Scuffle between priest and mahant inside the sanctum of Ujjain’s Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple

Clash occurred after objection to mahants’ attire

Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh – A heated altercation broke out between a mahant and a priest inside the sanctum sanctorum of Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple on 22 October. The exchange of words soon escalated into pushing and a physical scuffle, with both sides allegedly issuing threats. CCTV footage of the incident has surfaced, and both parties have lodged complaints against each other with the temple administration.

Clash inside Ujjain’s Mahakaleshwar temple sanctum

⚡ Mahant and priest exchanged blows after dispute over attire inside the Garbhagriha

Devotees express anguish that such conduct occurred inside one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas

📸 CCTV footage shows verbal abuse, pushing and… pic.twitter.com/KylHDxT7vK

— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) October 23, 2025

Mahant Mahavir Nath, the chief priest of the Rinamukteshwar Temple, and Mahant Shankar Nath from Gorakhpur had entered the sanctum for prayers. At that time, priest Mahesh Sharma, who was present there, objected to the attire worn by the two mahants. This led to an argument which soon turned into a confrontation.

Editorial Perspective

Devotees feel that such incidents should never occur in a temple that is among the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas of the nation !