A Hanuman temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, has drawn attention after its structure was demolished as part of road-widening work, while repeated efforts to relocate the idol reportedly failed. The Khade Hanuman temple stands along the Kanthal Chauraha-Chhatri Chowk road, where widening work is currently underway. Some local claims suggest that the temple is around 170 years old.
The road project is being carried out ahead of Simhastha 2028, when Ujjain is expected to witness a large influx of pilgrims. Simhastha, held once every 12 years, is one of the four Kumbh Mela gatherings, attracting millions of devotees to Ujjain to take a holy dip in the Shipra River.
The festival is closely linked to the worship of Lord Shiva and the city's numerous temples.
The Ujjain Municipal Corporation and district administration had reportedly planned to relocate the idol safely to a new site near Tanki Chowk.
Although a large portion of the temple structure surrounding the idol has been demolished, the standing Hanuman idol continues to remain at its original location. Officials and workers reportedly made several attempts to move it with heavy machinery, but were unsuccessful. According to India Today Digital's sister publication MP Tak, four such attempts were made over the past few days, after which authorities stopped using heavy machinery.
Authorities are now considering scanning the idol's base and the surrounding structure before determining the safest way to relocate it, Amar Ujala reported.
DIVINE SIGN, SAY SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS ABOUT UJJAIN KHade HANUMAN IDOL
The failed relocation attempts have generated significant interest on social media, with videos and posts prompting some devotees to call the incident a "divine sign". A video showing a large number of monkeys gathering near the temple site has further fuelled the discussion.
Temple priest Mahesh Bairagi, speaking to MP Tak, said the repeated failures could be interpreted as an indication that the deity is meant to remain at the location.
"Baba [Lord Hanuman] is giving us signs every day that he wants to remain here. I humbly request the administration to understand these signs. Even if the idol still needs to be removed, I want the deity to be shifted safely, in the same form and manner as it is now. Until the administration can ensure its complete safety, no attempt should be made to move the idol," Bairagi said.
EXPERTS CALL FOR FURTHER EXAMINATION OF UJJAIN TEMPLE
Priest Bairagi said the administration initially approached the matter in a straightforward way, but experts, including those associated with archaeology, have now recommended a more detailed examination before another attempt is made.
The temple is believed to be about 170 years old, with local accounts tracing its history to around the period of 1857. There are also claims that the idol may have older historical connections, including to the Paramara period, although these claims have not been conclusively established.
For the time being, the idol remains at the site under a temporary canopy while authorities await an expert assessment.
The key challenge before the administration is how to relocate the Hanuman idol without causing any damage, particularly as the incident has become a major talking point and is increasingly being viewed as a debate between faith and development.
