‘Hanumanji Does Not Want to Move’: 4 Days, 4 Failed Attempts to Move Idol in Ujjain

An ancient Hanuman idol in Ujjain has become a sensation after repeated attempts to move it failed, leading devotees to believe that Hanumanji does not want to leave the site.

An around 170-year-old Hanuman temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, has become the centre of attention after attempts to shift its main idol failed.

The historic Khade Hanuman Temple stands on a road being widened ahead of Simhastha 2028. When the administration first attempted to relocate it, local residents and members of the VHP and Bajrang Dal protested, demanding that the idol remain at its original site.

On 4 September, officials returned with police protection and began dismantling parts of the temple. But when they reached the main idol, it simply would not move.

Over the next four days, officials tried cranes, JCBs and other heavy machinery. Four attempts failed. Rain and an electrical spark also disrupted the work. Archaeological experts later warned that applying more force could damage the ancient idol.

A pit was then dug around its base to understand how deeply it was connected to the ground. Meanwhile, devotees gathered for darshan, with many becoming emotional as the old temple structure was demolished.

Then came another unusual sight. On 6 September, more than 50 monkeys gathered silently on the roofs of the temple and nearby houses. Videos quickly spread online, with devotees seeing the incident as a spiritual sign because of Hanuman’s association with monkeys.

The administration has now decided not to rush the idol’s removal. Archaeologists are expected to examine it using scanning technology, while the Archaeological Survey of India is being consulted on its safe relocation.

An archaeologist from Vikram University said the idol appears to be made from a hard basalt stone associated with the Malwa region, though its original form is difficult to examine because of the thick layer of sindoor covering it.

The temple is believed to date back to around 1857 or earlier and has reportedly been cared for by the same family for five generations.

For many devotees, the message is clear: “Hanumanji himself does not want to leave.”