Archive · 10 Sep 2026
Ujjain Temple Draws 12,000 Devotees Amid Idol Relocation Row
A temple in Ujjain has suddenly attracted very large crowds.
People are visiting because videos and online claims suggested that its Hanuman idol might be moved.
More than 12,000 people visited over two days.
Visitors have come from several states.
Officials say they have not tried to remove the idol.
Some devotees disagree and say videos show equipment being used near it.
An IIT Indore team will check how far the idol is buried.
The scan will help officials decide the next steps while police manage the crowds.
More than 10,000 devotees visited Ujjain’s Khade Hanuman Temple on Wednesday, followed by over 2,000 on Thursday.
Visitors have reportedly arrived from Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Rajasthan amid viral claims about the idol’s possible relocation.
The district administration denies trying to remove the idol, while some devotees allege videos show digging and cutting equipment nearby.
Most surrounding structures have been demolished during redevelopment, but the standing idol remains in place under a temporary tent.
An IIT Indore team will scan the idol to determine how deeply it extends underground before officials decide what to do next.
- Who
- Devotees, the Ujjain district administration, police, an IIT Indore team, Congress MLAs and saints are involved.
- What
- The Khade Hanuman Temple has seen a surge in visitors amid a dispute over whether its idol may be relocated.
- When
- More than 10,000 devotees visited on Wednesday and over 2,000 on Thursday; the IIT team inspected the site on Monday and is expected to conduct another examination.
- Where
- Khade Hanuman Temple, also referred to in the report as Sati Gate Hanuman Temple, in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.
- Why
- Viral social media claims about the idol’s possible relocation prompted the controversy and increased visits.
Administration’s Position
Devotees’ Concerns
Whether removal was attempted
Administration’s Position
The Ujjain district administration denies any attempt to displace the idol manually or with machinery.
Devotees’ Concerns
Some devotees claim video evidence shows digging and cutting equipment near the idol.
What should happen to the idol
Administration’s Position
Officials say the idol’s safety, devotees’ sentiments and Ujjain’s religious heritage are priorities, and they plan to assess its underground depth before deciding further action.
Devotees’ Concerns
Some devotees, Congress MLAs, party workers and saints oppose relocating the idol and have protested through prayers and public visits.
- Reported attendance
- More than 10,000 devotees visited on Wednesday and over 2,000 on Thursday.
- Visitor origins
- Visitors reportedly came from Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Rajasthan.
- Idol status
- The standing idol remains at its original location under a temporary tent.
- Redevelopment
- Most structures surrounding the shrine have been demolished over the past week.
- Planned examination
- An IIT Indore team is expected to scan the idol to determine how deeply it is buried.
- Security
- Police have installed barricades and deployed personnel to manage the crowds.
- Administration’s position
- The district administration says it has not attempted to remove the idol manually or with machinery.