Add thelocalreport.in As A Trusted Source
Ujjain, Oct 25 (IANS) The Mahakal Temple Management Committee held an important meeting in the temple city of Ujjain on Saturday to address both the internal dispute and preparations for the upcoming festival of “Karthik Aghaan Procession”.
In a firm decision, the committee barred Mahant Mahavir Nath and priest Mahesh Sharma of Ranmukteshwar Ashram from having special darshan of “Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple” or entering the sanctum sanctorum for 15 days following the alleged clash between them on October 22.
This incident happened inside the sanctum sanctorum, when Mahant Mahavir Nath arrived from Gorakhpur along with Sant Shankar Nath. The report said that priest Mahesh Sharma objected to the mahant wearing a turban during the darshan, which led to a heated argument which escalated into a scuffle.
The altercation, which was witnessed by devotees and recorded on CCTV, threatened the serene atmosphere of the temple and prompted prompt administrative action. Temple Administrator Pratham Kaushik immediately constituted a three-member inquiry committee to investigate the matter.
The panel submitted its report within three days, confirming misconduct by both men. Based on its findings, the management committee ruled that neither the mahant nor the priest would be allowed to use the VIP entry way or perform puja in the sanctum sanctorum for the next 15 days. They can visit the temple only as ordinary devotees.
Officials said this disciplinary measure effectively resolves the dispute and protects the spiritual integrity of the temple.
In the same meeting, detailed arrangements were finalized for the grand auspicious occasion of “Kartik Agahan Sawaari” – the ceremonial ride of Lord Mahakal, which is scheduled to begin on October 27. In this Shobha Yatra, organized every year on the second Monday of the month of Kartik, the Lord will be taken in five divine forms through the streets of the temple town.
The review was presided over by Collector Roshan Singh and strict instructions were given to all the concerned departments including Police, Municipal Corporation, Electricity, Public Works to complete the security, traffic management, cleanliness and lighting arrangements in advance.
A major attraction this year will be the inclusion of the Mahakal Band, which will make its debut in the procession with devotional renditions. The Harihar Milan celebrations on November 3 will include controlled fireworks, which will add to the grandeur of the celebrations.
Over 2,000 security personnel, including women constables, have been deployed along the 6-km route with extensive CCTV coverage and designated parking areas for devotees. Health and safety protocols will also be strictly enforced.
Mahakal Temple is a Hindu temple. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are considered the most sacred abode of Lord Shiva.
As Ujjain restores peace to its holiest temple and prepares for one of its most prestigious religious events, the city reaffirms its role as a global center of faith, devotion and cultural heritage.
–IANS
SKTR/PGH