Uma Bharti Backs Ujjain’s Khade Hanuman Temple, Writes to CM Mohan Yadav: ‘Development Must Respect Faith’

Ujjain: Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Uma Bharti has stepped into the ongoing controversy surrounding Ujjain’s historic Khade Hanuman Temple, urging Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav to find a solution that balances infrastructure development with religious sentiments.

In a letter to CM Mohan Yadav, Uma Bharti cited an example from Bhopal, recalling how a road-widening project near Kamalapati Park during the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government was modified to avoid affecting a mosque.

“You yourself belong to Ujjayini; no one understands the sanctity of the city and its religious sites better than you,” Uma Bharti wrote. She added that development and faith can be balanced and suggested that the same approach could offer a solution to the issue surrounding the Khade Hanuman Temple.

Road Widening Ahead of Simhastha 2028
The issue has gained attention amid preparations for Simhastha 2028, with road-widening work underway along the Kanthal Square–Gopal Mandir route. The ancient Khade Hanuman Temple falls within the area affected by the proposed development.

The temple has recently become a major talking point beyond Ujjain, with videos and reels related to the shrine circulating widely on social media. Devotees from different parts of the region are also visiting the temple to seek blessings.

According to reports, attempts were made by the administration to relocate the temple idol, but it reportedly did not move from its position. This has led to speculation among devotees that “Baba himself does not want to leave this place.” However, this remains a matter of religious belief and there has been no official confirmation that the idol’s immobility has any supernatural explanation.

Hindu Organisations Join the Debate
The issue has also drawn the attention of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and other Hindu organisations. On Tuesday, their representatives visited the temple premises, where Sundarkand recitation and Maha-Aarti were conducted.

Representatives said they are not against development, but stressed that religious places and public sentiments associated with them should also be taken into consideration while planning infrastructure projects.

VHP representatives said they would first hold discussions with seers, prominent members of society and other Hindu organisations before approaching the administration with their views and deciding their further course of action.

With Simhastha 2028 preparations gathering pace, the Khade Hanuman Temple issue is now emerging as a sensitive test of how Ujjain can pursue infrastructure development while preserving its religious heritage.