Ujjain Mahakal Temple Administration Reshuffled Amid 'Bribery Scandal'; ADM Anukool Jain Takes Interim Charge

Bhopal/Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh): Amid administrative tensions and multiple FIRs against temple employees, priests, and outsourced staff, management of Ujjain's Mahakaleshwar temple underwent a reshuffle.

Ganesh Dhakad was removed from the post of Mahakal Temple Administrator on Thursday. The district administration appointed Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Anukool Jain as the interim administrator on Friday.

Collector Neeraj Singh confirmed that ADM Jain would oversee temple affairs until a full-time administrator is appointed by the government. The decision came after an outsourced security employee was caught taking bribe from devotees to grant them entry into the temple.

According to information, the position of Mahakal Temple Administrator has seen multiple reshuffles recently. Previously, Mrinal Meena served as the administrator until August 10, 2024, when he was transferred to Balaghat as Collector. Subsequently, ADM Anukool Jain was appointed by Collector Neeraj Singh as the new administrator. He officially assumed charge on August 13, 2024.

However, just a day later, on August 14, the Religious Trusts and Endowments Department reinstated Ganesh Dhakad to the position. In the latest move, ADM Anukool Jain has once again been handed charge of the temple’s administration. The district administration expects the state government to issue orders soon for a permanent appointment.

Security Guard duped devotees of Rs 16,000 on the pretext of entry from 'Special Gate'

This action stems from an incident that took place a month and half before. On November 9, a security guard at Mahakaleshwar Temple had been accused of taking ₹16,500 from devotees from Bengaluru for entry into the Bhasma Aarti. The alleged incident came to light during a surprise inspection by temple administrator Ganesh Dhakad on the day. The guard, Lovejeet, employed by Krystal Security Service, was caught escorting four devotees into the temple premises via Shankh Dwar.