Ujjain: Efforts to improve the management at Jyotirlinga Mahakal Temple seem to be failing time and again. On Wednesday, a VIP visitor, who was supposed to take darshan from the threshold of the sanctum sanctorum, allowed his child to enter inside while he recorded a video of the incident. The video of this incident surfaced on Thursday, catching the attention of officials and creating an uproar at the temple. This comes just a day after the collector deployed a team of officers to tighten the management at the temple. The temple committee is now investigating the matter based on the video footage to identify the person involved.
VIP Darshan System Becoming a Problem
The VIP darshan system, which allows people to take darshan from the threshold of the sanctum sanctorum, has become a major issue at Mahakal Temple. Instead of taking quick darshan and moving on, many VIPs linger there, taking photos and recording videos with the deity in the background. Some even cross the threshold and enter the sanctum, despite restrictions. A few months ago, a young man entered the sanctum and even touched the idol, violating temple rules. The priests immediately caught him and handed him over to the police. Despite such incidents, the temple administration has failed to take strict action, and the threshold-based VIP darshan system continues without any proper monitoring. On Wednesday, yet again, a VIP let his child enter the sanctum while he filmed it on his phone.
Photography and Videos Disrupt Darshan
Due to political influence, the VIP darshan from the threshold continues, benefiting politicians and high-ranking officials from various departments. However, this system is causing inconvenience to regular devotees. When VIPs record videos and take photos from the threshold, it disrupts the flow of darshan. Meanwhile, ordinary devotees, who wait for hours in long queues and walk nearly 3 kilometers to reach Ganesh Mandapam, struggle to get a clear view of the deity even from 50 feet away.
VIPs Ignore the Rules
To prevent videography and photography inside the sanctum, temple officials had installed mobile lockers at the entrance of the sanctum (Nandi Hall). However, VIPs do not follow the rules, and the staff responsible for protocol do not even inform them about the restrictions. This lack of enforcement has led to continuous mismanagement.
Temple Authorities Investigating the Matter
A video showing a VIP letting his child enter the sanctum and recording a video has gone viral. Based on the footage, officials are investigating the incident. Once the person is identified, appropriate action will be taken, said Moolchand Junwal, Assistant Administrator, Mahakal Temple.
Mumbai Devotee Donates Silver Crown to Mahakal
Meanwhile, on Thursday, a devotee from Mumbai offered a silver crown to Lord Mahakal. The temple committee honored him for his generous donation. PRO Gauri Joshi stated that Jigar Dharmendra Mehta from Mumbai donated a beautiful crown made of one kilogram of silver. The temple staff received the crown and provided an official donation receipt to the donor, following which a special honor ceremony was held. The worship ritual was conducted by Pandit Shreyas Chaturvedi.
