Shipra

Shipra, also transliterated as Kshipra, is a river in central India that holds religious significance in Hinduism. It flows through the city of Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh, where the river’s ghats are used for ritual bathing and ceremonies. The river is closely linked with Ujjain’s status as a major pilgrimage site and hosts the Simhastha Kumbh Mela, held at intervals of several years. In cultural and religious contexts, the Shipra is revered as a sacred waterway.

Geographically, the Shipra traverses the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh and is commonly described as part of the Yamuna river system through its connections to the Chambal drainage. Over time, the river has shaped local ecosystems and has been the focus of water-management and conservation initiatives by state and local authorities.

Name usage and etymology: Shipra is also a feminine given name in India, used across Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, and other languages. It derives from Sanskrit and is widely used in South Asian communities, appearing in literature and media as a personal name.

Modern context: Like many sacred rivers, the Shipra faces pressures from pollution, urban development, and water extraction. Efforts to preserve sacred ghats and maintain water quality are part of broader river-cleanup initiatives in the region.