Names & Legend
The Ujjain Shakti Peeth is honoured at two famous shrines of the Goddess. Many devotees know it as Garh Kali or Garh Kalika, the ancient Kali temple of the city, while the most widely accepted tradition places the peeth at the temple of Harsiddhi Mata.
Sati gave up her life at Daksha’s yagna, unable to bear the insult to her beloved husband. Lord Vishnu then divided her body with his Sudarshan Chakra so that Lord Shiva’s grief would not destroy the world. During this, Sati’s elbow is believed to have fallen at Ujjain.
Location
Ujjain is in Madhya Pradesh, on the bank of the Shipra river, and is easily reached from all parts of India, especially by rail. Ujjain is unique in having two Shakti Peeths – this one and the Bhairava Parvat Shakti Peeth – as well as the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga.
The Goddess & Bhairava
The Goddess is worshipped as Mangal Chandika, the auspicious and fierce mother, and Lord Shiva as Bhairava is called Kapilambar, “the one who wears brown garments”. At the Harsiddhi temple, the dark-red image of the Goddess is seated between images of Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati, and the temple courtyard has two tall lamp pillars (deepstambhas) that are lit with hundreds of oil lamps during Navaratri – a magical sight.
Legends of Ujjain
Harsiddhi Mata was the family goddess of the legendary king Vikramaditya of Ujjain. It is said that the king offered his own head to the Goddess eleven times, and each time she restored it, pleased with his devotion. The Garh Kalika temple is linked with the great Sanskrit poet Kalidasa, who, according to tradition, was blessed with his genius by the Goddess here.
Festivals & Worship
Navaratri is the greatest festival, when the lamp pillars of Harsiddhi blaze with light and devotees come from far and wide. Ujjain also celebrates Maha Shivaratri, the Shravan processions of Lord Mahakal, and the Simhastha Kumbh held about every 12 years. The city is a famous place of both pilgrimage and tourism, and visitors come throughout the year.
How to Reach & When to Visit
Ujjain Junction has trains from all over India, and the nearest airport is Indore, about 55 km away. The Harsiddhi temple is close to the Mahakaleshwar temple and Rudra Sagar lake, and Garh Kalika is a short drive away. The best time to visit is from October to March.