UJJAIN: MY FIRST SOLO TRIP

This journey will commence in Part 1 (Day 1) and
conclude in Part 2 (Day 2)

THE BEGINNING: On my birthday, I decided to visit Mahakaleshwar Jyotirling. The first leg of my journey was to catch the NDLS-INDORE train (12146), which arrived in Ujjain around 8:30 a.m. the following day. After checking into the hotel, I headed to a nearby Dhaba for some fresh cuisine and wonderful Poha and Chai for around thirty rupees. After that, I took an e-rickshaw and started my journey in Ujjain: The land of temples

My accommodation was located close to the railway station but it was at some distance from the temple. E-rickshaws are readily available in every location. Nevertheless, I would recommend to book a room in close proximity to the temple complex (within a radius of one to two kms).

IF PLANNED EARLIER ACCOMODATION CAN BE DONE IN MP TOURISM HOTEL UJJAINI WHICH IS NEARBY railway STATION OR Seth Murlidhar Mansinghka Yatri Niwas which is very near to the temple (walking distance).

Take the first step towards the new beginning with confidence and courage

DAY 1 MORNING AND AFTERNOON : On the first day I visited Mahakaleshwar at around 10:30 am and decided to go for the regular Darshan because it wasn’t too crowded. If you have limited time, you can also opt for the VIP Darshan. The new corridor is well-maintained, large, and properly managed. I suggest you should have a Normal Darshan and feel the energy of the mantras “Har Har Mahadev” and “Jai Mahakaleshwar” along the corridor. The temple has a proper automated locker service system (for luggage and mobile phones) with tokens given. If there is a reasonable crowd, the Jyotirling Darshan will take one to one and a half hours to complete. I almost had five minutes of uninterrupted Darshan of the Shivling (since there were fewer people at that time). When you leave the main temple, Prasad will be available for purchase. It was just 12:00 p.m., so I decided to travel around and see all of the temples first. All of them are within walking distance and easily accomplished on foot. After that, I walked to the Bade Ganesh temple, which is immediately next to the Mahakal corridor. It is a small temple with a massive statue of Ganeshji.

MOST OF THE TEMPLES EXCEPT MAHAKALESHWAR ARE CLOSED IN AFTERNOON BETWEEN 1:00 PM TO 4:00 PM, SO PLAN ACCORDINGLY.

Next, I arrived at the Har Siddhi Mata Mandir dedicated to Goddess Parvati. I had another pleasing Darshan due to less crowd. This temple is one of 52 Shakti Peetha spread across India because it is said to be the spot where Sati’s elbow fell while Shiva was carrying her fiery corpse. Next, I went to view the gigantic brass statue of King of Ujjain Vikramaditya, which is 30 feet tall and situated behind the Mahakal Temple.

When there is a normal crowd present, it is possible to cover each of these in a half day’s time. On the weekend and Mondays, the time might be a little longer.

There are numerous eateries near the temple and thalis cost between seventy and one hundred rupees each. Sanchi buttermilk was my go-to drink whenever I was thirsty. Sanchi, like Mother Dairy and Amul, has stores across the city that offer milk and milk-based products. The Shipra river Ghat which hosts the Kumbh Mela is about fifteen to twenty minutes from the Mahakal temple, so I strolled down to see it. You will be allowed to bring your vehicle, as parking is accessible near Shipra River Ghat. You can also take a bath here. The Aarti on the river’s Ghats takes place in the evening (about 6pm-7pm). Eventually, I arrived at my hotel and rested before my evening plans.

DAY 1 EVENING: Evening Aarti & Lamp Lighting  of Har Siddhi Mata Mandir is a must visit. I inquired about the times beforehand and the temple administrators advised me that the lighting would take place around 6 p.m. I arrived before 5 p.m. and took my spot next to the two massive lamp pillars in the temple complex to get a good view. I propose that you arrive early; otherwise, it will be quite crowded and difficult to access the shrine.The temple complex features two towering pillars with almost 726 lamp holders. Before the lamp lighting ceremony, the temple authorities meticulously manage the crowds and attend to all of the arrangements. The brightness is outstanding, with one person in each pillar lighting all of the lamps (one for each) in within 2-3 minutes. Experiencing the luminous Aarti that happens both during and after the lighting will make you feel divine. Take 1-2 hours to enjoy this pleasant experience.

It was about 7:30 p.m. and I headed straight to the Mahakaal corridor which is illuminated at night making the whole place more beautiful. Do visit the corridor at night rather than in the morning or afternoon. The details of many stories about Shiva and Parvati, as well as exquisite idols of Krishna, Brahma, and Buddha, is spectacular. You will need at least two hours to complete the long hallway from or towards the Nandi Dwaar, which is open until 11 p.m. The massive drinking water system (RO water) is the complex’s standout feature. There are also small carrier vehicles for the elderly or those who have difficulties walking. You can visit the Bharat Mata temple on the same day, but because I was so exhausted, I decided to do so the next day.

• Try to visit Mahakaleshwar Jyotirling in early morning and attend the Bhasma aarti if possible. Tickets need to be booked in advance
• Dont miss the evening lamp lighting at Har Siddhi Mata Mandir. Reach well before time and plan the long Mahalok corridor visit at night after sunset (after 7pm) instead of morning or afternoon

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