Learn How to Pronounce Ujjain | YouPronounce.it
How to Pronounce Ujjain
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Meaning and Context
Ujjain, one of the seven Moksha-puris (sacred cities for liberation) in Hinduism, is an ancient metropolis situated on the eastern bank of the holy Shipra River in the present-day Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. Historically known as Ujjayini and Avantika, it served as the capital of the legendary Avanti kingdom and was a paramount center of learning, astronomy, and political power during the reign of Emperor Vikramaditya, after whom the Vikram Samvat calendar (initiated in 57 BCE) is named. The city's profound spiritual aura is anchored by the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, one of the twelve most revered Shiva temples, drawing millions of pilgrims annually. Ujjain's religious significance is magnified during the Simhastha Kumbh Mela, a planetary alignment-based festival it hosts every 12 years, which transforms it into a vast tent city for Hindu ascetics and devotees. Beyond its temples and ghats, Ujjain boasts the ancient Jantar Mantar (Vedh Shala), an observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh II in the 1730s, underscoring its historic role in Vedic astrology and mathematics. This blend of deep cultural heritage, astronomical history, and continuous religious practice makes Ujjain a timeless pillar of Indian civilization and a premier destination for spiritual tourism in India.
Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings
The standard and most widely accepted Romanized spelling is Ujjain. However, due to transliteration variations from Devanagari (उज्जैन), several alternative spellings are encountered in historical and travel literature. The most common historical variant is Ujjayini, which reflects the city's ancient Sanskrit name. Other frequent transliterations include Ujain and Ujjayin, which sometimes appear in older colonial texts or through casual misspelling. A common typo, often arising from phonetic spelling or keyboard errors, is Ujjan or Ujain, omitting the double 'j'. In some contexts, particularly referencing its mythological and Puranic significance, the name Avantika is used synonymously. Travelers and researchers searching for information should be aware of these variants to locate comprehensive historical resources.
Example Sentences
No pilgrimage to central India is complete without experiencing the powerful aura of the Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain.
During the Simhastha Kumbh Mela, the city's population swells as sadhus and pilgrims from across the country converge for a holy dip in the Shipra River.
Historians and astronomers are equally drawn to Ujjain to study the sophisticated instruments at its 18th-century Jantar Mantar observatory.
The vibrant bazaars of Ujjain offer not only religious artifacts but also a taste of its famous local cuisine, like poha and jalebi.
Many scholars believe that the legendary court of Vikramaditya, known for the nine gems of literature, flourished in ancient Ujjayini.
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