In Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India, Chintaman Ganesh is the largest temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. This temple is situated about 7 km to the south-west of the town of Ujjain, across the Kshipra River on the Fatehabad Railway Line. The local market currently sits directly in the center of the temple. It is said that the Ganesha idol housed in this temple is swayamabhu (self-manifested). Ganesha is also known as Chintaman in the area. His consorts, Ridhhi and Siddhi, stand to either side of Chintaman, the all-consoling.

Religious Importance:

According to Hindu doctrine, the temple deity Lord Ganesha is known as the Lord of Beginnings. The Lord is referred to as Chintaharan in traditional times, which literally translates as "remover of all tensions and problems." Crowds of people pour into the temple, seeking relief from their problems at the Lord's shrine. Lord Vishnu is also known by the name Chintamani, and in Hindu mythology, he is regarded as the protector of the universe. Ganesha, also known as Vighneshwara, the moderator of sadness, is always worshipped first in the Hindu pantheon to avoid him placing stumbling blocks in the road of his followers.

Significance:

The Chintaman Ganesh Temple is a significant pilgrimage site in Ujjain. This Lord Shri Ganesh temple is located next to the Fatehabad railway line, around 6 kilometres from Ujjain. Three manifestations of Lord Shri Ganesha, known as Chitman Ganesh, Ichhaman Ganesh, and Siddhivinayak, are housed together in the Chintaman Ganesh temple. There aren't many places in the nation where you may find Shri Chintaharan Ganesh ji's magnificent and miraculous idol. Worries are allayed by Chintamani Ganesha, wants are granted by Ichhamani Ganesha, and Riddhi-Siddhi is given by Siddhivinayak. This draws followers from all over to this location.

There are numerous legends surrounding the construction of Chintaman Ganapati, also known as Swayam-Bhu Sthali. During the Pindadan of Lord Shri Ramchandra Ji, it is believed that he visited this location and offered prayers. When Ram, Lakshmana, and Sita Maa arrived here while they were on exile during the Satyuga, Sita Maa experienced extreme thirst. When Laxman Ji fired his arrow at this location, water began to seep out of the ground and a stepwell was created. With this water, Mother Sita ended her fast. Because of this, Siddhivinayak and Chintaman were worshipped by Lord Ram, Lakshman, and Ichhaman.

The stepwell in front of the temple is still there. where people go to. Queen Ahilyabai constructed this temple in its current shape roughly 250 years ago. This temple has already undergone renovations, back in the Parmar era. Parmar carpets serve as the pillars on which this temple is built. Visitors come from all around the nation to this shrine. After visiting Ganesha, the worshippers make an inverted swastika behind the temple to pray for their wishes. When their wish is granted, they return to the temple and make a straight swastika. Many worshippers knot the Raksha Sutra here and return to release it once their wishes have been granted.

In the Malwa region of Ujjain, it is customary for anyone getting married to have his family members come here to have the marriage recorded. Then, after the marriage, the husband and wife come for darshan and to place the marriage at the feet of Chintaman ji. In order to have a happy existence and have all of our troubles gone, both the husband and the wife pray to Chintaman Ganesh ji.

Many followers of Lord Ganesha visit the Chintaman Ganesh Temple on Ganesh Chaturthi to see him up close. On the day of Rakshabandhan, many devotees (women) present Lord Ganesha with rakhis. Only Lord Chintaman Ganesha is given the first invitation for any religious ceremony, auspicious work, marriage, etc.

Chaitra Mash Jatra:

This blessed celebration is held to honor the earliest renowned Lord Ganesha. On the third Wednesday of Chaitra, the Jatra gets underway. which is observed this month's Wednesdays. Visitors to the temple include farmers from the nearby rural areas. The general people now participate in this Jatra custom with the farmers.

In addition to Chintaman, there is a lot of Jatra at this time of year in other Ganesh temples. On this day, Lord Gajanan is beautifully decorated. The temple grounds are attractively decorated. People appear to be quite thrilled about the Jatra, and the stores are decked. People are moving all over the place.

During this festival, a special bhog is also offered to the deity. As they complete their religious obligations in temples, people offer bhog with quitlas. In this, people also practice generosity. The last Wednesday of Chaitra month marks its conclusion.

On Makar Sankranti, the spleen is just as essential as the kite, and mythologically, the spleen should be offered to Lord Ganesha on Til Chaturthi in the Magh lunar month. On this day, women fast. And Chintaman presents Ganesha with his spleen. A large ceremony honoring Chintaman Ganesh is currently taking place on Tilli Chaturthi, and a spectacular feast with 1.25 lakh laddoos has begun. Along with Ujjain, thousands of people from adjacent regions began to arrive, and now on Chaturthi, with the assistance of devotees and locals, arrangements are made for Fariyali Khichdi, Milk, Jalebi, and Halwa for the devotees. Simply by receiving a darshan on Til Chaturthi, all followers are kept worry-free.

Temple opening hours:

5:00 am to 10:00 pm

Aarti time:

7:00 am Chola Aarti
Evening 7:30 Bhog Aarti
Night 9:30 Shayan Aarti