Heritage · Ujjain
Vedh Shala (Jantar Mantar)
Eighteenth-century observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh II in the city once regarded as India’s astronomical prime meridian.
Ujjain was the reference point—the zero meridian—of classical Indian astronomy, and the Tropic of Cancer passes close by. In the eighteenth century Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II of Jaipur built one of his five observatories here.
Its masonry instruments, including a large sundial (Samrat Yantra), still work, and a small planetarium on the campus is popular with children.
Visiting tips
- Visit on a sunny day to see the sundial in action.
- Go in the morning in April–May to avoid the afternoon heat.
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
Sandipani Ashram
About 4 km from Mahakaleshwar
The ashram of Guru Sandipani, where Lord Krishna, Balarama and Sudama are believed to have studied.
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.