After a gap of over a year, the two of us, Seema, my wife and I, could make a small trip to Ujjain and Mandhata (popularly known as Omkareshwar) for darshan of Mahakaleshwar and Omkareshwar, two of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.  The journey to and fro was scheduled by Indore Intercity train. Ujjain, an ancient holy city, is situated on the banks of river Shipra in Madhya Pradesh.

On 07.03.2013, the train started at 10.15 pm from H.Nizamudin and reached Nagda, around 50 km before Ujjain at 8.50 am on 08.03.2013.

Shri K.B. Gupta, a friend, picked us up for wash and change.  After we freshed ourselves, a very delicious Breakfast  awaited us in the form of Poha and Idlies.  Thereafter, we started for Ujjain.  We visited various temples like Siddhavat, Bade Ganeshji ka Mandir, Chintamani Ganeshji, Harsiddhi Temple, Kalbhairav Temple, Mangalnath, Chardham Temple, Kalkamai Temple.  We also visited Bhartrihari Caves and Sandipani Ashram.  Lastly we went Mahakaleshwar for Maha darshan of Jyotirlinga.

Siddhavat, a tiny locale at Ujjain is well known for the immortal Siddhavat Tree situated on the banks of the Shipra. Blessed with religious sanctity, people tie threads around the tree so as to fulfill their dreams (called ‘Manokamna’ in local dialect). According to one tradition, Parvati is believed to have performed her penance here.

Sandipani Ashram - This small complex of buildings set in a garden has a legendary history. The faithful believe that this is where the Seer Sandipani taught Lord Krishna, his brother Balram, and their friend Sudama. In this complex, there is a tank, named Gomti Kund which was used by Lord Krishna and other disciples for washing their writing tablets, etc. ‘Vyas Kaksh’ and Sarveshwar Mahadev Temple are also part of the complex.

Kalbhairav Temple - The worship of Kal Bhairava is carried out here.  Wine is served to the idol in a plate which is sucked by the idol.  Everyone is surprised that hundreds of bottles of wine served daily are taken inside by the idol.  Many researches have been conducted to know where this wine goes, but there has been no clue so far.

Mangalnath Mandir - is located on the bank of river Shipra. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a greatly respected holy place situated in Ujjain. According to the Matsya Purana it is known as the birth place of Mars.  It is said that this is the only temple of Planet Mars

Mahakaleshwar - This temple is dedicated to Shiva’s manifestation of Mahakal. Built in five levels, including an underground level, the temple is surrounded by a spacious courtyard and huge walls. The lingam is believed to have been formed on its own and the entire temple is lit up by brass lamps. The sanctum also houses images of Ganesha, Parvati, Kartikeya and Nandi Bull. The main roof in the sanctum is adored with 100 kg silver Rudrayantra. The huge Jaladhari (vessel of water suspended over the shivalinga) is also made in silver.  

At 4 pm, we started for Indore.  After visiting Khazrana Ganesh Temple on way, we reached Guest House at Indore at 6 pm. 

Next day we started at 8.00 for Omkareshwar which is around 77 Kms from Indore.  A friend, Shri V.K. Sharma, joined us with his wife on way.  Four of us reached Omkareshwar at 10.15 am. We reached the temple premises by crossing a foot-over bridge which is newly constructed one.  The all around scenery from the bridge was eye-catching; we stayed there for a few minutes and did some photography. Another old way to reach the temple premises is by crossing the river through a boat and then by climbing around 80 stairs.

We were free from Darshan and Puja at the main temple by 11.15 am.  After darshan and abhishek of lingam, we decided to have a Parikarma of the Omkareshwar by a motorboat.  The enjoyment of this ride in Narmada River is beyond words.  On way, we took a break of ten minutes at the confluence of Narmada River with Kaveri River.  Many people were taking holy dip on this sangam.  We decided not to take bath but blessed ourselves by standing in the water for some time.  The sight was so eye-catching that we wanted to spend more time there but we had to leave because we had to catch the train in the evening.  The complete ‘Parikarma’ took around 1 hour.  Sometimes, the boatmen had to struggle hard with the fast flowing running water of Narmada to go ahead in opposite direction.

There is another Temple called Amareshwar, a substitute of the Omkareshwar Temple on the other side of Narmada River.  We reached there at 12.30 pm and within 15 minutes we were ready to move back for Indore Railway Station.  On way, we stopped for lunch.  Our return journey started at 4.20 pm on 09.03.2013.

The train started at scheduled time and reached Delhi at 5.50 am on 10.3.2013.  We reached back home at 6.30 am and though 10.3.2013 was Sunday, we again got busy in the humdrum of life including preparation for next working week.