On the Ujjain Ghat

 As with other Pilgrim Centers, Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh carries the distinction of being a thriving industry when it comes to Religious Tourism. The Temples with their Priests, the shops selling books on Hinduism and religious curios are all around. So also begging, but with regards to begging it becomes difficult sometimes to choose between a Beggar and a Sadhu  as  they both come in high numbers and are in equal need. Other than Religion and Begging, there are 3 other essential types of businesses flourishing herein - the Eateries, the flower vendors and the Barbers and the best place to view this would be the Ram Ghat. 

 

In 1732, the Maratha ruler Peshwa Bajirao I, got possession of Malwa, and he divided his territory amongst his 3 Commanders - Scindia, Holkar and Pawar of which Ranoji Pawar established his power over Ujjain. His Minister Ramchandra Baba, living at Ujjain was in charge of the administration. The Ram Ghat and Narsinha Ghat on the banks of the river Shipra were built during his rule. Ram Ghat has the distinction of being the oldest bathing Ghat in Ujjain and the Kumbh Mela is held once in every 12 years over here.  Thousands of believers congregate at Ghat during this religious congregation to have a Holy Dip and cleanse themselves of their Sins.  

 

 As per Hindu traditions there are 2 ceremonies which take place on a Ghat, be it at Varanasi, Haridwar, Nasik or Ujjain – one would be the Oblations you perform for correcting flaws in your horoscope or planetary issues and the second would be the funeral rites of a close relative. So every small Temple would have its own set of Priests who are specialists in these Ceremonies, and take care of all your needs on being approached. A typical ceremony may take a few hours or even days depending on the magnitude of the problem and how deep your pocket runs.

 

 The eateries here are numerous and by looks and hygiene, you may feel like giving them a miss. There are numerous small and big temples and most of them are centuries old so a Shutterbug would definitely find good time in clicking the numerous old antique idols adorning the walls and nearby to the waterfront.