Did You Know? · Episode 14

Ujjain Mahakaleshwar & Time Computation

24 February 2025

Welcome to the “Did You Know?” series of Immortal India! In this episode, Amish Tripathi explores the fascinating mystery of India’s ancient zero meridian and the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain. Did you know that India once had its own zero meridian, placing Ujjain as a central point in timekeeping? Discover how Ujjain’s unique location, intersected by the Tropic of Cancer, and the presence of the revered Mahakaleshwar Temple contributed to India’s historical approach to calculating time, blending science and spirituality. Uncover the hidden story behind why Ujjain might have been a more logical center for the zero meridian than Greenwich, and explore the rich heritage of Indian astronomy, geography, and culture.