Mahakaleshwar shivlinga erosion causes official concern

Ujjain, MP, Dec 1 (UNI) With a daily increase in rituals, the shivlinga is eroding at the world-renowned Mahakaleshwar shrine in this ancient temple town and the December 11 meeting here of a council of scholars is likely to take a decision for comprehensive arrangements by the management committee to prevent further damage.

The committee is tabling the proposal as District Collector Neeraj Mandloi's attention was drawn to the matter in the wake of both devotees and priests expressing concern over similar erosion of the Omkareshwar jyotirlinga. Mr Mandloi chairs the committee.

The meeting would take a decision on the 'bhasmarti' ritual in which ash from cremation grounds is used. The gathering would consider the construction of an environtment-friendly and aesthetic 'yagyashala'.

Official sources said that a standard should be set for the 'panchamrit snan'. Instead of sugar grains, powdered sugar could be used while plastic packets bags and bottles might be substituted by copper and bronze vessels.

Devotees who make a beeline for Ujjain are generally desirous of taking part in the unique 'bhasmarti' but only 15 to 20 persons can be present in the sanctum sanctorum at any given moment.

The committee would propose that at least ten outstation devotees be adjusted in the sanctum sanctorum at a time for a fee. Such bookings could be made either through post, over telephone or via the Internet.

UNI XC-AC 1720