At least 13 devotees fainted at the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, on Monday amid heavy overcrowding. The Nagchandreshwar Temple, located on the third floor of the famous temple complex, opens to visitors only once a year on Nag Panchami, and the rush was further intensified as the festival coincided with the third Monday of Sawan. Read on to know more.
Stampede-like Situation At Nagchandreshwar Temple, Ujjain
Officials told NDTV that devotees had gathered in a barricaded area opposite the Harsiddhi Temple, resulting in severe overcrowding. Panic reportedly broke out after rumours spread about a possible electrical current leak near a transformer inside the barricaded area. The 13 devotees were taken to a district hospital, where doctors said they were being kept under observation. Police and administrative teams reached the spot and brought the situation under control.
One of the injured devotees, identified as Sagar, said he had spent several hours waiting in the queue for darshan at the Mahakal Temple before reaching Harsiddhi Chauraha. Sagar alleged that the situation became chaotic after the barricades were opened. He further claimed that help arrived slowly after the incident. According to him, one person eventually carried him to a health camp, from where he was taken to hospital by ambulance.
Importance Of Nagchandreshwar Temple
The Nagchandreshwar Temple in Ujjain holds a special place in the religious landscape of the city. The temple is open to devotees only once a year, on Nag Panchami. Located on the third floor of the Mahakaleshwar Temple, the shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva in his Nagchandreshwar form, with the deity depicted alongside Goddess Parvati and a serpent.
Also Read: Why Devotees Can No Longer Touch Lord Ganesha Idol At THIS Temple In Gokarna
Devotees consider having darshan at the temple on Nag Panchami especially auspicious, drawing large crowds to Ujjain each year. The temple is also linked with the belief that believers who offer prayers here receive blessings and protection from snake-related fears and hardships. Its once-a-year opening makes the occasion particularly important for devotees, who travel from different parts of the country for darshan.
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
FAQs
What is Nagchandreshwar Temple known for?
The Nagchandreshwar Temple in Ujjain, India, is famous for opening its doors to the public for only 24 hours once a year on Nag Panchami.
What is special about the Nagchandreshwar idol?
The Nagchandreshwar idol in Ujjain is a rare 11th-century masterpiece where Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and Lord Ganesha are seated on a multi-hooded snake throne.
Which darshan is first in Ujjain?
The first and primary darshan in Ujjain is the Shri Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, where the first ritual and aarti of the day is the world-famous Bhasma Aarti starting at 4:00 AM.
