A minor stampede like situation emerged near the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, as devotees thronged the holy city on the occasion of Nag Panchali on Monday (August 17, 2026) in the month of Saawan, resulting in about seven people needing medical attention due to injuries and panic.

As per initial information, a rumour about electric current in barricades caused panic among the devotees near the Harsidhi square, which led to falling of some barricades.

Ujjain Collector Roshan Kumar Singh, who reached the spot, told The Hindu that the situation was now under control and that some people who felt uneasy are being given medical care.

“Separate arrangements were made for all prominent temples, including the Mahakaleshwar and Nagchandreshwar. The situation is calm now and the darshans are going on smoothly,” he said, denying reports of anyone suffering serious injuries.

Mahakal Temple Administrator Pratham Kaushik said said no chaos or any such incident has occurred at the temple.

“On the occasion of Nag Panchami, darshan at Nag Chandreshwar Mandir at Shri Mahakaleshwar Mandir is continuously going on... So, it is important to clarify that no chaos or any such incident has occurred at the temple. All devotees are having darshan at the temple seamlessly,” Mr. Kaushik said.

“Due to Nag Panchami and Sawan Somvar today, a massive number of devotees had darshan. Till 12 noon today, more than 6 lakh devotees had darshan of Bhagwan Nag Chandreshwar, and more than 2 lakh devotees had darshan of Lord Shri Mahakaleshwar. All devotees have been provided with every possible facility by the temple administration. Darshan continues at the temple,” he added.

While the Mahakaleshwar temple receives large numbers of devotees throughout the month of Saawan, several people also visit the Nagchandreshwar temple, which opens on the occasion of Nag Panchami.

(With inputs from ANI)

Published - August 17, 2026 01:41 pm IST