Main places to visit in Ujjain

Vedh Shala (observatory) was constructed by Savai Raja Jayasingh between 170734-25 to 1730 A.D. Similar observatories were constructed by Raja Jayasingh at four other places-Delhi, Jaipur, Mathura and Varanasi. Samrat yantra, Nadivalaya yantra, Digansha yantra and Yamyottara-Bhitti yantra and the main instruments constructed in this observatory. Motions and orbits of the panel are studied through these instruments. On this count people call it Yantra-Mahal also. This observatory was renovated by Madhav Rao Scindia the then Maharaja of earstwhile Gwalior State in 1923 A.D. Astronomied studies of planetary motions are still conducted in this observatory under the department of education and an ephemeris in published every year. In this way this is the only observatory among the observatories of Jayasingh where these masonic instruments are even today utilised for astronomical studies.This

According to the puranie traditional Yogeshwar Krishna and his friend Sudama received regular instruction in the asrama of Kulaguru Sandipani. Besides Mahabharat Puranas, Shreemad Bhagavata, Brahma, Agni and Brahmavaivarta bear references to Sandipani Asrama. Archacological evidences of three thousand years old painted-grey-wall have been recovered from this area. These bear a resemblance to the similar remains recovered at Hastinapur, Indraprastha, Mathura, Ahichchhatra and Kaushambi. Gomati-kunda is the old source of water supply to the asrama and the same has been referred to in the Puranas also. The image of standing Nandi, near the tank, is worth seeing and its belongs to the Shunga period. The are near by is known as Ankapata Popul ar sales describe the place as used by Lord krishna for washing his writing tablet. In the beginning of the Sixteenth century Shree Vallabhacharya delivered his religious discourses in the vicinity of this ashram. There is a Peepal-tree planted by the Acharya which is testified by a letter of degree granted to one Narottam Sharma. The followers of the Vallabha seet count this place as the Seventythird Seat of their Acharya while he is said to have made Eightyfour sittings for religious discourses throughout India.

The Present sanetam of Chitaman Ganesh is very old. Riddhi and Siddhi the two goddeses are enShreened on both the sides the idol of Ganesh. Traditionally this is known as the seat of Chintaman Ganesh (assurer of freedom from worldly anxieties and people assemble here in large number offer their prayers on Wednesdays in the month of Chaitra. Artistic pillars in the assembly hall of the temple belong to the Paramar period. The temple was renovated by Ahalyadevi Holker with the addtion of a water tank and the boundary-wall.

Present temple of Navagraha the nine planet on the Triveni ghat of Shipra is a prominent cemtre of attraction for the pilgrims. There ia aconfluance of Khan river near Triveni ghat on the Shipra. The river is called Banaganga at nearby Indore. Some people named this river as Tungabhadra. Mythological sanctity of the invisible river saraswati associated eith the story of Triveni Sangam is attributed to this place also. Large crowds throng the Navagraha temple on the new moon falling on Saturdays. Religious importance of this contemporary life although there is hardly any reference to this place in the ancient texts.

According to Matsy-purana this is celebrate as the birth place of Mars. The Mangalagrah. Shipra river presents a beautiful vice in front of the temple. Devoteed specially visit the temple in large number on Tuseday. Located on a hillock the place represents the highest point in the area. In ancient times the place was famous for a clear view of Mars. Ujjain was an important centre for astronomical studeies. This place-traditionally knows for its suitability for astronomical readings of Mars continues to hold it’s religious importance. Image of Mahadeva offered worship in this temple.

Siddhavata at Ujjain is as well-known for its sanctity as Akshayavata of Prayag. Vamshivata of Vrindavan and Panchavati of Nasik. Post-Funeral rites are performed here at the Siddhavata ghat of holy Shipra. Skanda-purana has referred to this place as preta-shila-tirth. According to same opinion. Parvati performed her penances here. This has also been a place of worship for the followers of Natha-seat. Shipra abounds with tortoises as Siddhavata Old coins of Ujjain asr found to bear the imprint of tortoises along woth river. This is also an indicative of the fact that the tortoises must have flourished here even in an ancient period. It is so said that this Banian tree was once sought to be vanished by cutting if off and covering it with iron sheets but its offshoots piereed through the iron sheets and this tree regained its foliation.

Bayjabai Shinde, the queen of Maharaja Daulat Rao Shinde, got this temple, dedicated to Gopala-Krishna, the deity of her devotion constructed in the Nineteenth century. This temple is a beautiful esample of the Maratha art of architecture. Besides the image of Gopala-Krishna the images of Shiva-Pavrvati Garuda and Bayjabai are also installed in the inner sahctum of the temple. Decorated silver door of the inner sahctum of this temple is worthy of special attention. This door, it is said, was carried away to Ghazni from the famous Somnath temple. Mohammedshah Adbadli carried it from there to Lahore. Mahadji Scindia recovered it and the same has been reinstalled in this temple.