Ujjain: The City of Time
The Greenwich of ancient India, where time itself is said to originate under the divine gaze of Lord Mahakal.
Geographical Uniqueness & Greenwich of India
The geographical location of Ujjain is unique. Indian astro-sciences regard Ujjain as the Central Reference Point. Seminal authors from Varahamihira to Bhaskaracharya attribute it to several calculations including standard time.
It has always been an ideal place for the calculation of time and calendar science, and thus it is also known as the 'Greenwich of India'. This ancient 'Greenwich' city is situated at 23.9 degrees northern latitude and 74.75 degrees eastern longitude at an altitude of 1658 ft.
It is situated on the Tropic of Cancer and hence is a big center of calculation of time. As per geographical calculations, the ancient scholars considered Ujjain at zero degree longitude. The line of cancer also passes from here. Accordingly, the lines of cancer and the prime meridian intersect here.
From Surya Siddhanta:
"Rakshasalayadevokaha Shailayomardhyasutraga
Rohitakamvanti Cha Yatha Sannihitam Saraha"
Rohitak, Avanti (Ujjain) and Kurukshetra are the places that fall on this line. Accordingly, the meridian line passes through Lanka, Sumeru, Ujjayini and other cities.
Mahakaleshwar: The God of Time
Since 'time' in Sanskrit is called 'kala', it is justified that there is a causal relationship between the situation of Mahakal and the centrality of Ujjayini in the astro-sciences. Hence, Lord Mahakal is considered to be the God of time.
Legend also has it that Lord Mahakaleshwar's idol is situated exactly at the intersection point of the Tropic of Cancer and the meridian, making it the center of the earth. With the importance of the city in the calculation of time 'the kal', it seems that time and God have become one in the form of Mahakaleshwar.
"Kalchakra pravartakon Mahakalaha pratayanaha"
Lord Mahakaleshwar has been considered as the founder of time calculation. Lord Krishna has been quoted in Shrimadbhagwadgeeta, "Ahamedbakshayaha kalo dhataham vishwatomukhaha" (I am the imperishable time).
Nabhipradesh (Manipur Chakra) & Great Astronomers
Due to its unique geographical situation, Ujjain has also been called Nabhipradesh or Manipur Chakra. In the Varah Puran, Ujjain city has been described as the Nabhidesh of the body and Lord Mahakaleshwar has been described as its God. The city of Lord Mahakal is the nucleus of the world.
"Agyachakram Smrita Kashi Ya Bala Shrutimurdhani
Swadhishthanam Smrita Kanchi Manipuram Avantika"
Great Astronomers: Varahamihira & Bhaskaracharya
There has been an impressive line of astronomers and astrologers here. Scholar Varahamihira was born in village Kaytha of Ujjain district in Shak 427. He was the only scholar who had authored several books on all the aspects of astrology: Pancha-siddhantika, Brihat Samhita, Brihat Jataka, Brihat Vivaha Patal, Yatra and Laghu Jatakam.
According to ancient mathematician Bhaskaracharya:
"Yellakojjayini Purapari Kurukshetradi Deshansprishyat Sutram
Sumerugatam Budhernigadata Samadhyarekha Bhawaha"
Observatory, Sun Alignment & Cosmic Secrets
Recognising the unique situation of Ujjain, King Jaisingh had set up an observatory (Jantar Mantar) for the calculation of time. As per the Indian tradition, the Sun is situated exactly above Ujjain from March 21 when longer days begin. Ujjain has the privilege of being situated right below the Sun.
Ancient scholars said that the planet Mars originated from here - that is, a big mass of earth got separated from here and took shape into a new planet, Mars. The historic Navgraha temple and observatory indicate its unique geographical situation.
Volumes have been written in the praise of Ujjain during all the ages including Satyug, Treta, Dwapar and Kalyug. The thorough study of time calculation from the heart of this city is not possible from any other part of the world because as the Lingapuran put it, life had originated here. Comprehensive research, experiments and surveys in this city could reveal many untouched aspects of the Universe. The answers to many questions regarding the beginning and the end of the universe could also be found here.