The great King Vikramaditya of Ujjain is a strong and very important pillar of Indian history, known for his wisdom, justice and valor. Before 2000 years, he ruled Ujjain, a city of religious and historical importance. He is remembered for the court adorned with nine gems, victory in the war against the Shakas, the beginning of the Vikram Samvat calendar and the stories associated with the famous throne of Singhasan Battisi and 32 statues.
Table of Content
- About King Vikramaditya
- Navaratna (The Nine Gems)
- Vikram Samvat Calendar
- Vikramaditya Statue
- In Short
About Vikramaditya
Vikramaditya is a great emperor of ancient India. He was the son of King Gandharva Sena of Ujjain. It is said that since childhood he had extraordinary knowledge, bravery and physical strength. From childhood, Vikramaditya was trained in the art of war, archery and horse riding, as well as the principles of governance and administration. He had a deep understanding of religion and was well versed in the scriptures and religious texts of his time.
After the death of his father, Vikramaditya ascended the throne of Ujjain (old name Avantika) and soon began expanding his empire. He is said to have defeated many powerful kingdoms in the Indian subcontinent, including the Shakas, Huns and Mlechchhas. These victories established him as one of the most powerful kings of his time. People believe that he built many temples and religious monuments in Ujjain, including the world-famous Mahakal Jyotirlinga temple.
He is considered a just and benevolent ruler who was greatly respected by the people. At the administrative level, he abolished cruel and unusual punishments and established a fair justice system. He is also known as the saviour of the poor and the downtrodden as he took several measures to improve their lives.
However, there is historical debate about his exact identity and the period of his rule. Some historians link the legend of Vikramaditya to Chandragupta II (reigned c. 380-415 CE) of the Gupta dynasty, while others believe he may have been a different king or a composite figure.
The Maha Bhavishya Purana gives detailed accounts about Vikramaditya, claiming that he received a transcendental throne from Lord Shiva and was protected by vetalas sent by goddess Parvati. This Purana states that Vikramaditya visited the Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain, patronised learned Brahmins and was crowned king in 82 BCE after repelling the Sakas. It further claims that he performed the Ashvamedha Yagna to establish his supremacy and also visited Nepal in 57 BCE, where the local king accepted his submission.
The date and historical reliability of the Puranas are often debated by scholars. Despite these controversies, his legacy as a just and wise ruler continues to inspire people in India and beyond. Vikramaditya remains a popular figure in Indian folklore and literature, known for his throne (Singhasan Battisi) and manner of rule.
Navaratna (The Nine Gems)
“Navratna” is a Sanskrit term which literally means “nine gems”.
The Chakravarti Emperor King Vikramaditya of Ujjain is particularly famous for his patronage of arts and sciences. Renowned as a patron of knowledge, King Vikramaditya’s court was famous for the Navratnas. His court had nine exceptional scholars and artists, collectively known as the Navratnas (nine gems). His reign marks a golden age of intellectual and cultural flourishing. His capital Ujjain had special significance in ancient India, no less today.
These nine individuals were said to be experts in their respective fields and contributed significantly to the intellectual and cultural flourishing of Vikramaditya’s era. The collective genius of the Navratnas refers to an eminent assembly, distinguished for their exceptional talents in various fields such as literature, arts, science and administration.
It is important to remember that the historicity of Vikramaditya and his Navratnas is a complex subject, with varying interpretations among historians. However, the legend of Vikramaditya and his nine gems remains an important part of India’s cultural heritage, symbolising a golden age of learning and artistic excellence.
List of Navratna of Vikramaditya
The traditional list of the Navaratna in Vikramaditya’s court includes the following luminaries, although the exact composition can vary in different accounts:
- Kalidasa – Considered one of the greatest Sanskrit poets and playwrights, known for works like Abhijnana Shakuntalam, Meghaduta, and Raghuvamsa.
- Dhanvantari: A legendary physician and one of the founders of Ayurveda.
- Kshapanaka: A scholar and possibly an astrologer.
- Amarasimha: A Sanskrit lexicographer who compiled the famous thesaurus Amarakosha.
- Shanku: An architect or mathematician.
- Vetala Bhatta: A magician or a scholar known for his knowledge of tantra and magic.
- Ghatakarpara: A poet known for his short poem Ghatakarpara Kavya. (Note: Some lists replace him with Harisena or Vararuchi).
- Varahamihira: A renowned astronomer, mathematician, and astrologer who wrote the Brihat Samhita and Panchasiddhantika.
- Vararuchi: A grammarian and scholar of Sanskrit. (Note: Some lists include him and exclude Ghatakarpara or Harisena).
These nine individuals are considered experts in their respective fields and contributed significantly to the intellectual and cultural flourishing of Vikramaditya’s era. The legend of Vikramaditya and his nine gems remains an important part of India’s cultural heritage, symbolizing a golden age of learning and artistic excellence.
Influenced by this, other kings also introduced the Navaratna system in their courts, such as “The Court of Emperor Akbar”. However, it is important to remember that the historicity of Vikramaditya and his Navaratnas is a complex subject, with varying interpretations among historians.
Vikram Samvat Calendar
It was King Vikramaditya who introduced the “Vikram Samvat Calendar” in India, which is still widely used today. This calendar is based on the movement of planets, constellations and zodiac signs. Indian festivals, fairs, worship of gods and goddesses and any auspicious and important work like marriage, housewarming, starting a business etc. are done according to this calendar.
King Vikramaditya is credited with defeating the Shakas and this event is associated with the Vikram Samvat calendar. Vikramaditya’s victory over the Shakas dates back to 57 BC. This event is often regarded as the beginning of the Vikram Samvat calendar, which is still widely used in India and Nepal today.
Vikram Samvat has been used by Hindus, Sikhs and Pashtuns for years. This calendar used in the Indian subcontinent is based on twelve Sankranti lunar months and 365 solar days. The lunar year begins on the day of the new moon of the Chaitra month. This day is known as Chaitra Sukhladi.
It is a lunisolar calendar, using twelve to thirteen lunar months in each solar sidereal year. The year count of the Vikram Samvat calendar is 57 years ahead of the Gregorian calendar, except during January to April, when it is 56 years ahead. Because according to Vikram Samvat the Hindu calendar begins with the Indian month of Chaitra, which falls in March–April.
Vikramaditya Statue at Ujjain
The Vikramaditya statue, a 30-foot brass statue of the Indian King Vikramaditya, is located at Vikram Teela, behind Mahakal Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. It is a central attraction within a memorial dedicated to the king, also featuring statues of his court members and the poet Kalidasa.
- Location: Vikram Teela, behind Mahakal Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. (View on Map)
- Material: Brass.
- Height: 30 feet.
- Cost: Rs. 1 crore (US$140,000).
- Sculptor: Mahendra Kodwani, an Indore-based sculptor.
- Historical Significance: Vikramaditya was a legendary king of Avantika (Ujjain), known for his wisdom, valor, and magnanimity.
- Other Features:
- Statues of Vikramaditya’s court members.
- A statue of the Great Poet Kalidas.
- An idol of Kalima.
- Interesting stories are put up on pillars at the surrounding walk along with statues of 32 Putlies (lady guardians to the throne).
- A display of a huge statue of Vikramaditya along with his Navratnas (9 key Court Members).
In Short
The exact historical identity of Vikramaditya continues to be debated, but the enduring image of the king of Ujjain remains a powerful symbol. He represents an ideal ruler and an era of exemplary rule and patronage of the arts and sciences. Stories of his wisdom and the brilliance of his Navratnas continue to inspire and remain a valuable part of India’s cultural heritage.
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