The Ujjain Municipal Corporation (UMC) on Wednesday approached the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Indore to determine how the idol at the Khade Hanuman Temple in the city can be safely relocated as part of a road-widening project.

UMC Commissioner Abhilash Mishra told news agency PTI that the IIT Indore team was invited after a request made by the temple priest and would advise the civic authorities on the technical aspects of shifting the idol. 

Mishra said, “The IIT team was invited at the priest’s request. The process and date for relocating the idol will be finalised only after their report. We are assessing whether it can be safely moved without damage.” 

IIT team examines idol, surrounding soil

A team from the institute inspected the idol on Tuesday by means of specialised equipment to assess its depth and examine the soil surrounding it, officials said. 

Officials noted that large idols dating back to the Parmara dynasty era were often installed using interlocking techniques. The Khade Hanuman idol is reportedly carved from durable basalt stone found in the Malwa region. 

The technical assessment is likely to help authorities determine the safest method of relocating the idol without inflicting any structural or other damage upon it. 

Road-widening project brings temple under spotlight

The Khade Hanuman temple falls within the scope of a road-widening project being undertaken between Kanthal square and Gopal Mandir in Ujjain. 

Under the project, the road will be widened by approximately 15 metres, bringing the temple within the area earmarked for expansion. Earlier attempts were made to remove the idol using cutters and heavy machinery. However, devotees opposed the move and warned that applying excessive force could result in damage to the idol. 

Temple priest Mahesh Bairagi then requested that experts examine the idol using modern technology before any decision was taken on its relocation. 

Bairagi said, “I have no objection to the administration’s actions. I want the idol to be examined with modern technology and experts, and relocated only after proper assessment.” Locals also submitted a memorandum to the Ujjain Municipal Commissioner, demanding a technical assessment to ensure the idol could be shifted safely. 

Deep-rooted faith makes relocation sensitive

Acting upon the priest’s request, the IIT Indore team conducted its inspection on Tuesday. The civic authorities are now awaiting the team’s report and shall then decide how and when the idol will be relocated. 

A UMC official said, “We are facing difficulty in shifting the idol as it is a matter of faith.” Meanwhile, the civic authorities have installed a canopy over the idol as a protective measure.