Priest and saint clash with each other at Mahakal temple:Hurl abuse and fight inside sanctum; both threaten each other to face consequences

A major dispute broke out on Wednesday morning between a saint and a temple priest at the sacred sanctum sanctorum of Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain. The clash included verbal abuse, pushing, and even fisticuffs. Both sides have lodged complaints with the temple administration, which has launched an investigation after reviewing CCTV footage. Incident in sanctum sanctorum Around 8 am, Mahant Mahavir Nath, head priest (Gadipati) of Rinmukteshwar Temple, visited Mahakaleshwar Temple along with Mahant Shankar Nath Ji from Gorakhpur for darshan. Priest Mahesh Sharma, present in the sanctum, objected to their attire. An argument began, which quickly escalated into a dispute with verbal abuse and shoving. CCTV footage of the altercation has surfaced. Pictures of the dispute – Conflict moves to Nandi Hall During the scuffle, Priest Mahesh Sharma fell when pushed. The confrontation then moved to the Nandi Hall, where security personnel separated both parties. After the intervention, Mahant Mahavir Nath left the temple premises. Priest’s account Priest Mahesh Sharma said Mahavir Nath entered the sanctum wearing a chonga (robe) and a pheta (turban). He said the temple rules were explained to them, but Mahavir Nath reacted with abusive language. Mahesh Sharma claimed, “He pushed me, misbehaved, threatened revenge, and continued to shout, ignoring temple rules. We have lodged a complaint with the temple administration.” Saint’s account Mahavir Nath alleged that Priest Mahesh misbehaved with him and with Mahant Shankar Nath. He said, “We tried to explain politely, but he refused and started arguing. A memorandum has been submitted to the temple administrator with other saints and sadhus.” Complaints from both sides After the incident, priests of Mahakaleshwar Temple filed complaints against Mahavir Nath. Temple purohits and young brahmins (batuks) gathered, requesting a ban on Mahavir Nath’s entry into the temple. Mahavir Nath and other saints met with Rameshwar Das, president of the local Akhara Parishad. Around 50 sadhus attended the meeting and submitted a complaint against priest Mahesh for misbehaviour. Temple administration responds Mahakaleshwar Temple Administrator Pratham Kaushik said, “This is a very serious matter, especially in a sacred place like the sanctum sanctorum. Disciplinary action will be taken against the culprits once the investigation is complete.”