Shri Harsiddhi Mata Temple is one of the most revered and oldest temples of Goddess Shakti in India. It is located in the heart of Ujjain city, near the Mahakaleshwar Temple. The temple is dedicated to Harsiddhi Mata, or the Goddess of Happiness and Fulfillment, who is also one of the forms of Goddess Durga.
Shri Harsiddhi Mata temple is famous for its splendid and colorful architecture, its rich history and legends, and its spiritual significance. It is also known for its huge lamps, or deep stambhs, that are lit every evening and create a dazzling spectacle. The temple is also a part of the 51 Shakti Peethas, or the places where parts of Goddess Sati’s body fell after she immolated herself in her father’s sacrificial fire. Visit during Ujjain Local sightseeing and one day trip From Indore and Bhopal.
In this article, we will explore the various aspects of Shri Harsiddhi Mata Temple, such as its location, timing/entry fees, how to reach, things to do/must see, significance, FAQs, and conclusion.
Location of Shri Harsiddhi Mata Temple
Shri Harsiddhi Mata Temple is located in the Harsiddhi Chowk, in the center of Ujjain city. The temple complex covers an area of about 1 acre, and has a main shrine and several smaller shrines. The main shrine has a large hall (mandapa) and a sanctum (garbhagriha), where the idol of Harsiddhi Mata is installed. The idol is made of black stone and has four arms. It is adorned with a crown and a garland of flowers. The idol also has a trident (trishul) and a damaru (drum) in two of its hands.
Timing/Entry Fees Shri Harsiddhi Mata Temple
The temple is open for darshan (worship) from 5 am to 10 pm every day. The entry to the temple is free for all visitors. However, there are some special services and rituals that require a fee or a ticket. For example, the Abhishek (ritual bathing) of Harsiddhi Mata requires a fee of Rs. 51 per person; the Aarti (ritual waving of lamps) requires a fee of Rs. 11 per person; and the Prasad (offering) requires a fee of Rs. 21 per person. These services can be booked online through the official website of Shri Harsiddhi Mata Temple (https://harsiddhimataujjain.com/).
How to Reach Shri Harsiddhi Mata Temple
Ujjain is well connected by road, rail, and air to other major cities of India. The nearest airport is Indore Airport (IATA: IDR), which is about 55 km away from Ujjain. From there, one can take a taxi or a bus to reach Ujjain. The nearest railway station is Ujjain Junction (Station Code: UJN), which is about 2 km away from Shri Harsiddhi Mata Temple. From there, one can take an auto-rickshaw or a cycle-rickshaw to reach the temple. Ujjain is also accessible by road from Indore (55 km), Bhopal (190 km), Ahmedabad (400 km), Mumbai (655 km), Delhi (775 km), etc.
Things to Do/Must See Shri Harsiddhi Mata Temple
There are many things to do and see in and around Shri Harsiddhi Mata Temple. Some of them are:
- Watching the Aarti: This is one of the most important and beautiful rituals of Shri Harsiddhi Mata Temple. It is performed four times a day: at 7 am, 12 pm, 7 pm, and 10 pm. The ritual involves waving lamps, incense, flowers, and other items in front of the idol of Harsiddhi Mata, while chanting mantras and hymns. The ritual lasts for about 15 minutes and creates a mesmerizing and divine atmosphere in the temple.
- Seeing the lamps: This is another unique and spectacular feature of Shri Harsiddhi Mata Temple. The temple has two huge lamps, or deep stambhs, that are lit every evening and create a dazzling spectacle. The lamps are made of brass and have 21 tiers each. They have a height of about 15 feet and a circumference of about 9 feet. They can hold up to 1081 lamps each. The lamps are lit by the priests with the help of a ladder and a long stick. The lamps symbolize the light of wisdom and happiness that Harsiddhi Mata bestows upon her devotees.
- Exploring other shrines: Apart from Shri Harsiddhi Mata Temple, there are many other shrines in the temple complex that are worth visiting. Some of them are Annapurna Temple (which has an idol of Annapurna Devi, the Goddess of Food), Saraswati Temple (which has an idol of Saraswati, the Goddess of Learning), Mahalakshmi Temple (which has an idol of Mahalakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth), etc.
- Shopping for souvenirs: There are many shops and stalls near Shri Harsiddhi Mata Temple that sell various items related to Goddess Shakti and Hinduism. One can buy souvenirs such as rudraksha beads, shivalingas, idols, paintings, books, CDs/DVDs,.
Significance of Shri Harsiddhi Mata Temple
Shri Harsiddhi Mata Temple is not only a place of worship, but also a place of immense spiritual and historical significance. It is believed that Harsiddhi Mata is the manifestation of Goddess Durga’s power and grace, and she is the giver of happiness and fulfillment to her devotees. She is also one of the forms of Goddess Sati, the consort of Lord Shiva.
The temple is a part of the 51 Shakti Peethas, or the places where parts of Goddess Sati’s body fell after she immolated herself in her father’s sacrificial fire. It is said that her upper lip fell here, and hence the place is also known as Harsiddhi Peetha. The temple has a small shrine where a red cloth is kept as a symbol of Sati’s lip.
The temple is also associated with the legend of King Vikramaditya, one of the most famous and powerful kings of India. It is said that King Vikramaditya was a great devotee of Harsiddhi Mata and used to visit the temple every day. He also received a boon from Harsiddhi Mata that he would rule for 1000 years. However, he was challenged by a demon named Baital, who asked him to solve 32 riddles in exchange for his life. King Vikramaditya accepted the challenge and solved all the riddles with his wisdom and courage. He then offered his head to Harsiddhi Mata as a mark of gratitude and devotion.
Shri Harsiddhi Mata Temple is also a source of inspiration for many poets, writers, and artists. Some of the famous works that are based on or influenced by this temple are Harsiddhi Stotra by Adi Shankaracharya, Harsiddhi Ashtakam by Ravana, Vikram and Baital by Somdev Bhatt, etc.
FAQs
Q: What is the best time to visit Shri Harsiddhi Mata Temple?
A: Shri Harsiddhi Mata Temple can be visited throughout the year, but the best time to visit is during the festivals and occasions related to Goddess Shakti, such as Navratri, Durga Puja, Dussehra, etc. These festivals are celebrated with great fervor and devotion in the temple, and one can witness various rituals and ceremonies. However, one should also be prepared for large crowds and long queues during these times.
Q: How can I book online services for Shri Harsiddhi Mata Temple?
A: One can book online services for Shri Harsiddhi Mata Temple through the official website of Shri Harsiddhi Mata Temple . One can register on the website and then choose the service they want to book, such as Abhishek, Aarti, Prasad, etc. One can also make online donations and buy online prasad through the website.
Q: What are the other places to visit near Shri Harsiddhi Mata Temple?
A: Ujjain is a city of temples and has many other places to visit near Shri Harsiddhi Mata Temple. Some of them are:
Mahakaleshwar Temple: This is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, or the most sacred shrines of Lord Shiva, in India. It is located in the heart of Ujjain city, near the Mahakal Chowk. The temple is famous for its unique and magnificent architecture, its rich history and legends, and its spiritual significance. It is also known for its Bhasma Aarti, or the ritual of offering ash to the deity, which is performed every morning with great devotion and reverence.
Kalbhairav Temple: This is one of the most ancient and popular temples of Lord Shiva in Ujjain. It is dedicated to Kalbhairav, or the fierce form of Lord Shiva, who is also the guardian deity of Ujjain. The temple is located on the banks of the river Kshipra, about 8 km away from Mahakaleshwar Temple. The temple is famous for its unique and mysterious features, such as the idol of Kalbhairav, which has a silver face and a garland of skulls; the offerings of liquor to the deity, which are consumed by the idol through a metal pipe; and the presence of a dog as the vehicle (vahana) of Kalbhairav.
Ram Ghat: This is a sacred ghat (bank) on the river Kshipra, where pilgrims take a holy dip during the Kumbh Mela. It is also a place where many saints and sages meditate and perform rituals.
Bhartrihari Caves: These are ancient caves where Bhartrihari, a renowned poet and philosopher, is said to have lived and attained enlightenment. The caves have a serene and peaceful atmosphere and are surrounded by greenery.
Kalidasa Academy: This is a cultural center dedicated to Kalidasa, one of the greatest poets and playwrights of India. The academy has a museum, a library, an auditorium, and a garden that showcase the works and life of Kalidasa.
Vikram Kirti Mandir: This is a museum and an institute that displays the history and culture of Ujjain. It has exhibits related to astronomy, archaeology, art, literature, etc. It also has a planetarium that shows various celestial phenomena.
Conclusion
Shri Harsiddhi Mata Temple is a must-visit place for anyone who wants to experience the divine and ancient glory of Goddess Shakti. It is a place where one can feel the presence and grace of Harsiddhi Mata, the Goddess of Happiness and Fulfillment, and seek her blessings. It is also a place where one can witness the splendid and colorful architecture, the huge and dazzling lamps, and the rich and vibrant culture and heritage of Ujjain. Shri Harsiddhi Mata Temple is not just a temple, but a living legend that inspires millions of devotees across the world.
