The ancient city of central India, Ujjain is situated in the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh, on the eastern bank of the Kshipra River. Ujjain is one of the most popular religious destinations in India.
The History of Ujjain states that initially the city was known as Ujjayini and as per epic Mahabharata Ujjayani was the capital of the Avanti Kingdom. The city is said to have been the residence of Ashoka (who subsequently became the emperor), at the time when he was the viceroy of the western provinces of the Maurya empire.According to the History of Ujjain, the city was a major center of mathematical and astronomical research in the 6th and 7th centuries. The picturesque of Ujjain was invaded by the forces of the Delhi Sultanate led by Iltutmish in 1235. Due to this invasion the city suffered widespread destruction and systematic desecration of temples. After this under the Mughal emperor, Akbar, the city became the capital of Malwa.
Mahakaleshwar or the Mahakal shrine is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. The shrine is a famed and respected temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The shrine houses a Shivling which is believed to be the sole Jyotirling which looks towards the south. Therefore, it is also called in the name Dakshinmukhi or the south looking ling. The Mahakaleswhar temple is the most famous and significant shrine of the city.
Sri Sri Radha Madan Mohan Temple has been established by the ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness). The shrine is regarded as a milestone of the Hare Krishna Campaign. The mandir is home to a guesthouse and eating place,
According to the Saivite culture, the veneration of the eight Bhairavas is an integral feature of the Hindu customs. The main among these Bhairavas is the Kal Bhairava, assumed to be constructed by the monarch Bhadresen, near the riverbanks of Shipra. This shrine has been cited in the Avanti Khanda of Skanda Purana.
The Bhartrihari caves lie over the riverbanks of Shipra near the Gadkalika mandir. As cited in mythology, this is the area where Bhartrihari, assumed as the half-brother of Vikramaditya, stayed and engaged in spiritual contemplation once he gave up his material life.
This place is a top tourist draw in Ujjain. Lying on the riverbanks of Shipra, the place is devoted to commemorate one of the saints of the Natha faction of the Saivites - Matsyendranath. The Gadkalika mandir and the Bhartrihari caves are just close by.
Bade Ganeshji Ka Mandir is located over the reservoir close to the Mahakaleshwar Mandir. The place of worship houses an enormous and aesthetic statue of Lord Ganesha, who is Lord Shiva's son. A statue of this dimension and exquisiteness is scarce to be seen.