Turban Dispute Escalates to Physical Confrontation Between Priests at Mahakal Temple in Ujjain

Saints and priests, expressing outrage over the incident, have called for strict disciplinary measures against the turban-wearing priest.

Ujjain:

A disturbing altercation inside the sacred sanctum sanctorum of Ujjain's Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple escalated into a physical confrontation between two priests on Wednesday morning, causing dismay among devotees and religious figures. The confrontation, which was recorded on video, has triggered widespread condemnation and prompted temple officials to initiate an investigation.

The incident unfolded around 8 am when Mahant Mahavir Nath from Rinmukteshwar Temple entered the inner sanctuary to offer prayers, accompanied by Saint Shankar Nath from Gorakhpur. According to witnesses, Mahant Mahavir Nath was wearing a pheta—a traditional saffron turban commonly worn by saints to secure their matted hair.

Priest Mahesh Sharma, who was performing duties inside the sanctum, objected to the Mahant's turban, citing temple traditions that prohibit headgear or crowns in Lord Mahakal's presence. When Mahavir Nath refused to remove his pheta, the disagreement intensified rapidly.

What began as a verbal dispute quickly devolved into pushing, shoving, and verbal abuse within the sacred space, causing nearby worshippers to retreat in alarm. The altercation continued from the threshold of the garbhagriha (inner sanctum) to the Koti Tirtha Kund, an adjacent area within the temple complex.

In the aftermath, both parties leveled serious accusations against each other.

"Sadhus wear a pheta to keep their jata (dreadlocks) tied. However, priest Mahesh Sharma attempted to forcibly remove it and pushed the saint accompanying me. His behavior in the sanctum was inappropriate and disrespected the tradition of saints," stated Mahant Mahavir Nath.

Conversely, priest Mahesh Sharma defended his actions as upholding temple protocol. "Nobody, not even royalty, is permitted to wear a crown or turban in Baba Mahakal's presence. The Mahant refused to comply with this rule, began pushing me, and used abusive language. I even fell during our confrontation," he explained.

The dispute has created a division within the temple community. Saints and priests, incensed by the incident, convened at Mahant Rameshwar Das Ji Ashram and demanded firm action against the priest.

Pir Mahant Ramnath Maharaj, head priest of Bhartrihari Caves, urged temple authorities to make the CCTV footage from the sanctum public to determine who initiated the confrontation.

"We insist the footage be released publicly. Let the truth emerge about who engaged in abusive behavior, who initiated physical contact, and who disrespected Mahakal," he stated.

Meanwhile, other temple priests have expressed solidarity with Mahesh Sharma, asserting that his actions were consistent with established temple traditions.

Temple administrator Pratham Kaushik confirmed that an official inquiry has been launched into the incident.

"We are reviewing CCTV footage and gathering statements from all involved parties. Appropriate measures will be implemented once we have established the facts," Kaushik affirmed.