Ujjain Hanuman Statue Relocation Stalled Over Directional Dispute

A relocation plan for a prominent Hanuman statue in Ujjain has stalled amid religious objections, even as preparations for its transfer have been largely completed. The idol, currently positioned on a busy thoroughfare where road-widening work is underway, was slated to be reinstalled at Tank Chowk, where a new temple structure has already been constructed.

Authorities had planned to consecrate the relocated statue during Janmashtami celebrations, but the initiative has encountered unexpected resistance from the local devotional community. The central point of contention involves the directional orientation of the deity: the existing statue faces south, while architectural plans for the new temple location would position it facing north.

Devotees have expressed strong opposition to the proposed reorientation, citing religious significance attached to the statue's current direction. The disagreement has effectively halted the relocation process despite the substantial groundwork completed at the new site, creating an impasse between project authorities and the faithful.

Meanwhile, the historic idol continues to occupy its original location as deliberations continue over how to resolve the directional dispute while accommodating the municipal road-expansion initiative.