6 Most Famous Temples in Ujjain That You Must Visit in 2024

Ujjain is an old city that holds a prominent position in the Indian tourism map as a pilgrimage site, located in Madhya Pradesh, on the banks of River Kshipra. Apart from hosting the grand festival in the world, the Kumbh Mela, the state has some of the most famous temples in Ujjain.

These temples offer you a divine insight into the city's rich cultural heritage. Not to mention, the temple's structures are all architectural marvels. So, if you are planning a spiritual vacation in Ujjain, here are some temples you must visit. 

Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple

Undoubtedly, the Shri Mahakalehswar Temple is the most popular and important temple in Ujjain. The temple, also known as Mahakal Mandir, is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India and a prominent pilgrimage site. 

The temple is located in the Jaisinghpura area of Ujjain, and the prime deity at the temple is Lord Shiva. Considered the holiest abode of Lord Shiva, the temple is one of the most beautiful-looking temples in India. 

Built in the Maratha and Chalukya styles, the architecture showcases the sculptural artistry of the Indian artisans of that era. The beautiful sculptures of Lord Ganesha, Goddess Parvati, and Lord Kartik beautify the temple walls, adding charm to the architectural design. 

Although thousands of devotees visit the temple all through the year, if you want to get the best experience and see the grand festivities of Ujjain, the best time to visit this holy site in Ujjain is during Mahashivratri. 

Temple Kal Bhairav

Another popular temple in Ujjain, the Kal Bhairav Temple, is associated with Tantra, a popular Hindu religious cult. It is one of the city's oldest temples and a wonderful example of Hindu culture.

In the opposite direction of the Shivlinga is the statue of the lord's trusted aide, Nandi, a state of the bull facing God. The temple receives a lot of visitors and ardent devotees of Lord Shiva during the Mahashivratri festival, as they come here to offer their prayers and seek the blessing of the lord. 

The night of the festival is considered the year's darkest night, and people come here to celebrate the lord's grace. It is the best sacred festival night in India. The celebrations on the day start early and continue till late in the night, and many rituals are conducted throughout the day. Seeing them is an experience you will cherish. 

Shri Dwarkadhish Gopal Mandir

This magnificent temple is the holy abode of Lord Krishna. Built in the early 19th century, the temple is located in the heart of the city and is one of the most beautiful structures in Madhya Pradesh. The massive temple structure is made of white marble, and the main sanctum features a 2-foot-tall statue of Lord Krishna. 

Built by Bayaji Shinde, the wife of the Maratha King, Daulatrao Shinde, the temple has a very distinctive appearance compared to other temples in the city as it is built in the Maratha architectural style. Apart from Lord Krishna, the temple also houses the statues of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and the mythical bird, Garuda. 

The best time to visit the temple is during the festival of Janmashtami, when the entire temple is decorated beautifully, and many traditional rituals are conducted to celebrate the birth of the lord. 

Navgrah Shani Mandir

One of the most unique temples in Madhya Pradesh, the Navgrah Shani Mandir, is quite famous in Ujjain as it is known to be the world's only Shani Mandir, where Lord Shani is worshipped as Lord Shiva. 

As the name says, The temple venerates the celestial bodies representing the nine planets. It has statues of the nine Gods representing each planet. These include Surya, Chandra, Mangal, Budh, Guru, Rahu, Shukra, Ketu and Shani. Although you can see several devotees visiting the temple every day of the week, it is especially crowded on Saturday and Amavasya or (no moon) nights, as it is considered an auspicious day. 

Shri Chintaman Ganesh Temple

Chintaman translates to 'relieving stress'. In Hindu culture, Lord Ganesh is worshipped before starting any important or auspicious thing, as he said to remove all obstacles in life. He is also considered the lord of the Wisdom. 

It is a popular belief among devotees coming to the temple that praying to Lord Ganesh here will relieve all their tension and stress. This temple is also the biggest Ganesha temple in Ujjain. The illustrious past traces to the 11th and 12th centuries under the reign of the Paramaras in the area. 

The temple complex has carved stone pillars, and the white shrine is a testament to the age-old architectural brilliance of Indian craftsmen. A significant belief among the locals about the temple is that the idol of Lord Ganesh enshrined in the main sanctum was created on its own with Goddesses Riddhi and Siddhi beside him as his consorts. 

Mangalnath Temple

When you talk about popular and famous temples in Ujjain, you cannot miss mentioning the Mangalnath Temple in the same breath. One of the most sacred places in the city, the temple is dedicated to Lord Mangal, the son of Lord Shiva, and it is the place where the temple stands today was his birthplace. 

The temple also has a fascinating mythological association. As per Matsya Purana, the temple is located at the exact spot where Lord Shiva fought a violent battle with the Andhakasura. During the battle, three drops of sweat from the lord's forehead fell on the ground, forming a Linga named after Planet Mars or Mangal, as it is called in Hindi. 

This is how the temple got its name, Mangalnath Temple. Located on the hills, overlooking the calm waters of the Kshipra Rivers, many people come here to enjoy the beauty of the landscape below from the top. Also, the site is known for offering a clear view of Mars and is preferred for astronomical studies. 

Ram Ghat

Ram Ghat holds great value for the Hindu devotees. It is believed that Ram Ghat is where Lord Ram used to bathe during his exile. For this reason, the ghat is frequented by many devotees, making it one of the most famous religious sites in the city. 

The place is also known for being one of the four auspicious places to host the Kumbh Mela, the world's largest religious gathering that is held once in 12 years. Many people come here to dip in the water, believing that by doing so, the holy water will wash away all their suffering and help them attain salvation. 

Now that you know the best and most popular temples to visit in Ujjain, plan a spiritual trip to this beautiful land and be amazed by its beauty, culture and traditions that have been followed for ages. So, get ready to be amazed and have a good time!