Thursday, 10 September 2026 MUMBAI EDITION LIVE

Ujjain Hanuman Idol Defies Demolition

Hanuman idol stays put, stalls road widening. Experts called in.

Mumbai Alert · City Desk
Mumbai Alert · City Desk
City Desk · Mumbai Alert News · Thu, 10 September 2026 at 11:18 am
Ujjain Hanuman Idol Defies Demolition

An eight-foot Hanuman idol in Ujjain has refused to budge, bringing the demolition of a temple to a grinding halt. The temple is being razed as part of a road widening project to prepare for the Simhastha 2028 festival. Despite efforts to move it, the idol remains firmly in place, leaving officials baffled.

The municipal administration has called in experts from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) to help determine the structural connection of the idol to the ground. The administration is keen to preserve the faith and heritage of the area, while also pushing ahead with development efforts.

The Simhastha festival, which takes place every 12 years, is a major event that attracts millions of devotees. The road widening project is aimed at improving infrastructure and facilitating the movement of pilgrims. However, the immovable idol has thrown a spanner in the works, and officials are now awaiting technical assessments to determine the best course of action for relocation.

Devotees continue to worship at the site, undeterred by the demolition efforts. The administration is treading carefully, aware of the sensitive nature of the issue. The idol's refusal to move has become a mystery, with many speculating about its structural integrity and connection to the ground.

As the situation continues to unfold, officials are working to find a solution that balances development with preservation of faith and heritage. The IIT experts are expected to submit their report soon, which will help determine the next course of action.

The Simhastha festival is a significant event in the Hindu calendar, and the preparations for it are underway in full swing. The road widening project is just one part of the larger efforts to improve infrastructure and facilities for the pilgrims. However, the immovable idol has become a major hurdle, and officials are working to resolve the issue as soon as possible.

The administration's emphasis on preserving faith and heritage is commendable, and it is clear that they are aware of the importance of balancing development with cultural sensitivity. As the situation continues to unfold, it will be interesting to see how the authorities navigate this complex issue.

In the meantime, devotees continue to worship at the site, and the idol remains firmly in place, a symbol of the power of faith and tradition. The outcome of this situation will be closely watched, as it has significant implications for the development of the area and the preservation of its cultural heritage.

The incident highlights the challenges of balancing development with preservation of cultural heritage, and the need for sensitive and nuanced approaches to such issues. As the authorities work to find a solution, it is clear that the immovable idol has become a major test of their ability to navigate complex and sensitive issues.

Frequently asked questions

Why is the Hanuman idol in Ujjain not moving?

The idol's structural connection to the ground is unknown, and experts are being consulted to determine the cause.

What is the Simhastha festival?

The Simhastha festival is a major Hindu event that takes place every 12 years, attracting millions of devotees.

ujjainhanuman idolsimhastha festivaliit expertsroad widening project
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