Close to the sacred Mahakaleshwar Temple by the Shipra River in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, stands the Bada Ganesh Ka Mandir, a holy shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesh, the one who clears troubles. Built in the 18th century, it is said that this Ganesh idol was established by Maharishi Guru Maharaj Siddhant Vagesh Pt. Narayan Ji Vyas.
The Ganesh idol at the Bade Ganesh Ji ka Mandir is about 18 feet high and 10 feet wide and the trunk of Lord Ganesh in this statue is clockwise. There are a trident and swastika on the head of the statue. A Ladoo is pressed into the trunk rotating to the right. Lord Ganesh has huge ears, a garland around the neck. There is also a beautiful statue of Panchmukhi Hanuman in the center of the temple and is said that this idol was established even before the establishment of Bade Ganesh.
Notable Fact: The temple’s Ganesh idol, rising 8 meters high, is one of the biggest in India.
Mythological Significance
Bada Ganesh Temple holds old stories. One tale says Ganesh, son of Shiva and Parvati, was set here to watch over Ujjain’s holy land. Another tells of a trader praying to Ganesh for a safe journey, and his wares were spared after his faith. Devotees here say prayers lift burdens and bring smarts. The temple’s tie to Ganesh links it to new starts and good luck, standing near Shiva’s power at Mahakaleshwar. Some say Ganesh’s big shape here shows his might to fix big obstacles.
Historical Background
The temple’s roots reach back to the 18th century, built by Maratha lords like the Scindias. Ujjain was a sacred town, full of faith and learning. A stone from 1750 marks its early days. Raiders hurt nearby shrines in the 13th century, but Marathas fixed Ujjain’s temples in the 1700s.
Architecture of Bada Ganesh Ka Mandir
Bada Ganesh Temple sits on half an acre near Mahakaleshwar, made in Maratha style. The main shrine has a red stone arch, carved with lotus blooms, elephants, and Ganesh’s mouse, all in sandstone. Inside, the Ganesh idol, 8 meters tall, painted orange, holds a sweet and axe, lit by ghee lamps. The inner walls got plain stone with old prayers.
A small hall has six pillars, carved with gods and vines. Little shrines for Durga, Hanuman, and Saraswati are in the yard, made of stone. The Durga shrine shows her with a lion, for might. The Hanuman one, from 1800, has him kneeling, for strength. The Saraswati one shows her with a veena, for wisdom. The stone yard feels holy, by the Shipra. A carved gate has Ganesh’s shape. A water ghat, Shipra’s edge, is for ritual baths. Pillars tell Ganesh’s tales, guiding those who pray. The river’s soft sound brings peace.
Rituals and Festivals
The temple wakes up for festivals. Ganesh Chaturthi, in August or September, is the big one, with ten days of songs and sweet offerings. Maghi Ganesh Jayanti, in February, marks Ganesh’s birth. Diwali, in October or November, lights up for joy. Kartik Purnima, in November, draws folks for Shipra dips. Sankashti Chaturthi, each month, sees fasts for Ganesh.
Each day starts with Mangla Aarti at 6:00 AM, offering milk. Abhishekam at 8:00 AM uses water. Evening aarti at 7:00 PM has lamps. Special prayers, like Ganesh Homam, cost ₹100–400 and give blessings blessings. A stall hands out free laddoos for prasad. Wednesdays, folks bring yellow flowers for smarts and calm. Ganesh Chaturthi’s chants fill the yard with faith. The Shipra ghat, said to wash sins, sees crowds at festivals.
Information for Travelers
Hours and Entry: Open every day, 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM. It’s free to enter, but prayers cost ₹100–400. No pictures in the inner room.
Clothing: Wear clothes covering shoulders and knees. Women for prayers wear sarees or suits, men wear kurtas.
How to Get There:
Air: Indore Airport, 55 km off, is closest. Taxis take 1 hour, cost ₹1200–2000.
Train: Ujjain Station, 1 km away, links to Bhopal (3 hours). Autos cost ₹50–100.
Road: Buses from Indore (1 hour) reach Ujjain. Taxis cost ₹800–1200. Roads are quiet.
Places to Stay: Ujjain has guesthouses like Hotel Shipra (₹800–1500). Hotels like Anjushree (₹2000–3000) are good. Stalls sell poha, jalebi, and tea.
Best Time to Visit:
October to March is cool, 20–30°C. Weekdays are calm. Ganesh Chaturthi’s full, so plan early.
Nearby Attractions:
Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, 1 km away, is a Shiva shrine.
Kal Bhairav Temple, 6 km away, offers liquor prasad.
Harsiddhi Temple, 2 km away, is a Shakti Peetha.
Ram Ghat, 1 km away, is a Shipra bath spot.
Sandipani Ashram, 5 km away, was Krishna’s school.
Final Thoughts
Bada Ganesh Ka Mandir in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, a sacred place in India’s heart, is a treasure for the soul. Lord Ganesh’s gentle touch reaches all who come, making it a spot you must see among India’s holy places.
