Hi, I’m Sheetal Amrut Wankhede, and I’d love to share my recent spiritual journey to Ujjain and Omkareshwar with you. From the serene Bhasma Aarti at Mahakaleshwar Jyotirling to the tranquil boat rides on the Narmada River, this trip was a profound and memorable experience. Let me take you along on this adventure.
Reaching Ujjain was a breeze. You can take a train from your nearest station or fly to Indore Airport, the closest airport to Ujjain. Although traveling by road is an option, it might be too tiring given the distance.
Ujjain offers a variety of budget-friendly accommodations. Whether you prefer a cozy guesthouse or a modern hotel, you’ll find plenty of options to suit your needs and budget.
Kickstart of the journey: Immersing in the Divine Atmosphere of Ujjain
4:00 AM: Bhasma Aarti at Mahakaleshwar Jyotirling
Our spiritual journey began early with the Bhasma Aarti at Mahakaleshwar Jyotirling. This unique and serene ritual is an unforgettable experience. Here are three ways to secure a pass:
I opted for online registration by visiting the Mahakaleshwar website. It’s advisable to book your ticket 15 days to 1 month in advance, as slots fill up quickly. Keep your Aadhar card handy for registration. The cost is ₹250 per person.
If you miss out on online registration, you can line up near Neelkanth gate at midnight the day before the aarti for offline registration. The counter opens around 8 AM, and one pass covers a group of up to 5 people. Around 300-400 seats are available.
For those who prefer convenience, agents near the temple offer booking services for approximately ₹1500 per person. Remember, there’s a dress code: saree/churidar for women and dhoti for men.
After the aarti, I indulged in a delicious breakfast of Poha, a local specialty that was both light and flavorful. I booked an auto to visit some of Ujjain’s most significant temples. Kal Bhairav Temple, Sandipani Ashram, Gadakalika Mata Mandir, and Mangalnath Mandir. Each temple was unique in its architecture and spiritual significance.
For lunch, I savored the famous Dal Bafla, a traditional dish that perfectly encapsulates the local flavors. The evening continued with the serene Shipra Aarti at Ram Ghat, a beautiful ceremony that fills the air with spirituality. Later, I visited Harsiddhi Ma Temple to participate in the evening aarti. I ended the day with a leisurely stroll through the Mahakal Corridor and a visit to Bharat Mata Mandir, absorbing the rich history and culture.
Journey to Omkareshwar
The next morning, I caught an early bus from Ujjain to Omkareshwar. The bus ride was comfortable and cost around ₹250. For a peaceful stay, I booked a room with Gajanan
Maharaj Sanstha. This place is exclusively for families, offering a serene environment. The cost for a 4-bedroom is around ₹700 per day. Bookings are done offline, so you’ll need to arrange accommodation upon arrival.
Note: The stay includes meals at minimal cost and the food is excellent. Timings are:
● Breakfast: 6 AM – 9 AM
● Lunch: 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM
● Dinner: 7 PM – 9:30 PM
Exploring Omkareshwar
Temple Visit
I began my day with a visit to Omkareshwar Jyotirling, just a 10-minute walk from my stay. The Shayan Aarti and the 3D aarti experience were truly divine. A visit to Mamleshwar Jyotirlinga was next on my list, adding to the spiritual essence of the trip. I couldn’t resist a boat ride on the Narmada River, which cost just ₹100 per person. The serene waters and picturesque views were a highlight of my journey.
Exploring Indore
I booked my stay online. Indore has numerous comfortable options.
Chappan Dukan is a food lover’s paradise with 56 shops. I enjoyed various specialties like Johny Hot Dog, Madhuram Sweets, Vijay Chat House, Humpty Dumpty, and Nema. Khajrana Ganesh Mandir, Kanch Mandir/Sheesh Mahal, Rajwada Palace, and Sarafa Bazaar were all must-visits. The night market starts at 10 PM, making it the perfect spot for food enthusiasts.
Lalbagh Palace is famous for its Italian Renaissance revival architecture and Bollywood connections.
Returning Home
Indore has numerous direct trains and flights to major cities, making it easy to return home after your journey.
Approximate Budget
● Transport (Train/Flight to Ujjain, Bus to Omkareshwar, Return to Indore): ₹2000-₹5000
● Accommodation (Ujjain & Omkareshwar): ₹1000-₹2000
● Food: ₹1000-₹1500
● Sightseeing & Activities: ₹500-₹1000
● Miscellaneous: ₹500-₹1000
This journey offered me a perfect blend of spirituality, culture, and culinary delights. I hope my experiences help you plan your own unforgettable adventure to Ujjain and Omkareshwar! For more travel stories visit: https://sowl.in/stories/
