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 Modern
Ujjain is situated on the banks of the river Shipra, regarded since
times immemorial as sacred. The belief in the sacredness of Shipra, has
its origins in the ancient Hindu mythological tale of churning of the
Ocean by the Gods and the Demons, with Vasuki, the serpent as the rope.
The ocean bed first yielded fourteen gems, then Lakshmi, the Goddess of
wealth, and finally the coveted vessel of Nectar. Then began the wild
scramble for immortality with the demons chasing the Gods across the
skies, and in the process, a few drops were spilt, and fell at Hardwar,
Nasik, Prayag, and Ujjayini. Hence the sanctity of the waters of the
Shipra.
Ujjain is the modern name
for Ujjayini. Legend has it that in the hoary past, the God like king
Shiva of Avanti commemorated his victory over the demon-ruler of Tripura
or Tripuri on the banks of the Narmada by changing the name of his
capital, Avantipura to Ujjayini (one who conquers with pride).
The magnificence and
awesome spectacle of the bathing ritual at Simhastha defies description.
Beginning on the full moon day in Chaitra (April), it continues into
Vaishakha (May), until the next full moon day. Ujjain turns, amidst a
riot of colours, into an India in miniature.
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