Senior Mahakal Temple priest Mahesh Sharma, along with representatives of the Hindu Jagran Manch, urged the state and central governments to consider imposing a uniform system barring non-Hindus from entering major temples in Ujjain, including the Mahakaleshwar Temple. They also called for extending such a system to all twelve Jyotirlingas across the country.

The issue gained traction after reports that non-Hindus were barred from entering Gangotri Dham during the Char Dham Yatra. Following this, religious groups in Ujjain said similar arrangements should be examined for temples considered especially sacred and sensitive.

Speaking to the media, Mahesh Sharma clarified that the demand was not directed at individuals who have faith in Sanatan Dharma. “Those who genuinely believe in Sanatan traditions should not be stopped. However, people who enter temples merely for sightseeing or with intentions that hurt religious sentiments should be restricted,” he said. Sharma added that temples like Mahakal hold deep spiritual significance and require strict discipline and reverence from visitors.

Ritesh Maheshwari, a representative of the Hindu Jagran Manch, said the organisation believes such rules should apply uniformly across all twelve Jyotirlingas. He claimed that the entry of non-Hindus, except those who have formally embraced the Hindu faith, should not be permitted at these sites.

Maheshwari also alleged that in 2025, members of the organisation identified more than a dozen youths inside the Mahakal Temple complex who, according to him, did not belong to the Hindu faith. He claimed that some of them had entered the premises with girls, raising concerns about the sanctity and security of the area. These claims have not been independently verified.

According to Maheshwari, the Mahakal Temple zone has long been considered sensitive due to its religious importance and heavy footfall of devotees. He said stricter vigilance and clear entry norms were necessary to maintain the temple’s sanctity.

The Hindu Jagran Manch further demanded that similar restrictions be considered for other prominent religious sites in Ujjain, including Kal Bhairav Temple, Mangalnath Temple, and Sandipani Ashram.

So far, there has been no official response from the temple administration or the state government on the demand. Authorities have not indicated whether any policy change is under consideration. The issue is expected to trigger wider discussions on religious access, constitutional provisions, and temple management norms in the coming days.