Ujjain's 170-Year-Old Hanuman Idol Resists Relocation Amid Road Expansion and Monkey Invasion
Attempts to move the standing Khade Hanuman idol in Ujjain for a road-widening project failed repeatedly, prompting a pause and the arrival of dozens of monkeys.
A road-widening scheme between Kanthal Square and Chhatri Chowk in Ujjain hit an unexpected snag when the 170-year-old Khade Hanuman idol could not be relocated despite four attempts using a crane, a JCB and other machinery. While the temple's walls have been taken down, the standing idol stays protected under a canopy, and officials have stopped using heavy equipment to avoid damage. Archaeologists are set to conduct a detailed scan of the idol, its base and surrounding soil to determine how it is anchored.
The temple priest, Mahesh Pandit, warned that any damage would be the administration's responsibility. Adding to the spectacle, over 50 monkeys congregated around the shrine, and devotees flocked to offer prayers before any possible move. The next steps depend on the technical assessment, after which the idol may be transferred to Tanki Chowk.
Why it matters
The incident highlights tensions between infrastructure development, heritage preservation, and local religious sentiment.
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