Quick Facts

Quick Facts

 General Overview

• Location: Ujjain is a city in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.
• Coordinates: 23.18° N latitude, 75.78° E longitude.
• District: Headquarters of Ujjain District.
• Area: About 152 square kilometers.
• Population: Approximately 515,000 (Urban, as per 2011 Census); estimated around 600,000+ today.

 History

• Ancient Names: Known historically as Ujjayini, Avanti, and Avantika.
• Mythological Importance:
  • Associated with the legend of Lord Shiva and King Vikramaditya.
  • One of the Sapta Puri — the seven most sacred pilgrimage cities for Hindus.
• Historical Importance:
  • Capital of the ancient kingdom of Avanti.
  • Important center during Maurya and Gupta empires.
  • Ruled by dynasties like the Paramaras, Chauhans, and later the Marathas (Scindias).
• Kumbh Mela:
  • Ujjain hosts the Simhastha Kumbh Mela every 12 years, one of the largest religious gatherings on Earth.

 City Features

• Cityscape: A mix of ancient temples, ghats, narrow lanes, and modern development.
• River: Located on the eastern bank of the sacred Shipra River.
• Climate:
  • Summers: Hot (March–June, up to 42°C)
  • Monsoon: July–September
  • Winters: Cool and pleasant (November–February, 10–25°C)

 Education

• Major Universities:
  • Vikram University (established in 1957).
• Prominent Institutions:
  • Maharaja Ranjit Singh College of Professional Sciences
  • Ujjain Engineering College.
• Traditional Learning:
  • Ujjain was once a major center for astronomy and mathematics during ancient times.

 Transport

• Railway:
  • Ujjain Junction is a major railway station connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Indore, and Bhopal.
• Road:
  • Well connected via NH 52 and NH 552.
• Air:
  • No airport in Ujjain city.
  • Nearest airport: Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport, Indore (~55 km away).

 Tourism and Landmarks

• Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple:
  • One of the 12 Jyotirlingas (shrines of Lord Shiva).
  • Famous for its unique Bhasma Aarti (ritual with sacred ash at dawn).
• Kal Bhairav Temple:
  • Temple where devotees offer liquor as a part of worship.
• Ram Ghat:
  • Sacred bathing ghat along the Shipra River, bustling during Kumbh Mela.
• Harsiddhi Temple:
  • One of the 51 Shakti Peethas.
• Vedh Shala (Observatory):
  • An ancient astronomical observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh II (similar to Jaipur's Jantar Mantar).
• Sandipani Ashram:
  • Mythological school where Lord Krishna and Sudama supposedly studied under Sage Sandipani.
• Bade Ganeshji Ka Mandir:
  • Temple with a giant idol of Lord Ganesha.

 Economy

• Primary Sectors:
  • Religious tourism is the backbone of Ujjain’s economy.
• Other Industries:
  • Textile trading, handicrafts, agricultural products (like wheat and soybeans).
• Recent Developments:
  • Development of Ujjain under India's Smart Cities Mission.
  • Boost in hospitality and tourism sectors due to religious tourism.

 Local Cuisine

• Rich, traditional vegetarian fare influenced by Malwa cuisine.
• Popular dishes:
  • Poha-Jalebi (a classic breakfast).
  • Dal Baati and Bhutte Ka Kees (grated corn dish).
  • Kachori, Samosa, Sev and Farsan snacks.
  • Ujjain is famous for its special Panchamrit (holy offering mixture of milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar).
• Chaat Culture: Spicy, tangy street food varieties available in every lane.

 Culture and Festivals

• Languages: Hindi (official), Malwi dialect is also widely spoken.
• Major Festivals:
  • Kumbh Mela (Simhastha) every 12 years — largest attraction.
  • Mahashivratri — celebrated grandly at Mahakaleshwar Temple.
  • Navratri, Diwali, Holi, and Makar Sankranti.
  • Harihar Parva and Ganga Dashahara — local religious festivals.

 Interesting Facts

• Ujjain is one of the four cities where Kumbh Mela is held (others: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik).
• The Prime Meridian of ancient India (Zero Longitude) was once calculated passing through Ujjain.
• Kalidasa, the greatest Sanskrit poet and playwright, glorified Ujjain in his works like "Meghaduta" and "Raghuvamsha".
• Ujjain was an important hub for astronomy and astrology — still considered a center for Vedic astrology.
• The city is considered one of the seven Moksha Puris (cities where liberation can be attained according to Hindu beliefs).
• Ujjain’s Bhasma Aarti at Mahakaleshwar is unique — performed every day at 4 AM with sacred ash.