Ujjain and More: Tracing the Divine Trail in Madhya Pradesh

Namrata Dhingra

Last updated: Sep 24, 2019

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Brimming with history and culture, and soaked in spirituality, Madhya Pradesh is home to a number of extraordinary pilgrimage centers, holy to not just Hindus, but Buddhists and Jains as well. Embark on a spiritual journey with this list of notable religious places in the sacred heart of India.

Ujjain

Once the political, commercial, and cultural capital of Central India, Ujjain is now known as the ‘City of Temples’. Of the myriad shrines dotting its ghats and riverbanks, the ancient Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlanga, one of the 12 revered Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva, is considered the most sacred. Other notable temples here include Bade Ganesh Ji ka Mandir, Harsiddhi Temple, and Vikram Kirti Mandir. The holy city of Ujjain is one of the most important places of pilgrimage for Hindus in India, and is also one of the sites of the widely recognized Kumbh Mela. What’s more, Lord Krishna, Balarama, and Sudama, are said to have received their education here.

Don’t Miss: A holy dip in the Kshipra river.

Maheshwar

This temple town finds mention in the great Hindu epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata, and has since then been an important religious site for Hindus. Set on the banks of the Narmada, its picturesque ghats, ancient temples, and the remarkable 16^th century fort of Rani Ahilyabai, are a treat to the eyes. Among its famous Shiva temples, the Kaleshwar temple, Rajarajeshwara temple, Vithaleshwara temple and Ahileshwar temple, are a must-see for their grand gateways and beautifully carved facades. The archaeological site of Navdatoli (belonging to the Paleolithic age) is situated just opposite Maheshwar, on the southern bank of the Narmada.

Don’t Miss: The magnificent Maheshwar Fort with its remarkable sculptures and carvings, and the life-size statue of Rani Ahilya Bai of Holkar.

Omkareshwar

omkareshwar

Set on an island called Mandhata, at the confluence of the Narmada and the Kaveri, the main temple in Omkareshwar is one of the 12 jyotirlingas. The remarkable thing about this island is its geographical form in the shape of the Hindu religious symbol ‘Om’. For this reason, Omkareshwar holds a special place among Hindu religious sites, and is visited by a large number of pilgrims and tourists. The 5-story temple complex, its innumerable shrines and the serene Narmada flowing by, make for perfect postcard shots and spectacular views all around.

Don’t Miss: Picnicking at Kajal Rani Cave, just 6 kms from Omkareshwar.

Amarkantak

Set amidst the Vindhya and Satpura ranges of Madhya Pradesh, Amarkantak is known as the ‘Teerthraj’ or ‘the king of pilgrimages.’ It is also revered for being the source of the holy Narmada, the Son, and the Johila rivers, where a number of temples rise amidst the breathtaking beauty of the hills. Of these, the stone temples at Narmada Udgam are considered to be the holiest, and make for a beautiful picnicking destination as well. Besides these, the Trimukhi Temple, Shri Jwaleshwar Mahadev, Sonakshi Shaktipeeth Temple, and the ancient temples of Kalachuri period are also a must visit. Bathed in religion and culture, the forests of this hill town have a variety of flora rich in medicinal properties.

Don’t Miss: The holy Kabir Chabutra, where the great mystic Sant Kabir is believed to have meditated.

Sanchi

sanchi-stupa

One of the most important centers of Buddhist pilgrimage, Sanchi is home to the Great Stupa, believed to be one of the oldest stone structures in India. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this magnificent stupa was initially commissioned by emperor Ashoka, to which elaborate gateways called ‘toranas’ were added later. Explore the beautiful sculptures on its walls and gateways portraying different stages of Lord Buddha’s life, and other ancient stupas, monasteries, and Buddhist relics of this grand hub of Buddhist culture. Among its other important attractions is the Grand Gumbha or Great Bowl, used in the ancient times to distribute food amongst monks.

Don’t Miss: The Ashoka pillar situated near the southern gateway of the Sanchi Stupa.

Chitrakoot

Known to be Lord Rama’s abode while in exile, Chitrakoot makes for an ideal haven of spiritual and solitary bliss. It has a number of important religious places bearing references to the Ramayana that are sure to take you back in time to the philosophical and cultural elements of the great epic. Explore the Bharat Milap Temple, believed to be the place where the four brothers met during Lord Rama’s exile; the Janaki Kund, considered to be Sita’s favorite bathing spot; Sphatic Shila, rocks that are believed to have the footprints of Lord Rama; and Hanuman Dhara, where Lord Rama is believed to have created a spring. The ghats in Chitrakoot are believed to have mythological references as well, with Ramghat being the most visited by both tourists and devotees.

Don’t Miss: Boat ride during the evening aarti.

Khajuraho

khajuraho

Famous for its Hindu and Jain temples, Khajuraho is a paradise not just for the religious minded, but also for history buffs and lovers of art and architecture. Its temples feature nagara-style architecture and walls lined with sculptures portraying everyday life, mythological stories, symbolic values, and erotic themes. Of these, the Kandariya Mahadev Temple is the largest, most ornate, and the best-preserved medieval temple here. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Khajuraho hosts the Khajuraho Dance festival every year, against the backdrop of its elaborate temples.

Don’t Miss: The sound and light show held every evening in the temple complex.

Read more: Khajuraho: Poetry Etched in Stone

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Namrata Dhingra

A passionate painter, Namrata keeps her inner artist alive by creating hand painted personalised products. Travelling, reading and dancing are her other love interests.

Comments

Soumi Mandal | on 21 June 2018

Nice writing and wonderful snaps!! Just a suggestion, I just suggest you may visit also MAIHAR in Madhya Pradesh and take a ride in DRIL ROPEWAYS. The cable car, transports pilgrims to the top of the hill, transcending the 1000 steep step climb.