‘Pushpa’-styled devotee releases fresh Mahakal video:Appeals against action on temple staff, says, ‘I was granted VIP entry’

The man who went viral for entering the Mahakal Temple dressed in a look inspired by the character from the film Pushpa has released another video, urging authorities not to take action against temple employees who assisted him during his visit. The man, identified as a resident of Indore, posted the video on Instagram after footage of his unusual appearance and temple visit sparked controversy on social media. Entered temple in ‘Pushpa’ costume, video went viral The controversy began when the youth visited the Mahakal Temple dressed in a costume resembling the look popularised by actor Allu Arjun in the Pushpa films. He was seen wearing a saree and blouse, anklets, lemon garlands around his neck, earrings, a nose ring, and bangles. Videos of his visit quickly circulated online. The footage also showed some temple committee employees posing for photographs with him, despite an existing ban on photography within the temple premises. Received VIP access, recorded videos inside temple complex According to reports, the youth was granted protocol/VIP entry despite his unusual attire. He also recorded videos throughout the temple complex. During the visit, temple staff members and security personnel were reportedly seen assisting him. See three pictures Temple administration initiated action The video of the visit was uploaded two days earlier on Instagram and Facebook through an account named “ankit astoliya.” After the footage went viral, the Mahakal Temple administration reportedly removed a supervisor and indicated that action could be taken against other employees connected to the incident. Youth defends temple employees In his latest video posted on Instagram, Ankit appealed to authorities not to penalise the temple staff involved in facilitating his visit. He stated that the employees who helped him during darshan were not at fault and should not be removed from their duties. However, despite the controversy and subsequent administrative action, the youth has not publicly apologised for the incident so far.