New Delhi: The Supreme Court has issued directions to management Committee of Ujjain’s Mahakaleshwar Temple, for preservation of the Shivling from erosion.
A three-judge Bench of Justices Arun Mishra, B.R. Gavai and Krishna Murari has directed the Expert Committee to visit the temple and submit a report by 15th December 2020, as to the steps to be taken to prevent deterioration of Shivlinga and the steps to be taken to preserve the temple structure, including Chandranageshwar Temple.
The Court has directed that a Periodic inspection be conducted by the Expert Committee for the remedial measures and to prevent erosion and to preserve the temple structure. To ensure that there was no rubbing of Shivalinga, the Poojaries (Janeupati, Khutpati), Purohits, and their authorized representatives be directed to ensure that no visitors or devotees rub the Shivalinga. There should be a video recording of the entire process, and it should be preserved at least for six months.
The Temple Committee has been directed to provide water from Koti Thirth Kund filtered and purified to maintain the required pH value and also provide milk from its resources so that pure milk is offered to the deity. Meanwhile, no visitor is to be allowed to offer Panchamrita to Shivalinga.
The Bench has asked the Temple Committee to prepare the details of rituals, customary Poojaries under Purohit’s help and guidance in the various matters relating to the temple.
In response to the Temple Committee’s prayer of removal of encroachment within the area of 500 mtrs. from the temple as recommended by the Expert Committee, Court has directed the concerned authorities to remove the encroachments and prohibit the construction, otherwise than essential facilities for the public and pilgrims.
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Ujjain Court has also asked the CBRI, Roorkee to visit the temple, and submit a project report as per its proposal dated 17th September 2019, regarding structural stability within six months. A sum of Rs. 41.30 Lakhs, as required by it, will be paid by the Central Government as early as possible. Ujjain Smart City Ltd., has been directed to undertake Mahakaal Rudrasagar Integrated Development Approach (Phase I and Phase II) forthwith and submit to the Court a detailed project report and the time frame within six weeks.
Mahakaleshwar_Judgement_01-Sep-2020-India Legal Bureau