|  Mahakaleshwar Temple:  Located near the lake, this temple is dedicated to Shiva’s  manifestation of Mahakal. Built in five levels, including an  underground level, the temple is surrounded by a spacious courtyard  and huge walls. The lingam is believed to have been formed on its own  and the entire temple is lit up by brass lamps. The tower (shikhara)  is finely sculpted as are the balconies, and the walls have  adornments of sculptures, motifs and statues. The sanctum also houses  images of Ganesha, Parvati, Kartikeya and Nandi Bull. The main roof  in the sanctum is adored with 100 kg silver Rudrayantra. The huge  Jaladhari (vessel of water suspended over the shivalinga) is also  made in silver. A particular event you should not miss is the Bhasma  Aarti or ash-smearing ceremony, in which hot ashes from the  cremation grounds are smeared on the shivalinga. This event is  believed to symbolize the fact that life and death are inseparable.Open  from: Bhasma Aarti – 4.00 am-6.00 am
 Bade  Ganeshji Ka Mandir:Located near the Mahakaleshwar Temple, Bade  Ganeshji ka Mandir houses a huge statue of Ganesha. A unique element  you’re unlikely to find elsewhere is the presence of a five-faced  Hanuman in the middle of the temple. This temple is also an institute  for imparting education in astrology and Sanskrit language. Chintaman  Ganesh Mandir: Of considerable antiquity, the Ganesha idol is  believed to be a swayambhu or self-made idol, like the shivalinga in  Mahakaleshwara Temple. The temple showcases finely carved pillars in  the main hall. The white sanctum houses the main idol flanked by his  consorts, Riddhi and Siddhi. Gopal  Mandir: Dedicated to Lord Krishna, this beautiful marble temple  is situated in the main market area. The sanctum houses a two feet  tall idol of Krishna covered in silver and placed on a white marble  altar with silver-plated doors.
 Harsiddhi  Temple: Another shaktipeeth where Sati’s elbow is said to have  fallen, the dark vermilion idol of Goddess Annapurna is the presiding  deity here. Highlights of the temple include two towering lighted  iron lamp, which are especially bright during Navratri, when hundreds  of lamp are lit. Another interesting feature is the Yantra or Nine  Triangles depicting the nine names of Goddess Durga. Before you enter  the temple, you would come across a rock smeared with turmeric and  vermilion. This is believed to be the head of King Vikramaditya,  which was offered to Goddess Durga.  Kalbhairav  Temple: This temple is dedicated to Bhairava, a manifestation of  Shiva as the Destroyer. The temple also has sculptures of Vishnu,  along with other Hindu gods and goddesses. The main shivalinga is  placed under a banyan tree opposite the Nandi Bull. The temple is  particularly active during the Shivratri festival. Kaliadeh  Palace: This historical palace is said to have been built over a  Hindu Sun Temple on an island in River Shipra. The bridge connecting  the island to the mainland still has remnants from the Sun Temple.  The water from the river is transported to the palace, where it  cascades over carved stone screens. Navagraha  Mandir: This temple is dedicated to the nine ruling planets and  located on the Triveni Ghat of the Shipra River. The idols are  covered with different coloured cloths and offerings of flowers,  coconuts and vermilion are made by devotees. Pir  Matsyendranath: This structure was built in the memory of  Matsyendranath, a famous Shaivite leader of the Natha Sect. Set on  the banks of River Shipra, this is a simply created white structure  marked by a dome and four small minarets. Sandipani  Muni’s Ashram: This Ashram is dedicated to the Guru Sandipani,  who imparted training and instructions to Lord Krishna. The Ankapata  area near the ashram is believed to have been used by Lord Krishna  for washing his writing tablets. You’d also find numbers from 1 to  100 engraved on the stone, believed to have been done by Guru  Sandipani himself. Adjacent to the ashram is the Gomti Kund, which is  a stepped water tank. Legend has it that Krishna directed the waters  from holy places across the centres, so his Guru would not have to  travel. Vikram  Kirti Mandir: houses the Scindia Oriental Research Institute, an  archaeological museum, and an art gallery. The Scindia Oriental  Institute has a rare collection of old palm-leaf and bark-leaf  manuscripts. Dedicated in the memory of King Vikramaditya; the much  honored King of Ujjain it’s a well known cultural centre. There is  an illustrated manuscript of the Srimad-Bhagavatam in which gold and  silver were employed in the paintings. There is also a rich  collection of old Rajput and Mughal style paintings.  Vedh  Shala: This is an observatory designed by Maharaja Jai Singh,  similar to the Jantar Mantar in Delhi and Jaipur. You can get a  guided tour of how the instruments were used. Samrata Yantra  was used to calculate time, Nadi Walaya Yantra calculated the  position of the sun and equinoctial days, Dignasha Yantra was  used to mathematically calculate the position of stars and planets  and Bhitti Yantra was used for calculating the declination of  the sun and distance of the zenith. If you’re interested, you can  also purchase a copy of the yearly position of planets. Bhartrihari  Caves: This is said to be the caves on the bank of River Shipra,  where the scholar-poet Bhartrihari stayed and meditated.  |