Ujjain is an ancient city beside the Kshipra River in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. An important Hindu pilgrimage destination, it’s known for the centuries-old Mahakaleshwar Temple, a towering structure with a distinctively ornate roof. Nearby, Bade Ganesh Temple houses a colorful statue of Ganesh, the elephant-headed Hindu deity. HarsiddhiTemple features a pair of tall dark pillars studded with lamps.
The large Chintaman Ganesh Temple has a Ganesh idol, and features carved pillars in its assembly hall. Ram Ghat is an ancient bathing place that attracts devotees during the Kumbh Mela festival. North of town, worshippers leave offerings of alcohol at the shrine in Kal Bhairav Temple, which has traces of Malwa-style miniature paintings. Nearby, on a small hill, the Mangalnath Temple is dedicated to the planet Mars. The Ved Shala observatory, west of the center, was built in the 18th century and features instruments used for astronomical calculations. The ISKCON Temple is a huge marble complex surrounded by landscaped gardens.