Spiritual fervour marked the onset of Simhasth Kumbh Mahaparv on April 22, and Ujjain, the city of Lord Mahakal, is seeing a sea of devotees entering its fold, to pay reverence and take a dip in the holy waters of the Shipra. If you are visiting Ujjain for the first time, we’d give it to you if you feel nerve-racked. But fret not, here’s all you need to know about how to make your experience in the city a comfortable and spiritual one. Read on…The road to spirituality
Ujjain is comfortably accessible from Mumbai by road and rail, as there are many direct trains too. There are regular buses from the city, the journey by which can take anything upto 12 hours. Ujjain Junction, being Ujjain’s main railway station, is a major and well-connected one, with umpteen long distance and direct trains chugging through its platforms on a daily basis.A sojourn of faith in the city
Ujjain is home to a host of places of worship, bathed in tradition, history and stories of faith. While you make a visit to the city for the famous Kumbh mela, you might want to embark on a journey of faith. Some of the temples that one could visit include Shri Chintaman Ganesh Temple, built across the Shipra river, the idol of which is said to be ‘swayambhu’ or born from oneself. There is also the Shri Kaal Bhairav Temple on the banks of this river, which is believed to be built by King Bhadrasen. The Harsiddhi Temple that bears an vermilion-hued idol of Annapurna, seated between Goddesses Mahalaxmi and Mahasaraswati is another place you can visit.
Ujjain is comfortably accessible from Mumbai by road and rail, as there are many direct trains too. There are regular buses from the city, the journey by which can take anything upto 12 hours. Ujjain Junction, being Ujjain’s main railway station, is a major and well-connected one, with umpteen long distance and direct trains chugging through its platforms on a daily basis.A sojourn of faith in the city
Ujjain is home to a host of places of worship, bathed in tradition, history and stories of faith. While you make a visit to the city for the famous Kumbh mela, you might want to embark on a journey of faith. Some of the temples that one could visit include Shri Chintaman Ganesh Temple, built across the Shipra river, the idol of which is said to be ‘swayambhu’ or born from oneself. There is also the Shri Kaal Bhairav Temple on the banks of this river, which is believed to be built by King Bhadrasen. The Harsiddhi Temple that bears an vermilion-hued idol of Annapurna, seated between Goddesses Mahalaxmi and Mahasaraswati is another place you can visit.
Important tips to keep in mind
- If you are looking for accommodation, there are various options available in the city, right from a range of hotels to camp accommodation in the area near the mela.
- Food shouldn’t be a worry for you, with arrangements for various ‘bhandaras’ or gatherings for food consumption being set up during the mela. Hygiene is of utmost importance with regards to the quality and distribution standards.
- Being summer, ensure you keep yourself hydrated. There are a number of water kiosks or booths that will be installed in and around the area.
- Do not carry cash on you. There are a number of ATMs to facilitate easy banking transactions. Withdraw as much as you will need. This will avoid unfortunate situations of being robbed.
- Dress responsibly as the occasion demands. However, wearing light-weight attire will see you through the summer heat.
Key dates of the Simhasth Kumbh Mahaparv
- May 3 (Tuesday): Vratparv Varuthini Ekadashi
- May 6 (Friday): Vaishakh Krishna Amavasya
- May 9 (Monday): Shahi Snan
- May 11 (Wednesday): Shakaracharya Jayanti
- May 15 (Sunday): Vrishabh Sankranti
- May 17 (Tuesday): Mohini Ekadashi
- May 19 (Thursday): Pradosh
- May 20 (Friday): Narsingh Jayanti
- May 21 (Saturday): Shahi Snan
Source: Heading for the Kumbh in Ujjain? Here’s all you need to know – Times of India