Ujjain is an ancient city of Malwa region, today part of the state of Madhya Pradesh, India. In ancient times the city was called Ujjayini. Ujjain is regarded as one of the seven sacred cities of the Hindus. It is one of the four sites that host the Kumbh Mela. It is also home to the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines to the god Shiva.