Ujjain Hanuman Temple Row: Road Widening Stalls as 150-Year-Old Idol Remains Undisturbed

Temple torn down, but Ujjain's Khade Hanuman idol won't move; IIT experts called to solve mystery

An eight-foot Hanuman idol remains in place amid temple demolition for road widening. Municipal plans for Simhastha 2028 preparations are now stalled by this immovable idol. Experts are being consulted to determine the idol's structural connection to the ground. The administration emphasizes preserving faith and heritage alongside development efforts. Devotees continue their worship as officials await technical assessments for relocation.

Ujjain Hanuman Temple Row: Road Widening Stalls as 150-Year-Old Idol Remains Undisturbed

A major controversy has emerged in Ujjain over the proposed road-widening work near the historic standing Hanuman temple in the Sarafa Bazaar area. More than 200 houses and shops have reportedly been removed as part of the road-widening drive linked to preparations for the 2028 Simhastha Kumbh. However, the centuries-old temple and the distinctive standing idol of Hanuman have become the centre of public attention. The temple is believed by devotees to be more than 150 years old, and the unique idol depicts Hanuman in a standing posture with folded hands, a sacred thread, beard and moustache. Devotees affectionately refer to the deity as ‘Doctor Hanuman’ and consider the temple an important centre of faith. As the road-widening work progressed, the temple wall was removed, while questions arose over the future of the original idol. Reports of attempts to assess the structure triggered a strong reaction among devotees, with large numbers of people gathering at the site and opposing any move that could affect the idol. Authorities have now put the relocation plan on hold and are considering further consultations with experts, the Archaeological Survey of India, saints and devotees before taking any decision. Officials have stressed that development work is necessary but religious sentiment remains a priority. At the same time, the administration has clarified that social media claims suggesting that the idol has already been subjected to repeated removal attempts using machines or human methods are misleading. The next decision is expected to follow expert assessment and scientific evaluation.

Madhya Pradesh: Ujjain Administration Calls ‘Non-Budging Hanuman Idol’ Report As Rumour

The issue relates to the ongoing move by the local administration and the municipal corporation to dismantle a Hanuman temple: Reports

Read Statue of Standing Hanuman in Ujjain Remains Unmoved; Administration's Efforts Fail as Political Tensions Rise - Gallinews India

Statue of Standing Hanuman in Ujjain Remains Unmoved; Administration’s Efforts Fail as Political Tensions Rise Desk: Multiple attempts by the administration to relocate the idol at the ancient ‘Standing Hanuman’ temple in Ujjain—which fell within the scope of road-widening projects for the Simhastha 2028 preparations—have failed. The idol did not budge despite the use of […]