INVC NEWS
Ujjain : With the announcement of assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, special privileges for politicians at Ujjain’s Mahakaleshwar Temple have been suspended. Learn how the model code of conduct is affecting rituals and darshan at this renowned Jyotirlinga.
With the declaration of assembly election dates for Madhya Pradesh, the model code of conduct is now in effect as of Monday. This has also led to the implementation of the election code of conduct at the renowned Jyotirlinga, Lord Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain.
The temple’s administration has suspended the special privileges typically accorded to political figures. Going forward, politicians will participate in the Bhasmarti rituals and worship just like any other devotee, without special access to the inner sanctum.
Sandeep Kumar Soni, the Administrator of the Mahakal Temple Management Committee, stated that the protocol for VIP darshan at the Mahakaleshwar Temple has been discontinued upon the activation of the election code of conduct. About 200 Bhasma Aarti permissions previously reserved for political leaders have been reallocated to the general public via online bookings. Until a new government is formed, political leaders will visit the temple as ordinary devotees.
Soni further explained that politicians who wish to have an expedited darshan can purchase a Rs 250 early-darshan ticket and enter the temple through gate number four, just like other visitors. The special Bhasma Aarti seats previously set aside for politicians have also been shifted to the general quota.
In addition to the political protocol, the temple also has an administrative protocol that offers special facilities to various departmental officers for darshan. Soni mentioned that a decision regarding whether to continue this administrative protocol during the election code of conduct will be made following a meeting with Collector Kumar Purushottam.
