Harisiddhi Temple

About Harisiddhi Temple

Harisiddhi Temple is one of the fifty one Shakti Peethas and is dedicated to the goddess Harisiddhi. The present temple dates from the 19th century, though the sanctity of the site is held to be far older. Its position by the Shipra gives it a calm that draws visitors from well beyond Ujjain.

The legend behind the Shakti Peethas explains why it stands here. When Vishnu released his chakra and cut Sati's body into pieces to stop Shiva's tandava, the parts fell across the subcontinent, and each place where one landed became a Peetha. At this spot it was Sati's elbow that was found, and the famous King Vikramaditya is credited with building the temple there. Harisiddhi is not worshipped alone: the temple pays homage to three further goddesses, Annapurna, Mahasaraswati and Mahalakshmi. Architecturally it is a Maratha style building in red sandstone, which gives it a grandeur distinct from Ujjain's older shrines.

In the temple precinct

The sanctum and the four goddesses

Along with Harisiddhi, the temple honours Annapurna, Mahasaraswati and Mahalakshmi. Understanding that four goddesses are addressed here changes how you read the sanctum and the order of worship within it.

Red sandstone and Maratha detail

The building is worked in red sandstone in the Maratha manner, and the material is largely responsible for its weight and presence. Look at the mouldings and the treatment of the shikhara.

The Shipra frontage

The river is immediately beside the temple and is central to its atmosphere. Walking out to the water after darshan is part of how most pilgrims use the site.

Planning your visit

Harisiddhi Temple is within Ujjain's main temple circuit and is usually combined with Mahakaleshwar and the river ghats in the same outing. It is an active shrine, so plan around worship rather than sightseeing hours.

• Allow 30 to 45 minutes for darshan and the precinct.
• Footwear is removed before entering; use the stands provided.
• Dress modestly, with shoulders and legs covered.
• Navratri and Shakti festivals bring very heavy crowds.
• Confirm aarti timings locally on the day.

Best time to visit

October to March is the pleasant season in Ujjain. Within the day, early morning and the evening aarti are the times when the temple is most atmospheric, with lamps lit and the river darkening alongside. Navratri is the high point of the devotional calendar here and the temple is correspondingly full, so choose it for atmosphere rather than for a quiet visit.