Ujjain Hanuman Temple Demolished For Simhastha Preparations, Idol Remains Intact; Authorities Say No Attempt Made To Move Yet
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Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
An unusual dispute surrounding a Hanuman temple in Ujjain has drawn the attention of devotees and authorities after the temple structure was demolished as part of road-widening work ahead of the 2028 Simhastha Kumbh Mela, while the idol of Lord Hanuman remains in its original position.
Devotees have described the incident as a divine miracle, with videos of the site and a gathering of monkeys circulating on social media. However, the local administration has disputed claims that it repeatedly attempted to remove the idol using heavy machinery.
Temple Structure Removed Ahead Of Simhastha
Ujjain is preparing for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela, scheduled for 2028. The major religious gathering is held every 12 years and is expected to draw crores of devotees to the city.
As part of preparations and road-widening work, authorities planned to relocate the idol of the Hanuman temple at Khade Hanuman and remove the surrounding structure.
The temple building was subsequently demolished, leaving the idol in the open. A temporary canopy has now been installed over the idol to protect it from the weather.
Devotees Call It A ‘Miracle’
Local priests and devotees have claimed that attempts were made to move the idol with heavy machinery but that the efforts were unsuccessful.
The incident has since generated considerable discussion on social media, with devotees describing the idol’s continued position as a sign of divine intervention.
Temple priest Mahesh Bairagi said devotees believe Lord Hanuman is signalling that the idol should remain at the site. He urged the administration to take the religious sentiments of devotees into consideration.
Bairagi also said that if the idol ultimately has to be relocated, it should be moved safely and kept in the same condition.
Monkeys Gather At Site
Adding to the attention around the incident, a large group of monkeys was seen near the site after the temple structure was removed.
Videos showing the monkeys and the idol have circulated widely on social media, further fuelling claims among devotees that the incident has a religious significance.
However, such claims remain matters of faith and have not been independently established as a supernatural event.
Administration Says No Attempt Was Made To Move Idol
Ujjain SDM Garg has rejected claims circulating on social media that the administration made repeated attempts to remove the idol.
According to the SDM, the administration has not made any attempt to move the idol so far and will not take any action that disregards people’s religious sentiments.
The authorities are now considering a scientific assessment of the site. Local reports indicate that modern equipment may be used to scan the idol’s base and surrounding structure to determine how it is connected to the ground.
Officials are expected to take a decision on relocation only after receiving expert and scientific advice.
The issue has brought together two very different approaches to the same site — devotees viewing the idol’s position through faith and authorities seeking a technical assessment before deciding the next step.
