subject: Travelling to Ujjain-The Home of Lord Shiva [print this page] Travelling to Ujjain-The Home of Lord Shiva
Lord Shiva is one of the foremost Gods of the Hindus. He manifests himself in many ways and is also the creater and the destroyer. At Ujjain there are temples dedicated to Lord Shiva in all his foms. In case, you are a devotee or a tourist a visit to Ujjain can be a elevating experience.
Ujjain is located in the Indian State of MadhyaPradesh in the heart of India. One can reach it by a direct overnight train from Mumbai or Delhi.The two trains connecting Mumbai and Delhi are the Avantika Express from Mumbai and Intercity from Delhi. It is an overnight journey and the trains touch Ujjain in the morning.You can also fly down to Indore, which is connected by Air to all important places of India. Travel to Indore is easy and from the airport you can take a taxi to Ujjain.
Staying at Ujjain is not a problem and you have many budget hotels as well the MP tourism Hotel. Rooms are cheap, but getting continental food can be a problem.In case you can afford it then, you can make Indore your base and stay in five star comfort at the Fortune Landmark or the Radisson.
Ujjain is the city of temples.There are hundreds of temples, but two temples stand out , whose origins are shrouded in antiquity. First is the temple of Mahakaal. This temple is dedicated to the Lord Shiva and visiting is a must for a Hindu. The temple has intricate carvings and one has to enter the temple barefoot. Before entering the temple you can buy 'puja' material which is readily available outside.
The second temple which is on the outskirts of the city is dedicated to a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva, often referred to as Kaal Bhairov. In this form the Lord Shiva wears a necklace of bones and over all has a diferent look.The diety is located in the centre and devotes pay their obescience with a bottle of liquor. These are readily available and it is an experience to see the liquor which is put in a plate and held to the lips of the God disappear slowly.Diehards believe that the liquor is drunk by the God.However there is no scientific explanation for it.
You can explore some other old temples as well, that will whet your appetite and make a visit to Ujjain a memorable one.There is also the ISKON temple with a cafeteria and rooms to stay. Alli n all a visit to Ujjain is certainly an experience to cherish.
