Ujjain, Oct 25 (NationPress) The Mahakal Temple Management Committee convened an important meeting on Saturday in the temple city of Ujjain to tackle internal conflicts and make arrangements for the upcoming Kartik Agahan procession. In a decisive move, the committee has prohibited Mahant Mahavir Nath of Rinmukteshwar Ashram and priest Mahesh Sharma from engaging in special darshan or entering the sanctum sanctorum of Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple for a period of 15 days, following a clash reported on October 22.

This incident unfolded inside the Garbha Griha (sanctum sanctorum) when Mahant Mahavir Nath arrived with Saint Shankar Nath from Gorakhpur. Priest Mahesh Sharma raised objections regarding the Mahant’s turban during darshan, which quickly escalated into a physical altercation, as per reports.

The confrontation, which was witnessed by devotees and captured on CCTV, disrupted the temple's tranquil environment and necessitated immediate administrative action. Temple Administrator Pratham Kaushik swiftly formed a three-member inquiry committee to investigate the situation.

The committee submitted its findings within three days, confirming misconduct from both parties. Based on this report, the management committee has ruled that neither the Mahant nor the priest will utilize the VIP entry route or conduct puja in the sanctum sanctorum for the next 15 days and can only visit the temple as regular devotees.

Officials mentioned that this disciplinary action effectively resolves the conflict and upholds the temple’s spiritual integrity.

During the same meeting, plans were finalized for the grand event of Kartik Agahan Sawari -- the ceremonial procession of Lord Mahakal, set to commence on October 27. This annual procession takes place on the second Monday of the Kartik month and will showcase the deity in five divine forms paraded through the temple town’s streets.

Collector Roshan Singh chaired the review and provided strict directives to all relevant departments, including police, municipal corporation, electricity, and public works, to ensure security, traffic management, sanitation, and lighting are arranged well in advance.

This year’s major highlight will be the debut of the Mahakal Band, which will perform devotional music during the procession. The Harihar Milan ceremony on November 3 will also feature controlled fireworks, enhancing the festive atmosphere.

Over 2,000 security personnel, including female constables, have been assigned along the 6-kilometre route, equipped with extensive CCTV surveillance and designated parking for devotees. Health and safety measures will be stringently enforced.

The Mahakal temple is a revered Hindu shrine and one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, considered the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva.

As Ujjain restores tranquility within its holiest shrine and prepares for one of its most venerated religious celebrations, the city reaffirms its status as a global hub of faith, devotion, and cultural heritage.