MP’s Ujjain Khade Hanuman Temple Relocation Put On Hold As Opposition Grows, IIT Inspection Deferred

Ujjain's municipal corporation has temporarily suspended plans to relocate the Khade Hanuman Temple for road widening and delayed an inspection by an IIT team. The decision is likely to affect the removal of other religious structures for similar projects. Initially, the corporation intended to remove four major religious structures but now fears potential resistance.

Temple priest Mahesh Bairagi had consented to the relocation but clarified it was conditional. In a public letter, he stated that moving shops on the temple premises would impact his family's livelihood. The corporation had agreed to most of the priest's conditions but could not provide a written assurance for compensation, leading to a deadlock.

Opponents of the relocation intensified their stance after the temple dome removal began last Thursday. Bairagi had agreed to the relocation subject to eight conditions, but only one has been met so far. The temple's popularity has surged nationally and internationally, with around 25% of Mahakaleshwar and Kaal Bhairav visitors also visiting the Khade Hanuman Temple.

This increased footfall has led to a significant rise in offerings. BJP MLA Chintamani Malviya visited the temple on Friday, urging its retention at the current location, citing public sentiment in favor of keeping the temple there. The matter is reportedly known to Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, and the Hindu outfits, including Anterrastreey Hindu Parishad and Rashtriya Bajrang Dal, have demanded its preservation at the existing site.