Sacred banyan tree associated with Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati

Siddhavat

A sacred banyan tree on the bank of the Kshipra, regarded as one of the holy banyans of India and a traditional place for shraddh and pitru karma. Families come here to remember their ancestors with prayers and offerings.

Siddhavat Ghat, Bhairavgarh, Kshipra River, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India

History

The Skanda Purana mentions Siddhavat at Ujjain, and according to tradition the tree was planted by Mata Parvati. Along with Akshayavat at Prayagraj, Vanshivat at Vrindavan and Gayavat at Gaya, it is counted among the sacred banyan trees.

The tree is old and is protected by the temple trust and the local community. Accounts about its exact age should be seen as tradition.

Significance

The Kshipra ghat at Siddhavat is a traditional location for pitru karma such as tarpan, pind daan and shraddh, which families perform to remember and honour their departed elders. According to tradition, such rites bring peace to ancestors and blessings to the family.

Pandit Mohit Tiwari Ji performs pitru karma pujan in Ujjain on request. A booking is never needed for a simple visit; you may come to offer water and pray quietly.

Timings

The site is generally open from the morning until the evening. Amavasya, Pitru Paksha and Kartik are busy times for rituals.

Timings change on festivals and in different seasons. Please check the official sources before you travel.

Dress code

Simple, modest clothing. If you plan a ritual, wear clothes you are comfortable getting wet or changing out of, and carry a spare set.

How to reach

About 5 to 6 km from the Mahakaleshwar temple, near Bhairavgarh and Kal Bhairav.
About 4 to 5 km from Ujjain Junction railway station by auto, e-rickshaw or cab.
Visit it together with Kal Bhairav, which is very close.

Tips for visitors

Agree on the dakshina and the list of samagri with the pandit before starting any ritual.
Do not hand over money for rituals to people who approach you on the road; book through a pandit you trust.
Carry a spare set of clothes and a towel if you plan to bathe at the ghat.
Keep quiet and respectful, as this is a place of remembrance.
Check the water level at the ghat during the monsoon before entering the river.

Pujans connected with this temple

Pujans performed in Ujjain that you can book in person or by online sankalp.

All temples