Madhya Pradesh
Spiritual & Culinary Journey Through Madhya Pradesh: Omkareshwar, Ujjain & Indore
Madhya Pradesh, the heart of India, offers a perfect blend of spirituality, history, and flavors. My 2-day journey took me through the sacred Jyotirlingas of Omkareshwar and Mahakaleshwar, mesmerizing aartis, and the food paradise of Indore. Here’s how my adventure unfolded!
Ahmedabad to Omkareshwar – The Sacred Island of Shiva
My journey started from Ahmedabad to Omkareshwar by road—a long yet scenic drive filled with changing landscapes, rural charm, and a spiritual vibe.
Darshan at Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga
Upon reaching Omkareshwar, I headed straight to the Omkareshwar Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The queue was long and physically challenging, but the divine energy of the place made it worth every step.
Pro Tip: Carry a water bottle, wear comfortable footwear, and keep patience as the queue moves slowly.
Narmada River Boat Ride & Triveni Sangam
After the darshan, I took a peaceful boat ride on the Narmada River, enjoying the calm waters and the temple’s reflection on the river. The highlight was visiting Triveni Sangam, a sacred confluence where three rivers meet, making it an important Hindu pilgrimage spot.
Spiritual Fact: Taking a dip at Triveni Sangam is believed to wash away sins and bring inner peace.
Journey to Ujjain – The City of Mahakal
After the divine experience at Omkareshwar, I left for Ujjain, another sacred city famous for the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga.
Harsiddhi Mata Temple – A Divine Experience
The first stop in Ujjain was Harsiddhi Mata Temple, one of the Shaktipeeths, where Maa Sati’s elbow is believed to have fallen. The evening aarti here is magical, with thousands of diyas lighting up the temple premises.
Tip: If you love peaceful temple experiences, visit during the evening aarti for an unforgettable atmosphere.
Ram Ghat Aarti – A Divine Spectacle by the Kshipra River
Next, I visited Ram Ghat, where the famous Kshipra Aarti is performed. Watching priests waving large fire lamps, accompanied by the rhythmic chants and temple bells, gave me goosebumps.
Pro Tip: Arrive at least 30 minutes early to get a good spot for viewing the aarti.
The Mystical Bhasma Aarti at Mahakaleshwar Temple
The most awaited part of my trip was attending the legendary Bhasma Aarti at Mahakaleshwar Temple.
Important Things to Know About Bhasma Aarti:
- Entry Time: Be at the temple by 12 AM (midnight) to get in line.
- Dress Code: Men must wear traditional dhoti, and women must wear saree.
- Locker Facility: Mobiles and cameras are not allowed; keep them safe in the temple locker room.
The aarti starts at 4 AM, and the energy of the chanting, the rhythmic sounds of bells, the deep resonance of drums, and the powerful blowing of Shankh (conch shells), and the mystical atmosphere is simply breathtaking. I have never experienced anything like this before!
Tip: Booking tickets online in advance is recommended to avoid long queues.
After the Bhasma Aarti at Mahakaleshwar, I visited the Kal Bhairav Temple, a place filled with mystery and devotion. Known for its unique liquor offering ritual, this temple holds a special spiritual significance in Ujjain.
The energy here was intense—chants, bells ringing, and the scent of incense filled the air. Watching the liquor offering disappear during the ritual was truly fascinating. The massive idol of Lord Kal Bhairav, with its fierce yet protective aura, made the experience even more surreal.
The energy here was intense—chants, bells ringing, and the scent of incense filled the air. Watching the liquor offering disappear during the ritual was truly fascinating. The massive idol of Lord Kal Bhairav, with its fierce yet protective aura, made the experience even more surreal.
Pro Tip
- Get the liquor offering from stalls outside.
- Visit early morning or evening to avoid crowds.
This temple added an extra layer of mystery and spiritual depth to my Ujjain trip!
Morning Feast – Famous Ujjain Breakfast
After a soulful morning at Mahakal, it was time to indulge in Ujjain’s famous breakfast:
- Poha – Soft, fluffy, and flavorful with a tangy twist.
- Jalebi – Crispy and soaked in sugar syrup.
- Gulab Jamun – Warm, soft, and absolutely divine.
If you’re in Ujjain, you must try this breakfast combo—it’s heavenly!
Kal Bhairav Temple, Ujjain: A Divine & Mystical Experience
Indore – India’s Cleanest & Foodie’s Paradise
While returning to Ahmedabad, I made a delicious stop in Indore, known as India’s Cleanest City and Street Food Capital.
56 Dukaan – A Food Lover’s Heaven!
Indore’s famous 56 Dukaan is a street filled with 56 amazing food shops, offering everything from chaat to desserts.
Must-Try Dishes in Indore:
- Indori Poha – A must-have breakfast dish, light and full of flavors.
- Pani Puri – With many different types of flavored water!
- Ras Malai – Soft, creamy, and simply mouth-watering.
- Johny Hot Dog – A famous local street food item.
- Garadu (Fried Yam) – A winter special, crispy and spicy.
Pro Tip: Don’t leave Indore without taking Ratlami Sev—a spicy and crunchy snack famous across India.
Final Thoughts on My Madhya Pradesh Trip
- Omkareshwar & Mahakaleshwar – Soulful Jyotirlinga visits & divine darshans.
- Evening aartis at Harsiddhi Mata Temple & Ram Ghat – Breathtaking experiences.
- Bhasma Aarti – A once-in-a-lifetime spiritual moment.
- Ujjain’s Poha & Jalebi – A food lover’s delight.
- Indore’s 56 Dukaan & Ratlami Sev – Perfect way to end the trip on a delicious note.
This 2-day Madhya Pradesh journey was a perfect mix of devotion, adventure, and food. If you’re planning a similar trip, be ready for an unforgettable experience!
Have you visited Mahakal or Omkareshwar? Share your experience below!
Rinkal
Rinkal is a passionate traveler from Ahmedabad who loves exploring hidden gems, savoring local foods, and sharing adventures with fellow wanderers. Rinkal’s goal is to inspire others to travel on a budget while truly experiencing the essence of each place.
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