Summary
In continuing supervision of Mahakaleshwar Temple preservation, the Court directed measures against chemical and mechanical erosion of the Shivalingam and required structural assessment, repairs and heritage restoration. Devotee rubbing and Panchamrita offerings were restricted while traditional temple rituals were expressly accommodated. Expert inspections, recording of sanctum proceedings, development plans and removal of nearby encroachments were made subject to reports and further monitoring.
Issues
- What further measures were required to prevent erosion and preserve the temple structures.
- How the Temple Committee and public authorities should implement and report conservation work.
Held
- Continuing erosion required renewed expert inspection and annual surveys. The Expert Committee was to report by 15 December 2020 on measures to preserve the Shivalingam and temple structures, including Chandranageshwar Temple. (¶¶ 1, 2, 3, 4, 9)
- Devotees were prohibited from rubbing the Shivalingam or pouring Panchamrita. Limited quantities of pure milk could be offered through Committee arrangements; the order preserved the specified traditional temple puja and archana exceptions. Priests were responsible for preventing prohibited rubbing. (¶¶ 4, 9)
- The Committee was to improve the Bhasma pH, reduce mechanical abrasion from ornaments, provide filtered and purified Koti Thirth Kund water with suitable pH, and ensure unadulterated milk. Sanctum puja and archana were to be recorded continuously and recordings retained for at least six months, with suitable action for violations. (¶¶ 1, 4, 9)
- CBRI was to submit a structural-stability project report within six months, with the Central Government paying the required Rs.41.30 lakh. The Collector was to prepare a repair plan and estimate within four weeks, the State sanction funds immediately, and urgent repairs proceed. Ujjain Smart City Ltd. was to begin the specified development project and provide its detailed plan and timeframe within six weeks. (¶¶ 6, 7, 8, 9)
- Modern additions and objectionable painting were to be removed and original work restored, with reports by 15 December 2020. The Collector and Superintendent of Police were to remove encroachments within 500 metres and report by that date; a preservation plan for Chandranageshwar Temple was also required. (¶ 9)
- Customary priests were to participate in preparation of ritual details and perform the necessary rituals regularly. The Court declined to prescribe what rituals should be performed while requiring the Committee to facilitate their regular observance. (¶¶ 5, 9)
Result
Conservation and compliance directions issued; matter directed to be listed in the second week of January 2021 for further monitoring and consideration of reports.