Ujjain which was once called Ujjayani has been significant from educational point of view as well. This city was established as a seat of learning much before Nalanda and Kashi.
lord Krishna along with his elder brother Balram and friend Sudama had acquired knowledge of 64 arts including archery, wielding of arms, elephant and horse riding from Maharshi Sandeepni. lord Krishna acquired entire knowledge in 126 days.
Ujjayani seat of learning in the heartland of India was at its zenith when entire world was enveloped in ignorance of illiteracy.
Education in 64 arts was imparted with highest values of teaching at prestigious Gurukuls in Vedas, Vedangs and Upnishads. Education of Mantras, jurisprudence, political science, religious rituals, policy-making and training of horse riding and wielding of arms was also imparted. Admission in Ashram was given only after Yagyopaveet Sanakar and disciples had to observe celibacy. Respect and wish of Guru were above all for disciples.
It is noteworthy that lord Krishna had married Mitravinda, the sister of Raja Vind and Anuvind of Ujjayani. The elephant mentioned in famous anecdote ‘Naro Wa Kunjaro Waa’ and ‘Pramarthan Ghor Malvendrasya Varmana: Ashwatha Hatah’ belonged to these kings, which was sent from Ujjayani.
Among the age old tradition of Gurukuls, Maharshi Sandeepni’s Gurukul was the most famous due to his able disciple lord Krishna. This Guru-Shishya tradition is still topic of discussions at Ujjain.
This anecdote of lord Krishna will also be remembered prominently among saints and seers during Simhastha at Ujjain in April-May this year.