In Ujjain, amid preparations for the Mahakumbh Singhasth 2028, a dispute arose regarding attempts to dismantle the Hanuman statue located on the road due to street widening. After parts of the fence and the temple building were dismantled, efforts were made over three days to move the Bajangbali statue to another location, but it was claimed that the statue could not be moved.
In response to this situation, the district administration issued an official clarification, stating that no attempts to dismantle or relocate the statue had been made so far.
Currently, work is underway to widen the road from Kantal Chorahi to Chhatri Chowk, which is part of the bustling old part of the city. These measures are being taken as part of improving the transport system and organizing internal city routes in view of the upcoming Singhastha 2028. During these works, the Hanuman temple building, which is about 170 years old, turned out to be in the area affected by the road expansion. The administration and the municipal team dismantled part of the fence and the temple building, but the situation changed regarding the Hanuman statue itself, which is inside the temple. It was asserted that the statue could not be shifted.
As the situation escalated, the number of pilgrims in the temple complex increased, and political parties began commenting on the issue.
Local residents attribute this phenomenon to a divine miracle of Hanuman, which has led to an increase in temple visitors. Spiritual communities also visited the temple on Wednesday for prayers. Saints protested against moving the statue elsewhere and called for a solution through dialogue with the administration. Mahant Raghavendra Das Maharaj, a disciple of Nantegopal Das, associated with Shri Ram Janmabhoomi, stated that God should not be repeatedly tried to be lifted. He noted that three attempts already constitute a sign, and the statue should remain in its original place if it is considered a miracle.
Mahant Vinit Giri Maharaj from Gadipati Mahaneeramohi Akhade also arrived at the temple. He emphasized that the administration must respect public sentiment and suggested resolving the problem through communication and dialogue. The saints also noted that development is important, but it should not be built on destruction. They added that currently, the temple is characterized not by chaos, but by curiosity, with a large number of pilgrims coming for worship.
In one group of devotees within the temple complex, the Hanuman Chalisa and Sundarkand were recited.
Congress leaders and activists held a demonstration against the alleged plan to remove the statue. Participants included MP Mahesh Parmar, former MLA Dileep Singh Gurjar, and city Congress party president Mukesh Bhatti, along with hundreds of activists who came to the Hanuman temple carrying saffron flags. Ramdhun was sung, and Hanuman was worshipped, followed by the recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa. Congress leaders accused the administration of hasty actions and demanded that the statue remain in its current location.
The Hanuman temple is considered an important center of faith among the ancient religious sites of Ujjain. Local residents note that a large number of pilgrims visit here. According to beliefs, people also visit it for religious traditions such as tabiz and jaadni. This is why the emotional connection of local residents to the temple is very deep. After the dismantling of the temple fence, the Hanuman statue is temporarily protected by a tent. Passersby also stop to make pilgrimages. In recent days, there has been constant movement of pilgrims in the temple from morning till evening.
Another important aspect of the matter is that the archaeology department is conducting an investigation into the antiquity of the statue. Preliminary estimates suggest the statue may be around 1000 years old. However, a final conclusion on its true age and historical significance will only be reached after the investigation is complete. If the statue proves to be that ancient, the matter will cease to be limited only to religious belief and will acquire historical and archaeological significance.
Large-scale preparations are underway in Ujjain for the great festival of Singhastha 2028. Road widening in the old parts of the city, improvement of traffic flow, and enhancement of other basic amenities are part of this preparation. The route from Kantal Chowk to Chhatri Chowk is also included in this program. The administration's task is to ensure the progress of road development while respecting the religious sentiments of the people. It is reported that the administration's priority was to prepare this route before the important religious events. Since the relevant event has already passed, the administration does not wish to act hastily on this matter either.
The main question now is what final decision will be made regarding the Hanuman statue.