Mahakal Temple sanctum entry dispute reaches Supreme Court:MPs, mayor and others back allowing devotees entry, questioning VIP access

The controversy over allowing leaders and VIPs entry into the sanctum sanctorum of the Jyotirlinga Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain has now reached the Supreme Court, following proceedings in the High Court. The petition questions why common devotees are denied entry when politicians and influential individuals are reportedly permitted inside. Petition filed seeking equal religious rights Indore-based advocate Charchit Shastri, through advocate Vishnu Jain, has filed a petition in the Supreme Court demanding that ordinary devotees be allowed entry into the sanctum. The matter is scheduled for hearing on Tuesday. The petition states that millions of devotees from India and abroad visit the Mahakal temple each year, yet are restricted to darshan from outside the sanctum, while VIPs and political leaders enter freely to perform rituals. This, the plea argues, violates the principles of equality and religious rights. Sanctum closed to devotees for over 2 years The temple committee had closed the sanctum to the general public on July 4, 2023, citing heavy crowds during the Shravan month, with the closure initially announced until September 11, 2023. At the time, authorities said the sanctum would reopen after Shravan. However, more than a year later, entry for common devotees has still not been restored. Footfall quadrupled after Mahakal Lok inaugurationBefore the construction of Mahakal Lok, the temple received 20,000 to 30,000 devotees daily. After its inauguration in October 2022, footfall increased nearly fourfold. Currently, 1.5 to 2 lakh devotees visit the temple every day, significantly straining crowd management. Earlier, paid entry was allowed Prior to July 4, 2023, devotees could enter the sanctum by purchasing a Rs 1,500 receipt for abhishek and special worship. At present, devotees are limited to darshan from Ganesh Mandapam, Kartikeya Mandapam, and Nandi Hall, with complete restriction on sanctum entry. Public representatives also raise concerns Ujjain MP Anil Firojiya has previously raised the issue, writing to authorities and placing the demand before Chief Minister Mohan Yadav at public forums. About two weeks ago, the Ujjain Mayor also questioned the current darshan system and demanded that common devotees be allowed sanctum access. Awaiting Supreme Court hearing With the matter now before the Supreme Court, all eyes are on whether the apex court will intervene to address the issue of equal access to worship at one of Hinduism’s most revered shrines.