Viral video shows staff clicking photos with saree-clad visitor despite ban on photography inside Ujjain temple premises

A young man dressed as Allu Arjun’s character from the film Pushpa — complete with saree, blouse, payal, lemon garland, and bangles — walked into the Mahakal temple here for a VIP darshan, triggering a row over security lapses. The incident, which took place on February 5, came to light after videos surfaced on social media over the weekend.

The temple management has since removed a supervisor after an internal inquiry.

Viral visuals show protocol breach

In the clips circulating on Instagram and Facebook, the man is seen moving through different parts of the temple complex. A staff member escorts him to the Ganesh Mandapam, treating him like a VIP devotee. Security personnel and temple committee employees did not stop him. Instead, they posed for photographs with him.

Photography and videography are strictly prohibited inside the Mahakal temple premises. The responsibility of enforcing this ban lies with the very staff and guards who are now seen violating it.

What the video shows

The young man is dressed in a saree and blouse, with payal on his feet, a lemon garland and necklace around his neck, tops in his ears, a nose ring, and bangles on his wrists. He mimics the mannerisms of the Pushpa character in several clips.

According to sources familiar with the matter, he did not enter like an ordinary pilgrim. He was given special access, something regular devotees are not entitled to. The videos also show him filming himself inside the temple, which is not allowed for common visitors.

Social media backlash

The visuals, uploaded from an account named Ankit Astoliya on Instagram and Facebook, quickly went viral. Several other videos in the same outfit are available on that profile.

Users have criticised the temple administration for allowing such conduct. Many questioned how the man managed to enter with a full costume and accessories without being stopped at any checkpoint. Others pointed out that the staff’s willingness to take selfies with him shows a casual approach to protocol.

Official action taken

Mahakal temple administrator Pratham Kaushik confirmed that the video dates back to February 5. “After the visuals came to our notice, an inquiry was conducted. The concerned supervisor has been removed from his post,” he said.

Kaushik added that granting special permission to anyone inside the temple premises, or allowing photography and videography, goes against the established rules and decorum of the shrine.

Prior restrictions on photography

This is not the first time the Mahakal temple has faced controversy over mobile phone use. While devotees are routinely asked to deposit their phones before entering, instances of unauthorised recording have been reported earlier as well. The latest incident has once again raised questions about enforcement of existing rules.

Sources indicate that the temple trust may now review its security deployment and issue fresh guidelines to prevent such breaches in the future.