Archive · 18 Aug 2026
Crowd surge at Ujjain's Nagchandreshwar Temple injures 13 devotees
On a special Hindu festival called Nag Panchami, a temple in the city of Ujjain opened its doors for just one day.
The temple is called Nagchandreshwar and sits inside the famous Mahakaleshwar Temple complex.
Because it opens only once a year, a huge number of people came to visit.
It got so crowded that some people got hurt or felt unwell.
Reports said at least 13 devotees were injured or fell ill.
Three of them were taken to the district hospital.
Some people said a rumour about electric current in a barricade caused panic.
But city officials said there was no stampede and that everything was fine.
They asked people not to believe rumours or misleading news.
Officials said a record number of devotees visited the temple that day.
At least 13 devotees fell ill or were injured amid a stampede-like crowd surge at the Nagchandreshwar Temple in Ujjain on Nag Panchami.
The incident occurred around 8.30 am near Harsiddhi Chauraha after a rumour of electric current in a barricade triggered panic.
Ten devotees were discharged after first aid, while three were shifted to the district hospital.
Ujjain Collector Raushan Singh and administrator Pratham Kaushik denied any stampede, calling the situation normal and reports misleading.
Temple management reported record crowds, with 7.12 lakh devotees on Monday and 8,42,077 having darshan by 6 pm.
- Who
- Devotees, Ujjain district administration, Collector Raushan Singh, and Mahakaleshwar Temple Management Committee administrator Pratham Kaushik
- What
- At least 13 devotees fell ill or were injured amid a stampede-like crowd surge at the Nagchandreshwar Temple, while authorities denied any stampede occurred
- When
- Monday, on Nag Panchami, which coincided with the fourth Monday of Saawan; the temple was open from midnight Sunday to midnight Monday
- Where
- Nagchandreshwar Temple in the Mahakaleshwar Temple complex, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
- Why
- The Nagchandreshwar Temple opens only once a year on Nag Panchami, drawing an unprecedented rush of devotees
Reports of stampede-like situation
Official denial of stampede
Stampede-like incident at the temple
Reports of stampede-like situation
Reports said at least 13 devotees fell ill or were injured amid a stampede-like situation triggered by a rumour of electric current in a barricade; some injured devotees alleged negligence in crowd management and delays in receiving assistance.
Official denial of stampede
Ujjain Collector Raushan Singh and administrator Pratham Kaushik denied any stampede or chaos, saying darshan was continuing smoothly and urging people not to believe rumours and misleading news.
- Event
- Nag Panchami darshan at Nagchandreshwar Temple
- Location
- Mahakaleshwar Temple complex, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
- Date
- Monday (Nag Panchami, fourth Monday of Saawan)
- Temple opening
- Once a year, from midnight Sunday to midnight Monday
- Devotees affected
- 13 injured/ill; 10 discharged after first aid, 3 shifted to district hospital
- Incident time
- Around 8.30 am near Harsiddhi Chauraha
- Official response
- Denied stampede; situation described as normal
- Devotee numbers
- Record 7.12 lakh on Monday; 8,42,077 by 6 pm; over 6 lakh at Nagchandreshwar by noon
