Bhartrihari Caves in Ujjain

India is a land rich in customs, civilizations, and history. Time changes, and many things change along with it. But what is left behind are the relics of the past! Ujjain has housed a multitude of spectacular buildings, temples, monuments, and caves over the years. If you visit Ujjain, make sure to see the world-famous Bhartrihari caves. One of the top tourist attractions in Ujjain is the artistically carved caves, which are close to the temple Gadkalika and located above the bank of the river Kshipra. Thousands of people from all over the world visit this iconic landmark each year to see the cave’s art and architecture. The caverns’ history extends back to the time of King Vikaramaditya in the prehistoric age. The upkeep of this old architectural masterpiece is now handled by the Madhya Pradesh government.

History Behind Bhartrihari Caves

The Bhartrihari caverns have a history, just as other places in Ujjain. According to mythology, Bhartrihari, King Vikaramaditya’s stepbrother, gave these caverns, which date to the eleventh century, their name. According to legend, Bhartrihari came here in quest of tranquilly to continue his meditation after deciding to give up the material life. Over time, he made these caves his home and spent a large portion of his life there. Bhartrihari was a man of great learning. He was a renowned academic in his day. He was also well-versed in poetry and knew it well. Even now, students and academics continue to study and conduct research on many of his major works. He made a significant contribution to the Sanskrit language. Shringarshatak, Vairagyashatak, and Nitishatak are only a few of his masterpieces that are regarded as jewels of Indian literature. It is commonly accepted that all of these works may have been composed exclusively here.

The cave is close to a big Pipal tree. The holy tree is thought to be located over Rishi Bhartrihari’s Samadhi. People who visit the location bring its leaves home with them and place them in the family’s temple in an effort to maintain harmony, prosperity, and happiness. A historic Kali Mata shrine is located next to the Bhartrihari caves. This temple’s Kali Mata statue is quite magnificent and mesmerising. Due to its position in a thick forest, this temple is likewise only open from 9 am to 5 pm.

How to visit Bhartrihari Caves?

These historic caves are located approximately one mile from the city of Ujjain and are easily accessible by bus, train, or plane from any location in the nation. To go to this well-known cave, you can alternatively take a taxi from Ujjain. Before and after 5 o’clock in the afternoon and after 9 in the morning, guests are not permitted to enter this cave.