Chintaman Ganesh Temple - Ujjain

About the Temple

The temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, who is regarded as the Lord of beginnings as per the Hindu beliefs. In the traditional times, the Lord is known as ‘Chintaharan’, which literally means remover of all worries and tensions. The temple is thronged by crowds of people that come to do away with all their worries at the shrine of the Lord. Inside the temple, the ‘Garbhgriha’ comprises the image of Lord Ganesha. The main point is that this idol is supposed to be ‘swayambhu’ (self-manifested), unlike other idols. The site is adored by the two wives of Lord Ganesha, Riddhi and Siddhi that are placed on the either side of the Lord. The temple also embraces the idol of Lord Vishnu in its vicinity. Here, Lord Ganesha and Lord Vishnu are worshipped together with great devotion.

Chintaman Ganesh Temple boasts of its artistically carved pillars that are placed in the assembly hall. The age-old sanctity of the temple is preserved till date. The belief of the devotees for this shrine makes it all the more sanctified. People visit this temple, in large numbers, to get the graceful blessings of Lord Ganesha.


History of the Temple

Chintaman Ganesh Temple is an antediluvian shrine that dates back to 11th -12th centuries. This ancient temple is highly revered and one of the most visited shrines of Ujjaini in Madhya Pradesh. It is believed that the temple was built during the reign of Paramaras in Madhya Pradesh (Malwa). Chintamani Ganesha Mandir is wholly made out in stone. The very appearance of the temple suggests that it belongs to prehistoric times. Still, the temple has not lost its charm; in fact, it has become unique with its ancient origin.



Devotees

Chintamani is a magical stone told in mythology. It fulfills our wishes immediately. As Lord Ganesh in this temple is just like the stone Chintamani, granting their wishes when asked with devotion.  Hence devotees call him with the name – Chintamani Ganesh / Chintaman Ganesh. He is also called as Chinta haran Ganesh as he removes all the Chintas (sorrows) of the devotees.  People around Ujjaini will give first invitation of their marriage to this Ganesh. It is believed that he will remove all the obstacles in marriage and bless the couple. New vehicles are taken to this temple, so that no accidents will occur while riding on them. Worshippers throng to this temple because the deity here is traditionally known as Chintaharan Ganesh meaning "the assurer of freedom from worldly anxieties". The  present sanctum of Chintaman Ganesh is very old. Riddhi and Siddhi, the  two goddes are enshrined on both the sides of the idol of Ganesh.  Traditionally this is known as the seat of Chintaman Ganesh (assurer of  freedom from worldly anxieties) and people assemble here in large numbers  to offer their prayers on every Wednesday in the month of Chaitra.  Artistic pillars in the assembly hall of the temple belong to the Parmar-period.  The temple was renovated by Ahalyadevi Holkar with the addition of a water  tank and the boundary wall.

How to Reach the Temple

i. Through Air the Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport in Indore is the nearest airport to Ujjain, which is situated 55 km away. Indore is air connected to major cities in India by public and private domestic airlines. Indore is mostly connected to places like Jaipur, Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Bhopal and Chennai. Taxi services are also available from Indore airport to Ujjain city, costing about Rs 1000. International visitors can get connecting flights to Indore from Delhi (800 km) or Mumbai (655 km) airport.
ii. Through Railways the city of Ujjain has Junction Railway Station which is an important railway station in Western railway zone. It is well connected to all major railway stations in India. Direct train services are available to Bhopal, Indore, Pune, Malwa, Delhi and many other cities.

iii. Through Road Ujjain is well connected by state road transport public bus services. Regular bus services are available to visit the temple from Indore (55 km), Gwalior (450 km), Ahmedabad (400 km) and Bhopal (183 km) to Ujjain. Super fast and Deluxe A/C buses are also available in these routes. Bus fare is about Rs 3 – Rs 4 per km. It is in the South-west corner of city Ujjaini

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