Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh): A man faced legal action for trespassing the sanctum sanctorum of Ujjain’s renowned Mahakaleshwar Temple, on Monday morning. The accused ditched the security protocols and despite the imposed restrictions, barged inside the 'garbha griha' of the temple, touched the Jyotirlinga to seek blessings and fled.
The incident is said to occur around 8:30 am on Monday.
In 2023, common devotees were banned from entering the sanctum sanctorum due to significant possibilities of ‘erosion’ of the Shivling. Only VIPs and VVIPs are allowed entry inside.
Despite restrictions, the man in a tracksuit entered the sanctum sanctorum, touched the Shivling and bowed down. The priest present inside noticed and caught him immediately. He asked the employees to take him out.
Legal action taken
According to the temple's administrator Anukul Jain, the man had reached the sanctum sanctorum with a Mahamandaleshwar and attended the pooja. After Mahamandaleshwar came out of the sanctum sanctorum, he went inside directly.
A complaint was lodged with Mahakal police station, after which legal action was taken against the man.
Additionally, a notice was issued to sanctum sanctorum’s inspector Kamal Joshi and Nandi hall in-charge Prahlad Bhaskar for negligence. A letter has been written to dismiss Crystal Company guards Sohan Dabi and Ankit from service.
Reasons behind restrictions
As per data, prior to establishment of Mahakal, the footfall received at Mahakaleshwar Temple was recorded to be around 20k - 30k devotees per day. After Mahakal Lok was developed, the average footfall multiplied by four times with 1.5 - 2 lakh devotees visiting each day.
Keeping the same in mind, the temple administration sensed trouble allowing each devotee to the sanctum sanctorum.
Threat of erosion
Also, the second major reason was a petition regarding the ‘Erosion of the Shivling’, filed with the Supreme court. After hearing, the apex court ordered the number of devotees entering the sanctum sanctorum be limited. bThe temple committee then allowed devotees to enter the same only from 12 noon to 5 pm.
The Geological Survey of India conducted investigations several times. The report was submitted to the Collector and other officials and the court. After this, the committee decided to close the sanctum sanctorum for common devotees.
