Stampede-like situation at Ujjain Mahakal Temple: 13 injured as crowd surge on Nag Panchami; allegations of VIP darshan
PTC Web Desk: A crowd surge at the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain on Monday created panic among devotees, with 13 persons reportedly sustaining injuries.
The situation developed after a rumour about an electric current spreading in the temple premises triggered fear among people waiting in the queue. As the crowd moved suddenly, several devotees fell over one another. The injured were taken to Ujjain District Hospital for treatment. Most were discharged after receiving first aid, while three persons were reported to be still under treatment.
Police and the local administration reached the spot and brought the situation under control.
According to the police, around 40,000 devotees were waiting in the queue for darshan of Lord Nagchandreshwar. So far, around 5.50 lakh devotees have reportedly had darshan of Nagchandreshwar.
The Nagchandreshwar Temple is located on the third floor of the Mahakal Temple complex and is opened to devotees only once a year on Nag Panchami. With Nag Panchami coinciding with Monday's religious celebrations, a large number of devotees gathered in Ujjain.
Devotee alleges poor crowd management
One injured devotee alleged that the crowd management arrangements were inadequate. He said he had been standing in the queue for several hours and eventually reached the Harsiddhi intersection. According to him, devotees were kept there for around two hours as the crowd continued to grow. He alleged that barricades were suddenly opened, after which people began pushing and the situation turned chaotic.
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He also alleged that help did not reach him immediately and said another person eventually took him to a medical camp.
He claimed that VIP darshan was continuing while ordinary devotees were waiting in long queues. He alleged that devotees were being allowed VIP entry after paying Rs 300.
According to him, he had witnessed similar crowding during his visit to the temple a day earlier, when ordinary devotees were waiting for several hours.
The crowd gathered in large numbers because the Nagchandreshwar Temple opens its doors only on Nag Panchami. Located at the top of the Mahakaleshwar Temple complex, the shrine remains closed throughout the year and is opened for devotees for a limited period on Nag Panchami.
The festival attracts a huge number of devotees to Ujjain, making crowd management a major challenge for the administration.
- PTC NEWS
