Ram Ghat, on the banks of the sacred Shipra (Kshipra) River in Ujjain of Madhya Pradesh is the heart of Simhastha Kumbha Mela. It is the oldest and one of the most sacred pilgrimage destinations of Ujjain. Ram Ghat is also known as Ram Mandir Ghat. Every 12 years, millions of pilgrims congregate at Ram Ghat to take a holy bath in the waters of Shipra River.
The iconic attraction of Ram Ghat is the sandhya arati of Shipra (Kshipra) river which draws many yatris and tourists. Watching the sunset from the Ram Mandir Ghat is one of the most enchanting scenes you will experience. There is a wide range of ancient temples located at the ghat.
Sthala Purana of Ram Ghat, Ujjain
According to the Rameshwara Tirtha Mahatmya of Avanti Khanda in Skanda Purana, Sri Ramachandra arrived at the sacred land of Avantipura (Ujjain) during the Treta Yuga after leaving Chitrakoot. He met a great sage and expressed His great sorrow of His father Maharaja Dasharatha’s death, the pain of living far away from Ayodhya, and the separation from his beloved brother Bharata. Then he enquired from the sage if there existed a tirtha kshetra where the grief caused by separation of loved ones could be overcome.
After meditating on the same, the sage replied that in the Avanti region there was a tirtha kshetra known in historic times as Kushasthali, which later became famous worldwide as Ujjayini or Ujjain. The sage advised Sri Rama to visit this sacred place, perform pinda dana and tarpana for his father King Dasharatha and worship Sri Mahakaleshwara who is revered by both the Devas and Asuras.
The sage further explained that Bhagavan Sadashiva who resides there grants the cherished wishes of his devotees and removes the sorrow of separation for those who behold Him. He also declared that this place is one of the most exalted of
the tirthas in Avanti region.
Following the Maharishi’s instruction, Sri Rama arrived at Ujjain where the sacred River Shipra flows, after bathing in its sacred waters and offering tarpana to King Dasharatha, He proceeded for the darshan of Sri Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga. While He was about to move, through an akashvani (a voice from the sky), Bhagavan Shiva requested Sri Ramachandra to consecrate a Linga bearing His own name on the banks of Shipra River.
Accordingly, Lakshmana established the linga on the banks of the river where He had offered tarpana to His father. Then Sri Ramachandra worshipped the Shivalinga by bathing it with the waters of Shipra River. Thus, this Linga came to be known as Sri Rameshwara Mahadev.
There is another temple in Ujjain by the same name, however it was established by Sage Parashurama. It is counted as 29th amongst the 84 Shivalinga’s of Ujjain. Any devotee who takes a tirtha snana in Sri Rama Tirtha of Shipra River at Ram Ghat and worships Sri Rameshwara Mahadeva is freed from all sins and becomes eligible to be transported to Shivaloka after one’s death.
Simhastha Kumbha Mela at Ram Ghat
According to Skanda Purana’s Avantika Mahatmya, a unique event occurred when Garuda snatched (amrita kumbha (a pot of nectar) from demons and carried it into the sky. While Garuda and the demons fought with each other, the drops of nectar fell at Haridwar, Prayagraj, Nasik and Ujjain. In Ujjain, the drops fell directly into Shipra River and dissolved completely, sanctifying the river for all the eternity.
Every twelve years, Ram Ghat serves as the primary ceremonial site for the Shahi Snana in Simhastha Kumbha Mela. Millions of devotees, alongside thousands of Naga Sadhus, Aghoris, Gurus, Saints and Shankaracharyas converge on these steps to take a sacred dip, which cleanses sins and grants moksha. This extraordinary association makes Ram Ghat especially important for taking a tirtha snana.
Festivals Celebrated in Ram Ghat, Ujjain
Simhastha Kumbh Mela: Simhastha Kumbh Mela is one of the world’s largest spiritual festivals celebrated on the banks of Shipra River at Ram Ghat. It takes place once in twelve years when Jupiter enters Simha Rashi (Leo). Millions of devotees visit throng Ujjain to take tirtha snana during this muhurta.
Kartik Mela & Deepotsav: This festival is celebrated during the auspicious Kartika Masa (October-November); the Kartik Mela turns Ram Ghat and other ghats into a lively cultural fair.
Somvati Amavasya & Ancestral Rites: This festival serves as a focal point for rites (Pitr Karma or Shraddha Karya) at Ram Ghat. This occurs multiple times in a year when a new moon day falls on Monday. Somvati Amavasya is believed to grant the departed soul’s absolute moksha (spiritual liberation) and resolve Pitr Dosha in one’s family.
Best time to visit near Ram Ghat, Ujjain
Visit between 5:30 AM and 7:00 AM. Especially in the morning mist over Shipra River combined with the temple chants, and the rituals offers a deeply peaceful and meditative experience.
For the evening arati, the absolute best time is to be at the ghat during the sunset. The daily ritual takes place between 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM. The festive times especially Deepawali, Kartik Purnima and Maha Shivaratri offer an incredibly grand sight, though the area gets highly crowded.
Nearby Places to Visit
Shri Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple: Located in 800 meters from Ram Ghat, the sacred Sri Mahakaleshwar Temple houses the world’s only Dakshina Mukhi (south-facing) Jyotirlinga among the twelve Jyotirlingas. It is especially renowned for its early-morning Bhasma Aarti, one of the most unique Shiva rituals in India, for which advance booking is recommended.
Mahakal Lok Corridor: is a massive spiritual, cultural, and architectural pedestrian pathway built around the historic Sri Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple. Spanning approximately 1.5 to 2 km along the banks of river kshipra Ram Ghat, the mega project was designed to decongest the area, enrich spiritual tourism, and provide world-class facilities to millions of pilgrims.
Maharishi Sandipani Ashram: Situated in Sri Mahakal Temple Complex from Ram Ghat, this historical ashram is believed to be the place where Sri Krishna, Balarama, and Sudama received their education under Maharishi Sandipani during the Dvapara Yuga. The complex includes the sacred Gomti Kund and is known for depicting Sri Krishna in his student form.
Harsiddhi Mata Temple: One of the most revered temples in Ujjain, Harsiddhi Mata Temple is traditionally regarded as a Shakti Peetha and is dedicated to Mata Parvathi, a form of Adi Shakti. The temple is especially famous for its twin Deepa Stambhas. Also, Sri Karkotkeshwar Mahadev Temple located in this temple Complex, situated in 10 min walkable distance from Ram Ghat.
Shri Lakshmi Narasimha Mandir: Situated on the banks of Shipra River in Ujjain. Narsingh Ghat area near the Ram Ghat, , this temple dedicated to Sri Mahavishnu and Mata Lakshmi.
Kal Bhairav Temple: Situated in 6 km from Ram Ghat this dedicated to Bhagavan Kal Bhairav, the guardian deity of Ujjain, this historical temple is renowned for its unique tradition of offering liquor to the deity as prasad. Many devotees consider a visit here an essential part of their Ujjain pilgrimage.
Gadh Kalika Mata Shakti Peeth Mandir: Situated in 3.5 km from Ram Ghat, this is historic temple is structurally and historically intertwined. This puranic temple is revered as one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. According to traditional folklore, it is the exact site where the classical poet Kalidasa received divine literary genius after intense devotion to Kali Mata.
Bhartrhari Caves is a historical, rock-cut archaeological and spiritual site found on the outskirts of Ujjain along the serene banks of the Shipra River. Situated roughly 3.5 to 4 km from the Ram Ghat. Also, there is another Guru Matsyendranath samadhi, the teacher of Guru Gorakhnath. It holds deep spiritual value for both the Nath Sampradaya and local Sufi traditions.
How to Reach Ram Ghat, Ujjain
The best way to travel to Ram Ghat is join Tirtha Yatra’s Ujjain Yatra packages. All the arrangements for your Yatra will be taken care off while you can focus only on the spiritual experience of the journey.
If you wish to explore it on your own, here are the ways:
By Air: The nearest airport from Ram Ghat is Devi Ahilyabai Holkar International Airport, Indore which is at around 60 km from Ujjain. Pilgrims can book private taxis or cabs to reach from this airport.
By Rail: Ujjain Junction Railway Station is the nearest railway station at 3 km from Ram Ghat. One can easily get auto rickshaw, taxi from here.
By Road: Ujjain is well connected by road with major cities in Madhya Pradesh and the neighbouring states. Pilgrims can travel to Ujjain by their private car, taxi, or can travel by state/private bus. Nanakheda Bus Stand is the main terminal of interstate buses in Ujjain while Devas Gate Bus Stand nearest for Ram Ghat takes care of the local and regional buses.
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