Pray with All Heart in Harsiddhi Mandir, Ujjain
Madhya Pradesh is one of the foremost religious tourism destinations in India and is a revered place for Hindu, Muslim and Buddhist alike. The state has drawn poets, sages and pilgrims through the centuries and Ujjain is one of the most spiritual places the state has to offer. In fact, it is called the 'City of Temples.' Among the temples Harsiddhi Mandir in Ujjain is one of the most revered temples in the city.It is one of the major Shaktipeeths of India and is just across the Rudra Sagar Lake. According to Indian mythology, it is one of the top 13 Shaktipeeths shrine of the 51 Shaktipeeths of Mata Sati.
The Legends about Harsiddhi Mandir
The temple has some interesting stories and legends about it.According to the most popular myth, Goddess Parvati came forth in the form of Harsiddhiat the behest of Lord Shiva to kill the two demons who were frightening the local folks and disturbing the peace.
Another story goes that says when Lord Shiva was carrying her after Parvati had gone into the sacrificial fire, her elbow fell at this spot which created the temple.
The Harsiddhi Mata was the titular deity of the king (Samrat) Vikramaditya was known for his valour, intellect, and nobleness. It is said the king dedicated his head to worship Devi Harsiddhi around eleven times in her feet but the divine mother blessed him and brought back to life.
Architecture about Harsiddhi Mandir in Ujjain
Painted in colours of dark vermillion, the temple has the main deity as Harsiddhi Mata and is placed in the middle of a large temple complex area. Alongside the Harsiddhi Mata idol also resides Maha Saraswati and Maha Lakshmi. You can find Shree Yantrain the temple, which is one of the nine forms of Durga. This structure was re-built during the Maratha Period and has two exceptional pine shaped iron lamp stands in the courtyard with 726 lamps.For those who would like to be a part of this myth-rich temple can visit during the Navaratri when it is all decorated with flowers and lights.
Facts about Harsiddhi Mandir, Ujjain You Cannot Miss
Shaktipeeth
Harsiddhi Shaktipeeth is congregated with devotees all through the year and devotees have a strong belief that it is a big source of energy and power. The festival of Navratri is celebrated with amazing fervour and splendour. Thousands of lamps and candles (Diyas) are flamed that creates a magnificent divine scene.
Main temple located at hilltop
The main temple of Harsiddhi Mandir in Ujjain was located at the top of the hill which faced the sea. According to the myth, Lord Krishna worshipped her to get power to kill Asuras during his lifetime and was living atop the hill called Koyladungar. When Jarasandha was killed, all Yadavas over overjoyed and they celebrated their success there which gave it the name Harshad Mata or Harsiddhi Mata.
The nine-day festival is dedicated to Goddess Durga
There are four entry gates around the temple and inside the main entry gate is the Harsiddhi assemblage hall that has two pillars that are adorned with lamps beautifying the place to magnificently divine. The local folks strongly believe that Maa Harsiddhi fulfils the desires of all those who come into the temple with honest faith and are ready to pay their deep obeisance.
The goddess is worshipped as Kuldevi of Yadavss
Another popular myth says Harsidhhi Mata once saved Seth Jagdu Shah from sinking in the sea, a very famous merchant of the time. He then requested Devi to come down the hill and reside in the new temple he made in 1300AD. Since then, many Jain castes worship her as Kuldevi. You can also find the idol of Jagdu Shah situated to the right of Goddess's idol inside the temple.
Hundreds of lamps burning
During the nine day Hindu festival celebrating the triumph of good over evil, Navratri, the mesmerising sight of hundreds of lamps burning all together creates a surreal experience that cannot be explained in words. Best Time to Visit
The winter season which is from October to March is the best time to visit Harsiddhi Mandir, Ujjain. The temple remains open from 5:00 AM – 7:00 PM for all through the week and also on public holidays.Aarti Timings in the Temple
• 7:00 – 8:00 AM in the morning• 6:00 – 7:00 PM in the evening
Reaching the Temple
• By train
You can get direct buses from Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Rajkot, Dehradun, Fouzabad, Benaras, Kochin, Bangalore, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Howrah and other major cities
• By road
Direct bus from Surat, Indore, Gwalior, Pune, Mumbai, Jaipur, Nasik, Mathura and Udaipur can reach you here
• By Air
The closest airport is Indore which is approximately 53km (33mi) away
See More in Ujjain:
Jantar Mantar, Ujjain - One of the Oldest Observatories of the World
Kaal Bhairav - The Guardian to the Ujjain City