Bhartrihari Caves, Ujjain - Timings, History, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 4 km from Ujjain Junction, Bhartrihari Caves are the historical caves located in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. Situated near Gadkalika Temple, it is one of the famous Ujjain tourist places.

The Bhartrihari Caves, situated on the banks of River Shipra, are assigned to the 11th century AD. Named after the famous sage 'Bhartrihari', the caves stand as testimony to the traditional wealth of India. Legend has it that this is the very place where Bhartrihari, the stepbrother of Vikramaditya and a very renowned poet used to live and meditate 12 years after relinquishing all the luxuries of life. Born as a king, Bhartrihari renounced his affluent lifestyle and adopted the garb of an ascetic due to his disturbing relation with his wife. The heartbreak led him to give up all his palatial dreams and become a spiritualist.

The caves have extremely narrow entrances, which can be very tricky to access. Supported by stone pillars, the cave has multiple rooms that house idols or images of Hindu deities. The stone-carved statue of rishi Bhartrihari in the sitting posture is very impressive. Also, one will get to see Mahadeva's trident and holy ash called Dhuni inside the caves. Besides, one can also find beautiful stone images carved on the walls of the caves.

Every year, thousands of devotees come here to pay homage to the scholar, and saints of the Nath community even pitch tents outside the caves and meditate.

Timings: 6 AM - 9 PM

Entry: Free