A road-widening project in Madhya Pradesh’s Ujjain has run into an unusual hurdle after repeated attempts to shift a revered Hanuman idol failed. Over four days, the administration and municipal authorities tried multiple times to move the standing idol from the site of the historic Khade Hanuman temple, but it remained in place.The development has drawn crowds of devotees to the temple even as authorities work out how to proceed without damaging the idol.According to a report by Amar Ujala, the temple falls within the road-widening work being carried out between Kanthal Square and Chhatri Chowk. The temple structure and sanctum have already been dismantled, but the idol has not been moved. The report said four attempts were made over four days, including the use of heavy machinery.The idol is currently being kept under a canopy at the site.
Heavy machinery fails to shift idol
The attempts to shift the Khade Hanuman idol involved a crane, JCB and other construction equipment. However, none of the efforts succeeded in moving the idol.As per Navbharat Times report, further use of heavy machinery has now been stopped amid concerns that applying greater force could damage the idol. A roughly 1.5-foot-deep excavation has also been made around the base to understand how the idol is positioned.Authorities are now looking towards a more cautious approach. A team of archaeologists is expected to scan the idol, its base and the surrounding soil using specialised equipment. The findings will help determine how, or whether, the idol can be safely shifted. The administration’s reported plan is to eventually install the idol at Tanki Chowk.
Archaeologists are expected to examine the idol, its base and surrounding soil.
Archaeological concerns add to the problem
Navbharat Times, in its September 6 report, also reported that the municipal team had been unable to move the idol after dismantling part of the temple. The report said archaeological officials had warned that attempting to remove the old idol could result in cracks or damage.For devotees, however, the issue goes beyond the logistics of moving an old stone structure. The temple is regarded as an important religious site, and the proposed relocation has triggered opposition from local devotees and Hindu organisations. According to NBT, the temple priest Mahesh Pandit warned that the administration would be responsible if the idol were damaged during the process.
Sudden arrival of monkeys adds to the buzz
The incident took another turn on Sunday when more than 50 monkeys reportedly gathered around the temple and on the rooftops of nearby houses. Videos of the incident subsequently circulated on social media.By Monday morning, the temple was reportedly drawing a large number of devotees. Some visitors came to offer prayers before the idol was potentially moved, with several treating the visit as a final darshan.
What happens next?
For now, the administration appears to have put further heavy-machine attempts on hold. The immediate priority is to establish how the idol is anchored and what lies beneath and around its base. The next course of action will be decided after the scanning and technical assessment. For now, the idol is protected under a temporary canopy.
