudwara Mata Gujri was done in the year 1995 and Sardar Dharam Singh Sachdeva, Sardar Bhagat Singh, Sardar Harbhajan Singh Azaad, Sardar Pradhan Singh, Sardar Mangal Singh Arora, Sardar Gurcharan Singh Chawla, Seth Awat Ram Mithwani, Seth Mirchumal Rajvani, Sardar Sarin Sahib, Gyan Singh Ram Rakkhi Bagga, Shrimati Shahni Rani, Shrimati Shanti Rani Chawla, Shrimati Inder Kaur Tuteja, Shrimati Chanda Rani Arora, Shrimati Sheela Rani Arora and many other Guru Nanak named saints brothers did the devotion services with their complete body and soul.

Gurudwara situated in Geeta colony started the continuous lessons of Gurbani of 151 Shri Akhand Path Sahib in a small room and established this religious place of religious Gurmeet. Gurudwara Mata Gujri Sahib has its distinct identity in whole part of Ujjain district at present. The Guru Nanak followers who are named Gurmukh on their name start there every day routine after bowing their head in Darbar Sahib.

Today wishes of all Sikh’s community mother’s and sister’s get completed in the palace of Gurudwara Mata Gujri ji. Because of which faith in religious work has increased and this place has grown as a centre of religious belief.

Gurudwara Guru Nanak Satsang

Gurudwara Shri Guru Nanak Satsang Patni Bazar, Ujjain the starting of this Gurudwara was done by Sardar Sundar Singh ji Vigha, Sardar Pritam Singh ji, Sardar Jaswant Singh ji, Sardar Sohan Singh ji and Sardar Mail Singh ji and establishment of Nishab Sahib ji was done by the auspicious hand of Baba Madhu sudan Singh Unna Sahib. Madhu Sudan Singh ji was of the same class as that of Guru Nanak Dev ji. In the service of Gurudwara there is much contribution of Sardar Dilip Singh ji Vigha. Today also he does the service work for Gurudwara. Appointed in the service department Sardar Shankar Singh ji Anand, Sardar Ishwar Singh ji Vigha, Sardar Mahendra Singh ji Malhotra, Sardar Swarg Singh Ji Vigha, Sardar Aatma Singh ji Vigha, Srdar Surjeet Singh ji Vigha, Sukhdayal Ji Vigha and others are involved in the service of Gurughar day and night with their body, soul and money.

Bina Neev ki Masjid

This mosque is situated in sati gate area of kogchi locality in Ujjain city. In Ujjain this is the ancient example of Muslim architecture. Also this Mosque is the starting monument of Muslim architecture.

In this mosque construction project, one main gate Sahan (the prayer hall) is made. In this sahan corridors are partitioned by pillars in three rows. There is one pillar in each corridor. In the wall of Qibla eight Mehrab are there and for muezzin teaching Namaz Qibla’s minbar is also there. All pillars of this mosque are influenced by Parvati Parmar style. Its tracery is special. Probably these pillars are obtained from some Paramar temples. Four doors are shown in the main segment of mosque. Domb prior primitive is made, on which renovation is done.

On this door there is a door stream, main – quad is constructed. At main door stream Paramar period stream is being placed.

Thus this mosque is made on the basis of mixed Paramar style and probably most of the construction material must have been gathered from the Paramar temples. This mosque is the main place among the Muslims buildings of Ujjain.

Mirza Badi

This Mosque is situated at Mirza Naim Beg Marg in Ujjain. This Mosque was constructed approximately 300 years back by Mirza Chiman Beg Sahab, who was the chief officer of Gwalior. This mosque is built in charge of Jagati. In this construction the Sahan and the prayer hall is altogether. On the wall of Qibla, 6 simple Mehrab are there and one main Mehrab is given for Imam (Namaz teachers). This mosque is influenced from North Samrajyik style. The dome has been constructed from big Mehrabs. Which is been made in round pattern by Addra Mehrab and it is without any decoration. The pillars in the corridors are in Bdrak style, the pillars that are inside are made in many sides, it is of four square forms above and in parenthesis streak at below.

Three domes at the terrace are very heavy, the middle dome is big and the other two are small. The construction is also there in the middle dome. Backwards lotuses are kept in this dome. Its pattern is heavy and ungraceful in looking. On the basis of architecture it resembles Mughal architectural style. Its construction work is approximately of 17 century. In its Sahan (aran) one old fountain is also there.

Jama Masjid or Babri Masjid

Jama Masjid is situated in the middle of Ujjain city near to the vegetable market of ujjain. This mosque is also known with the name of Babri mosque. Approximately 300 years back this mosque was constructed by Janab Mirza Chiman Begh Sahab. This mosque is also important from the vision of Islamic architecture. This mosque is constructed on a platform which is approximately 3 meter high.

There are three corridors in the mosque’s prayer hall. This corridor has beautifully decorated pillars, which divides it further. Mehrab is given on the Qibla wall for the present teacher to teach Namaz and one - one mehrab is there on the either side of it. For reading Khutbah the arrangement of mimber of marble on the wall is done for present imam on which remarkable designs work is done, this mimber contains three stairs in it. Sahan (the prayer hall) contains terrace upon it, in which people in three rows can stand for group prayer but this is a Parvarti construction work.

On the main door one umbrella is there that is supported by four pillars, which is made in 3.5 x 3.5 area. On the top of this umbrella, round tomb has been made and Mehrab is there on all the four pillars. The open portion of the mosque, which is surrounded by wall, in it there is a place on which tank has been constructed for washing hands and legs (Haju). This mosque is safe and main legacy of Islamic art.

Eidgah

This Eidgah is situated at Chimanganj market area of Ujjain. Eidgah has been constructed on the outskirt of the pond. This has been constructed on the platform of 3 meter height in the area of 33x50. Construction of this Eidgah was done by Nawab Mirza Chiman Baig Sahab in 18th century approximately.

The wall of Qibla of Eidgah is of approximately 2 meter height, in which one big Mehrab has been made at the place where Muezzin’s Khutbah teaching are given and three small minaret are constructed on the top of the Mehrab on them. Three – three Mehrabs are constructed on both side of this Mehrab. In rest of the three remaining directions the left area is covered with 1.3 meter high wall. Main door is on the either side which is 2.5 meter wide; mehrab is made on the top of it. On the main door five Mehrab are made on which passage are there which has stairs in them. Three doors are made in the form of helping door in the front of it. As per the size in this Eidgah there is an arrangement according to which approximately 2000 people can read Namaz all together here. In its outer side trees are placed for getting shadow.

Mainly use of limestone, rock and bricks in a proper manner is done in construction of this old Eidgah which is approximately 300 years old. This is maintained safely even when it is situated out of the city and is without any roof.

Rumi ka Makbara

Tomb of Rumi is situated on a slab in Ghad area at about 4 K.m away from Ujjain. Round tomb made from black rock and glaze tiling and full of Ayat of Arabic writing, this two floored tomb is a remarkable example of architecture. This tomb has been constructed in 15th century in the memory of Sufi saint who came from Iran. Even after tolerating many climatic disasters this tomb has managed to stand in its almost broken state. In this tomb there are several other shrines including the shrine of Rumi and her wife.

Mazar e Najmi

This Roza is situated at some distance from famous Gopal temple of Ujjain. The construction of this Roza was done before 250 years ago approximately. At that time it was in its real state. But 150 years later Janab Syedna Tahir sahab did the renovation work for this Roza. In this marble is used at its fullest. Inside of this Roza, shrine of three main masters of bohra samaj is there.

• Syedna Ibrahim huzoor sahab
• Syedna Imtulla kaisar sahab
• Syedna Abdul Madar sahab

Other than these inside and outside of this Roza many other small shrines are made. There are four doors in four direction of this Roza, from which one main door is present there. Inside of this door Mehrabs are made and one - one Mehrab is made on the both side of the mehrab made on the upper side of the door. In its inside portion portrayed of sprigs are made. On the boundaries of each door Mehrabs are made. The boundaries of these doors are made of steel and its width is approximately 3.2 meter and height is 2 meter.

This Roza has been constructed on the platform of about 8 – 8 meter. The platform is at 1.3 meter height from the land. There are four doors for entering into it. On the both sides of each door one – one multi designer Mehrab is there. Square blocks are constructed on the top of this Mehrabs. On all four sides of which thin flounce has been made. On the top part of this in all the four directions Ayat of Quran is displayed in the wall of Roza. Four big minarets are been constructed there on all the four corners. In the middle of all four minarets one big dome is there. Which looks heavy weighted on seeing. On the top of this lotus is placed upside down. Mughal established architecture can be seen clearly in these minarets. Thin carving work is there on these minarets, on looking on this it seems that this is one of the mughal period monuments but it is actually only the copy of it. Thus this Roza is famous and important from the view of Islamic established architecture.