Heritage · Ujjain
Sandipani Ashram
The ashram of Guru Sandipani, where Lord Krishna, Balarama and Sudama are believed to have studied.
According to tradition, young Krishna and Balarama came to Ujjain (Avantika) to study under the sage Sandipani, and it was here that Krishna befriended Sudama. The ashram is a quiet complex with shrines and the Gomti Kund, a tank into which Krishna is said to have brought the waters of all the holy rivers for his guru.
Visitors are shown the place where the students are believed to have washed their writing slates. It sits on the same western circuit as Mangalnath and Kal Bhairav.
Visiting tips
- Combine with Mangalnath, Kal Bhairav and Siddhavat in one half-day loop.
- Morning visits are cooler and quieter.
More places in Ujjain
Temple
Mahakaleshwar & Mahakal Lok
Centre of Ujjain
One of the twelve Jyotirlingas and the only south-facing one, with the Bhasma Aarti and the new Mahakal Lok corridor.
Ghat
Ram Ghat
About 1.5 km from Mahakaleshwar
Ujjain’s oldest and most important ghat on the Shipra and the main Simhastha bathing site.
Temple
Kal Bhairav Temple
About 5 km from Mahakaleshwar
Temple of Ujjain’s guardian deity, famous for the tradition of offering liquor to Lord Kal Bhairav.
Temple
Harsiddhi Mata Temple
Near Mahakaleshwar
A Shakti Peetha near Mahakal, known for its two towering lamp pillars lit at the evening aarti.
Day trip
Omkareshwar
About 140 km from Ujjain
The island Jyotirlinga on the Narmada, on Mandhata island, which is said to be shaped like the sacred Om.
Heritage
Vedh Shala (Jantar Mantar)
About 2 km from Ram Ghat
Eighteenth-century observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh II in the city once regarded as India’s astronomical prime meridian.
Day trip
Maheshwar
Roughly 140 km from Ujjain
Ahilyabai Holkar’s riverside capital on the Narmada, with a fort, temple-lined ghats and handloom Maheshwari sarees.
Day trip
Mandu
Roughly 150 km from Ujjain
A ruined hilltop fortress city of palaces and lakes—Jahaz Mahal, Hindola Mahal and the story of Baz Bahadur and Rani Roopmati.