UJJAIN
According to ancient Hindu scriptures it was originally called Avantika. Later King Shiva of Avanti commemorating his triumph over the demon king of Tripuri, changed it to Ujjayini(one who conquers with pride). Apart from the temples, the city has a great cultural past for it was governed by Ashoka & Vikramaditya. It was here that Kalidas, the great poet, lived & wrote the finest poetry. Today the city draws thousands of pilgrims who take a holy dip in the purifying waters of the Shipra river.
In the 6th and 7th centuries, Ujjain was a major centre of mathematical and astronomical research. The famous mathematicians who worked there included: Brahmagupta, whose book Brahmasphutasiddhanta was responsible for spreading the use of zero, negative numbers and the positional number system to Arabia and Cambodia; Varahamihira, who was the first to discover many trigonometric identities; and Bhaskaracharya, or Bhaskara II, whose book Lilavati broke new ground in many areas of mathematics.
Place of Tourist Interest
Mahakaleshwara: :-The temple Mahakaleshwara of Lord Shiva with its lingam is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. The idol of Omkareshwara Shiva is consecrated in the sanctum above the Mahakal shrine. The temple also has images of other gods & goddesses.
Bhartrihari Caves: - Located above the banks of the sacred Shipra river where the famous scholar-poet Bhartrihari resided. It is also a historically important monument, built in Persian style architecture by Muhammad Khilji in 1498.
Baba Ganeshji Ka Mandir:- This temple has a sculpted image of Lord Ganesha. It is close to the Mahakaleshwara temple & a favourite pilgrimage spot in Madhya Pradesh.
