Over 2 lakh visit Mahakaleshwar temple as winter vacation begins

Ujjain: Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain witnessed a significant surge in devotees on Thursday as winter vacations commenced, with footfall expected to touch 2 lakh against the daily average of 1.25 lakh visitors.Shri Mahakaleshwar temple management committee administrator, Pratham Kaushik, said that the temple had prepared in advance for the vacation period. "On normal days, the number of devotees coming for darshan in the temple is around 1.25 lakh to 1.5 lakh. On the very first day of vacations, the figure crossed 1.5 lakh by afternoon. This gives hope that by closing time, this figure will be around 2 lakh," he said.By 11 am on Thursday, more than 70,000 people completed their darshan of Lord Mahakal. The temple committee has implemented several operational changes that will remain effective until Jan 5.To manage the increased rush, the committee has expanded its laddu prasad distribution points from seven to nine counters. A new counter has been opened at Neelkanth Dwar, while a 24-hour counter operates at Harsiddhi. The prasad includes besan and ragi laddus, available in packs of 100 grams, 200 grams, 500 grams, and 1 kilogram at various locations including Gate Number 1, Gate Number 3, Mahakal Lok, Bada Ganesh Mandir, and Vikramaditya Teela.Devotees are currently being given entry through four main routes: Neelkanth, Shahnai, Bada Ganesh Mandir, and Triveni Sangrahalaya doors. "As the number of devotees increases, changes will be made in the entry routes accordingly," Kaushik said.The temple has started a darshan system for general visitors through a tunnel. Visitors enter from Mansarovar, pass through barricades into the tunnel to reach Ganesh Mandapam, and exit towards Bada Ganesh Mandir after darshan.Quick darshan counters charging Rs 250 have been set up in front of Bada Ganesh Mandir, with mobile and footwear stands for visitor convenience. The committee has also increased meal timings and capacity at Mahakal Annakshetra and created holding areas near Karkaraj Mandir and Chardham Mandir with seating and water arrangements. Additional shoe stands and mobile lockers have been installed near Mansarovar Dwar and Triveni Sangrahalaya.