Dispute deepens between Mayor Mahakal Temple committee:Bhasma Aarti quota cancelled amid row over Avantika Gate access for local devotees

After the Mayor raised questions over the darshan arrangements at Mahakal Temple and issued a formal letter, the dispute between temple committee and the Mayor has intensified. Coordination between the Mayor and temple officials is reportedly breaking down. Two days ago, Mayor Mukesh Tatwal wrote to the temple committee seeking immediate rectification of problems faced by devotees at Avantika Gate. Soon after, the temple committee cancelled all 25 Bhasma Aarti permissions allotted to the Mayor under his official quota, further escalating the matter. Mayor alleges cancellation of Bhasma Aarti permissions The Mayor alleged that after the letter was issued on Saturday night, several devotees who had received Bhasma Aarti permissions through his protocol contacted him. They said they received confirmation messages, but payment could not be completed. On inquiry, it emerged that all 25 Bhasma Aarti permissions from his quota had been cancelled. The Mayor claimed that his calls to the temple administrator went unanswered. Later, after he spoke to Collector Roshan Singh, a message from temple administrator Pratham Kaushik stated that the permissions were being processed. Angered by what he termed official negligence, the Mayor released a video message on Sunday, concluding with “Jai Shri Mahakal”. Letter over inconvenience at Avantika Gate In his letter dated January 10, the Mayor stated that local devotees of Ujjain are facing inconvenience at Avantika Gate. He pointed out that the Aadhaar-based entry system was introduced to ensure quick and easy darshan for city residents, sparing them from long queues. However, at present, even after entering through Avantika Gate, local devotees are being directed to the general queue, defeating the very purpose of the facility. The Mayor demanded that the temple committee immediately restore the intended quick-darshan system. Bhasma Aarti Quota system The Mahakal Temple Committee allocates separate Bhasma Aarti permission quotas to public representatives, officials, media persons and saints-priests. As Mayor, Mukesh Tatwal is entitled to 25 Bhasma Aarti permissions daily. The cancellation of this quota has become the main flashpoint of the ongoing controversy. Avantika Gate Entry for Local Residents About two years ago, on the Mayor’s initiative, Avantika Gate was opened in front of the Mahakal Temple administrative office, allowing Ujjain residents to enter by showing their Aadhaar card. This facility was aimed at ensuring faster darshan for local devotees. Since December 25, the Avantika Gate has been shifted to a location near Apna Restaurant.