The Historical Significance of Ujjain
Located on the banks of the Shipra River in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, Ujjain holds a place of great historical and cultural significance. Known as Avanti in ancient times, Ujjain was the capital of this region and flourished under the rule of the Gupta king Vikramaditya. The great fifth-century Indian classical poet Kalidasa, who lived during this era, immortalized Ujjain’s prosperity and the richness of its culture in his epic poem, Meghaduta. Other literary figures, such as Bhasa, also mention Ujjain in their works, suggesting that they likely resided in this vibrant city.
Spiritual Importance of Ujjain
Ujjain is a revered place for followers of Shaivism, Vaishnavism, and Shaktism. It is home to the famous Mahakaleshwar Shiva Temple, where Mahakaleshwar Shiva is considered the reigning deity. Legend has it that the descendants of Ujjain’s last king worshipped Mahakaleshwar Shiva as the city’s guardian. Over time, the city’s royal lineage ended, and Mahakaleshwar became the symbolic king of Ujjain. This transition marks Ujjain not only as a historical center but also as a significant spiritual hub.
The Legend of Mother Ujjaini
The tale of Mother Ujjaini adds a mystical layer to Ujjain’s rich tapestry. As the story goes, the royal family of Ujjain faced ruin due to their king’s arrogance and indulgence, leading to a curse that destroyed the entire royal palace and left no descendants alive. After India’s independence, Ujjain became part of Madhya Pradesh, and Mother Ujjaini was preserved under government supervision. One night, a descendant of the last king of Kashi dreamt of Mother Ujjaini asking to be taken to him, which he did the following day.
The Journey to Kashi and the Naiti Miracle
Simultaneously, a devout practitioner named Sadhak Annadaprasad Chattaupadhyay from Naitigram in Hooghly district was deeply devoted to Mother Ujjaini. After many days of emotional turmoil and longing for her, he too had a dream where she instructed him to bring her to Kashi’s royal palace. With the help of his son-in-law, zamindar Santosh Roychowdhury, Annadaprasad set off for Kashi. Upon arrival, they were initially met with disbelief by the palace guards. However, the king, who had also dreamt of Mother Ujjaini, recognized the significance of their visit and handed her over to Annadaprasad.
Annadaprasad embraced Mother Ujjaini and brought her back to Naitigram, where he established her as Naiteshwari Kshyapakali. Since then, this temple has been a beacon of hope and healing for many. On Dipanvita Amavasya, an annual puja is performed, and offerings are made to Mother Ujjaini. Over the years, countless devotees have found solace and solutions to their problems at this sacred site, with none leaving empty-handed.
The Temple’s Evolution
During the time of Sadhak Annadaprasad, the temple was a grand structure with a wide staircase and three entrances adorned with large images of deities. The temple eventually fell into disrepair, but Annadaprasad’s son, Divine Rajeshwar Chatterjee, rebuilt it. The present temple was renovated by his sons, Arup Chatterjee and Saurabh Chatterjee, ensuring that the legacy of devotion and service continues.
Visiting Naitikalibari
To visit this spiritual sanctuary, travelers can take a train to Gobra station on the Howrah chord line and then take an auto or toto to “Naitikalibari.” The temple stands as a testament to the enduring faith and cultural heritage that define Ujjain and its connections to Naitigram.
A Testament to Faith and Cultural Heritage
Ujjain and its legends, particularly the story of Mother Ujjaini, illustrate the deep intertwining of history, culture, and spirituality in this region. The city’s past, rich with tales of royal grandeur and divine interventions, continues to inspire and draw devotees and history enthusiasts alike. Ujjain remains a vital link to India’s ancient traditions, where every stone and story carries the weight of centuries of devotion and cultural wealth.
Information Source: Sutapa Chakraborty (Naitikalibari), Granddaughter of Swargiya Rajeshwar Chatterjee
Written by: Sutapa Chakraborty (Naitikalibari)
