Gopal Mandir, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh India

Gopal Mandir, a 19th century temple, was built by Queen Bayajibai Shinde in the middle of the big market square in Ujjain. The main tourist attraction of the temple is a sanctum inlaid with marble and silver plated doors that stand as a beautiful example of Maratha architecture. The door of the inner sanctum of Gopal Mandir is the same that Ghajni took away from Somnath, and later Mahadji Scindia recovered it and placed in this temple.

Gopal temple at Ujjain is dedicated to Lord Krishna in blue form. It is also known as Dwarikadhish Temple. Lord Krishna is the lover of milkmaids, the celestial herdsman and the great incarnation of Preserver of the Universe-God Vishnu.

Gopal temple was constructed by Bayajibai Shinde, the queen of Maharajah Daulat Rao Shinde, in the 19th century. The steeple structure in Marble proves the fantabulous example of the architecture of Maratha. There is an outstanding statue of God Krishna in silver form with the height of 2 feet. The idol of God Krishna is placed on a marble-inlaid altar with the silver-plated doors.

This silver door was stolen away by Mahmud Ghazni from the Somnath Temple and then it was again taken away to Lahore by Mahmud Shah Abdali-The Afghan invader. Then it was recovered by Mahadji Scindia and it has been installed now in Gopal temple.

Gopal Mandir, Ujjain is situated in the middle of the big market square. The temple is dedicated to the blue god Krishna. Krishna is the divine herdsman and the lover of milkmaids. Reaching the temple is not very difficult as Ujjain is well connected to Indore, Bhopal, Manali and Kota by bus and well networked with Delhi, Bhopal, Jhansi, Agra, Indore, Jabalpur and Bilaspur by train. Apart from the Gopal Mandir, the other must visit places in the city are Kaal Bhairav, Mahakal Temple, Triveni (Nav Graha/ Shani), ISKCON Temple, Mangalnaath, Harsidhhi (Durga Temple), Chintaman Ganesh, Gadh Kalika and Sandipani Ashram.