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UJJAIN

Modern Ujjain is situated on the banks of the River Shipra, regarded since times immemorial as sacred. The belief in the sacredness of Shipra, has its origins in the ancient Hindu mythological tale of churning of the Ocean by the Gods and the Demons, with Vasuki, the serpent as the rope. The ocean bed first yielded fourteen gems, then Lakshmi the Goddess of wealth, and finally the coveted vessel of Nectar. Then began the wild scramble for immortality with the demons chasing the Gods across the skies and in the process a few drops were spilt that fell at Haridwar, Nasik, Prayag, and Ujjayini.
Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh is an important heritage site. Tour to Madhya Pradesh today, includes a must-do tour to Ujjain. Located on the eastern banks of River Shipra in Malwa plateau, Ujjain earlier was the capital of ancient Avanti and also of King Vikramaditya.
Tourist sites in Ujjain range from temples to observatory palaces and heritage structures. For Hindus, this is a holy site where Hinduism flourished intensely centuries ago. According to the religious scripts, two parts of the Skanda Purana, a holy text, were composed in Ujjain. This city was projected as the center of earth and the fittest meridian for astronomical measurements.
Ujjain also known as Ujjaini and possesses a number of Tourist Attractions. It is the abode of one of the twelve shrines of Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva and therefore regarded as a sacred city for the Hindus. Once in twelve years Kumbha Mela is held here.
This is one of the most ancient carnivals that is celebrated by the Hindus from a time. Since Ujjain had also been the administrative district, it has a number of Tourist Attractions.
History of Ujjain
On the banks of the Shipra River, stands an elegant city which glorifies the Mauryan age of India. Asoka had been the King of Ujjain; his memories are sharply linked in every nook and corner of the city of Ujjain.
Asoka was a great king, and always tried to expand his empire beyond its present boundaries. But afterwards, the sight of thousands of dead bodies at the Kalinga War he changed his mind and he embraced Buddhism that preaches the doctrine of Universal Love.
He became more interested on the welfare of his subjects and tried to extend his love across the boundaries of his empire. That is why, he sent ambassadors to China and other distant places. Today Buddhism has been embraced by so many; Asoka is behind the expansion of this religion.
At Ujjain, Chandragupta II who adopted the title Vikramaditya reigned here. He had nine talents in his court and he used to call them Navaratna, or nine gems. The Number-System including zero and the negative numbers emerged here from the court of the King Chandragupta-II. The city of Ujjain was attacked by Iltutmish later. But still the glory of the city continues to attract tourist from distant places.
Bade Ganeshji Ka Mandir
This is located near the reservoir of the Mahakaleshwar Temple. It consists of a sculptured image of Lord Ganesh.
Harsiddhi Temple
This consists of an image of the Goddess Annapurna, who is supposed to be the fulfiller of all human wishes. Therefore it is also known as the Harisiddhi, where 'Hari'
in hindi means 'Lord Vishnu' and 'Siddhi' in hindi means 'Success'.
Vikram Kirti Mandir
This is an archeological Museum and an Art Gallery. It is actually a Cultural Centre. It is reminiscent of Vikramaditya who is supposed to be the finest judge in the world.
Chintaman Ganesh
It is told that the image of Lord Ganesha in the antique temple 'Chintamani Ganesh'
has been created by the Lord himself and is not man made.
Bhartrihari Caves
The renowned scholar poet 'Bhratrihari' used to meditate and live in these caves. It is near the River Shipra.
Kaliadeh Palace
This is also one of the famous temples of Ujjain that attracts a number of tourists
through its silent beauty.
Kal Bhairava
Kal Bhairava refers to Lord Shiva. The temple has been constructed in an antique style much like the elaborate Malwa Paintings
Durgadas Ki Chhatri
This is the dome built where Durgadas died. It is like a tomb, and is now a major tourist attraction at Ujjain.
Chintamani Ganesh Temple
Chintamani Ganesh Temple is said to be one of the most ancient temples of Ujjain, it is also one of the most visited places in Madhya Pradesh. 'Chintamani' in hindi
means 'Lord Vishnu'; it is the other name for 'Vishnu'. So, the temple has the idol of 'Lord Ganesha' and 'Lord Vishnu' together and is known as the 'Chintamani Temple'.
History of the Chintamani Ganesh Temple
The history of the Chintamani Ganesh Temple dates back to the ancient period when the people used to believe in the notion that the gods and the goddesses come alive on the earth for their purpose or to attend their follower's ardent prayers; from such a notion came the idea that the Lord Ganesh came into the earth and created the temple for himself in Ujjain is very popular. During Sagar Manthan, churning of the sea by the Gods and the Demons, Amrita or nectar came up from the ocean. One drop fell in Ujjain thereby making it sacred. Whosoever visits this place shall be filled with all the blessings of the Gods and the Goddesses residing here.
Description
The temple is very old and the sight of the temple itself reveals its age. It consists of the colossal image of Lord Ganesh and according to the Hindu Mythology; he came into the earth and created the temple from himself.
How to reach Chintamani Ganesh Temple
One can reach the Chintamani Ganesh Temple by plane to Indore or directly by train. So, after reaching the city you can come to the Chintamani Temple by hired bus or car.
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