SARIKA versus ADMINISTRATOR, SHRI MAHAKALESHWAR MANDIR COMMITTEE, UJJAIN (M.P.) & ORS
[2018] 4 S.C.R. 634, Supreme Court of India, 2018
Outcome: Disposed off
Segment: Arguments
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SARIKA
v.
ADMINISTRATOR, SHRI MAHAKALESHWAR MANDIR
COMMITTEE, UJJAIN (M.P.) & ORS.
(Civil Appeal No. 4676 of 2018)
MAY 2, 2018
[ARUN MISHRA AND UDAY UMESH LALIT, JJ.]
Religious monuments: ‘Lingam’ at ancient Mahakaleshwar
Jyotirlinga temple in the Ujjain – Erosion of lingam caused by
water and other impure puja materials like sugar, ghee, milk and
curd etc. – Protection and preservation of lingam – Writ petition
and application seeking directions for preservation of lingam
and appointment of Expert Committee – Constitution of Expert
Committee of ASI/GSI by this Court to submit a report on
deterioration of Lingam and its conservation – Submission of
suggestions, recommendations and remedial measures by Expert
Committee – Pursuant thereto, temple committee passed few
resolution to protect and preserve the Lingam – Report of the
Expert Committee and the resolutions – Thereafter, notice
displayed on the notice board by the managing committee of the
temple indicating that this Court had directed the manner in
which the religious ceremonies have to be performed in the temple
– Held: Misrepresentation was being made with respect to the
order passed by this Court – There is no interference on merits or
with the religious rituals to be performed in the temple during Pooja
– All the necessary rituals may be performed however to ensure
that the Lingam does not deteriorate any further – Puja to be
performed in such a manner
befitting to the deity – Remedial
measures should be taken as suggested in the report – Conservation
be carried out with the help of conservator and experts of ancient
architecture – Resolutions made by temple committee to be
implemented – Temple Committee to decide the rituals, material used
as also prepare/manufacture the offering material in the purest form
– ASI/GSI teams to submit report and improvements made –
Constitution of India – Art. 25, 26 rw Art. 49, 51A.
[2018] 4  S.C.R. 634
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Constitution of India: Art. 25, 26 read with Art. 49, Art. 51A
– ‘Lingam’ at ancient Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga temple in the
Ujjain – Erosion of lingam caused by water and other impure
puja materials – Protection and preservation of lingam – Held:
Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga has so much importance for spiritual
and other gains – There is a constitutional and fundamental duty
to protect it, to promote harmony and spirit of brotherhood and
to value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture
– There is a constitutional obligation to preserve the religious
practices of all religions, culture and there is also a corresponding
duty to act in that direction – State duty bound to spend the amount
so that not only the archaeological, historical and ancient
monuments are preserved but sanctum sanctorum, as well as deity
is preserved.
Disposing of the appeal, the Court
HELD: 1.1 Misrepresentation was being made with respect
to the order passed by this Court and unrest was tried to be
created on the ground that this Court is interfering with the
religious rituals to be performed in the temple during Pooja. Thus,
it is clarified that this Court has not interfered with the same.
Said direction holds good for this order also and to be scrupulously
observed by all concerned. The only objective of entertaining
the writ petition was just to ensure that all the rituals which may
be necessary be performed however to ensure that the Lingam
does not deteriorate any
further. [Para 30] [744-D-E]
1.2 There is a decay of the Lingam and certain damage has
been noted by the Expert Committee. Negative factors have also
been pointed out in extensive details. Activities regarding the
daily cleaning of temple premises, gaushala, Vedic samsthan,
mandir, rasoi of the temple etc. have been pointed out. The study
has been done by Spectroradiometer, portable XRF studies, water
analysis, ash analysis, the extent of weathering etc. Various
suggestions and recommendations had been made including the
remedial measures. It has been noticed in the report of the experts
of the ASI and GSI that deterioration of Lingam has taken place
during the last 40 to 50 years. The deterioration is continuous in
nature and can be managed with remedial measures. [Paras 31, 32]
[744-F-G; 745-A-B]
SARIKA v. ADMINISTRATOR, SHRI MAHAKALESHWAR
MANDIR COMMITTEE, UJJAIN (M.P.)
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1.3 The water analysis of the temple premises used in the
Jalabhishekam is highly alkaline in nature and pH value ranges
from 8.4 to 8.7. Various other causes have been delineated in the
report of the experts. In all 24 causes have been given. Milk
particularly contaminated one, sugar, leaves, petals and flowers,
poor drainage sanitation and water spillage, use of the water should
be minimum. Rubbing of jaggery/sugar powder should be
restricted or minimized. Use of a lot of flowers and leaves also
keeps the Jyotirlingam wet all the time and hinders natural
breathing of the stone of Jyotirlingam. Use of metal buckets, pots,
utensils also causes abrasions to the Lingam. If possible entry of
devotees in Garbh Griha should be limited. Garbh Griha should
be kept dry and clean. There should be proper air circulation in
Garbh Griha. Arrangements for disposal of waste may be improved
and should be made more effective. Since scientific/chemical
treatment may not be acceptable, preventive conservation
methods may be helpful to keep the Jyotirlingam in the best of
its conservation state. Considering the historical importance of
the premises, use of modern materials in the premises should be
avoided so as to maintain the antiquity. There is a need to identify
the sculptures and they are required to be properly documented
and identified. Remedial measures should be taken as suggested
in the report. The conservation be carried out
with the help of
conservator and experts of ancient architecture. [Para 34, 35]
[745-B-G]
1.4 There should be proper disposal of temple garbage and
it should be ensured that it does not contaminate the Kotiteerath
Pond. Better use of flowers would be that they are recycled for
the production of scent/itra. For that project may be prepared by
the administration with the help of concerned bodies or on the
basis of PPP. Cleaning methods should be modernized. [Para 36]
[746-A-B]
1.5 It is apparent from the response of the Committee filed
pursuant to the order dated 25.8.2017 of this Court that the
Committee has agreed to save the Lingam by minimizing the
flowers and offerings material. It has also been resolved that the
Temple Committee shall install an RO plant to maintain pH value
of water at 7 and devotees should be allowed to use minimum
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water. Temple Committee has also resolved that during Bhasma
Aarti also they will take appropriate steps which may be
permissible. As permissible, use of ghee, milk, curd, and honey
shall be restricted per devotee. These materials shall be of ISI
standards. Lingam shall be properly cleaned and dried after Puja.
Expansion of drainage system was under process and be
completed at the earliest. Rubbing of sugar powder on the Lingam
shall be banned. It would be ensured that there is no harm caused
to the Jyotirlingam. There is a management plan to permit limited
devotees at one time in Garbh Griha so that there is no stampede.
They are ready to maintain the temperature of garbhgriha from
17 to 20 degree Celsius. There should be more air conditioners.
Damaged area of marble flooring and sealing of joints shall be
repaired. Provision has to made for proper circulation of air in
garbh griha. Arrangements for disposal of wastes have to be
improved. [Para 37] [746-B-E]
1.6 Preventive conservation methods shall be used by the
Committee. Efforts shall be made to preserve the originality and
antiquity of the temple. They have to also ensure that they would
undertake necessary steps for saving structure and life of
devotees during Nagpanchmi. A plan in this regard be prepared
within two months. It is also directed that let them make an effort
for the preservation of historical monument the new development
work if any, should only be made to match with ancient nature of
the temple so that its heritage look is maintained. As to the
recommendations of the report of the Experts Committee, same
have been accepted by the Committee. The Committee to
implement the recommendations as agreed to and resolved by
it. Considering the national and international importance, Temple
Committee has rightly resolved to create a Heritage Cell for
maintenance and restoration of the old temples and structures
inside the premises. Such cell be created at the earliest. [Paras
38, 39] [746-F-H; 747-A-B]
1.7 In compliance of the order dated 13.10.2017 the
Committee has passed various resolutions accepting various
recommendation of the Expert Committee. The Expert
Committee of ASI and GSI has filed response to the various
resolutions passed by the Committee. The Expert Committee
SARIKA v. ADMINISTRATOR, SHRI MAHAKALESHWAR
MANDIR COMMITTEE, UJJAIN (M.P.)
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has also agreed with most of the resolutions. However, it has
made certain suggestions which are to be considered by the
Committee and implemented in best possible manner. [Para 40]
[747-B-C]
1.8 Expert Committee suggestion in respect of Kotiteerath
Pond water to be treated periodically and to ensure that the
rainwater of temple premises, as well as drainage water from the
temple premises, should not be drained into the pond and
contaminate the Kotiteerath Pond, has to be implemented in true
spirit. [Para 41] [747-C-D]
1.9 Committee of expert has also suggested that rubbing
of any offering by devotees may be stopped. Devotees may be
allowed to offer their offerings symbolically but not to be allowed
to rub any material over the Lingam. The Committee to consider
the said aspects and to ensure that as far as possible no rubbing
is done by the devotees on the Lingam or by any material. The
Committee also pointed out that no new significant construction
to be carried out in the temple premises except the smooth
passage in the premises is concerned, the resolutions be carried
out and fully implemented as resolved by the Committee on time
bound basis for different stages within one year. [Para 42]
[747-D-F]
1.10 With respect to the method of “lingarchan”, method
of linga pooja, the 27th chapter of “Ling Mahapuranm” has been
placed on record. Pooja of different lingam may be somewhat
different. It is for the experts in the
field of religion to decide
about the rituals and ceremonies to be performed. It is not for
this Court to make suggestions in this regard. [Para 43]
[747-G-H]
1.11 It is not within the jurisdiction of this Court to dictate
or to prescribe or restrain the religious practices and Pujas to be
performed in temple. They are required to be performed, in
accordance with the ancient rituals and practices but, at the same
time, it has to be ensured that no damage is caused to the lingam.
The temple which is known as Mritunjaya Mahadev and is most
ancient Jyotirlingam in one of the ancient cities of India, Ujjain.
‘Simhast’ is also organised 6 years and 12 years which has
international importance visited by several millions of people.
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The Government spends thousands of crores of rupees for
development of infrastructure in Ujjain for each such occasion
and lot of development has taken place. Owing to all the
development work, Ujjain has come up. But at the same time
very cause of all developments, the Lingam requires to be
preserved, protected by way of preventive conservation methods.
[Para 44] [748-A-C]
1.12 In order to ensure purity of pooja materials and to
prevent further erosion of Lingam it would be appropriate and
fitness of things that a plan is prepared regarding the entire
offering materials on the lingam to be manufactured and provided
by temple itself as is done in several famous temples in the
Southern part of India and other places. By pouring the adulterated
Milk, Ghee, Kumkum, Gulal, Abir containing chemicals due to
adulteration is improper and cannot be permitted to be part of
the ritual. Lingam cannot be permitted to be destroyed by chemical
reactions of impure materials or by pouring of the dirty water
such acts of offerings cannot be allowed and as are done
innocently by the people unaware of ill effect on lingam. Had
devotees been aware of all these, adverse effect of their Puja on
the Lingam of their God itself of which they are performing Puja
, they would not have even dreamt of doing it. The Temple
Committee and other stakeholders to take positive steps in this
direction in reasonable time. [Para 45] [748-D-F]
1.13 Use of Bhang (cannabis) has been started in
recent
past, approximately for the last 50 years and that is one of the
causes of erosion as per the petitioner. Earlier it used to be offered
symbolically. It is for the Temple Committee to decide on these
rituals and which material to be used by it and in which quantity
for purpose of Puja by Temple and for how much time, in what
manner Bhang should be applied and in what rituals. The
Committee to consider it with help of scriptures and experts.
How its use can be best modulated by the Committee itself,
considering past practices, as the ultimate duty of Committee is
to make preservation of the Lingam itself for its existence and
for that it has to consider and adopt what is the best mode of
performing the rituals, what are the materials which should be
used and in what quantity but it has to be ensured that the
SARIKA v. ADMINISTRATOR, SHRI MAHAKALESHWAR
MANDIR COMMITTEE, UJJAIN (M.P.)
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materials are not impure and are without such chemicals which
may cause erosion of the lingam itself otherwise the very purpose
of Puja would be defeated. [Para 46] [748-G-H; 749-A-B]
1.14 Puja is to be performed in such a manner which should
be befitting to the deity and not to cause erosion itself of lingam
for which so much infrastructure exists. Lingam is known as
‘Mrityunjaya Mahadev’, who prevents from destruction, it cannot
be permitted to be destructed. Lingam cannot be permitted to
be exploited in a manner it is destroyed. If one believes in the
concept of real pooja, such Pooja is to be performed by pure
materials as purest of thoughts. No spiritual or other gain can
come if Puja is performed in a manner which damages the deity
itself as that would amount to displeasing the saviour. That would
be against the basic tenets of performance of Pooja and of making
offerings.  [Para 47] [749-E-F]
1.15 The Temple Committee to invite and consider various
views for further improvement of the temple. The Temple
Committee to make an endeavour along with other stakeholders
to prepare/manufacture the offering material in purest of the form
and by such time it becomes a reality to make an arrangement in
such a manner that only pure and unadulterated materials are
offered in pooja on Lingam. No impure and adulterated material
is offered in Puja and the resolutions made by the Temple
Committee are scrupulously observed by
all concerned. [Para
48] [749-E-F]
1.16 A concrete plan be made by the Committee for further
improvement including its Gaushalas. The existing Gaushala and
kitchen be improved and modernize and for that purpose, in case,
additional land is required, plan be prepared and implemented
with the help of all concerned so that temple becomes self-sufficient
to provide all pooja material based on milk product etc. [Para 49]
[749-F-G]
1.17 The decision by the Single Bench has rightly been set
aside by the Division Bench for the various reasons mentioned
in the order and in particular in view of the fact that in the
impugned order the Division Bench has relied on decision in
Ramchandra Mangilal & Ors. v. State of M.P. which had been
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affirmed by this Court. Hence no case for interference on merits
is made out.  [Para 50] [749-G-H; 750-A]
1.18 The ASI/GSI teams that has visited and had submitted
the report to make a visit in January 2019, is directed to submit
a report with respect to the position of the lingam and
improvements made as per suggestions made in the report. [Para
51] [750-B]
1.19 There should not be any misreporting of the Court’s
order, as specified in the order dated 30.11.2017. Any violation
on this count shall be viewed seriously and sternly with
appropriate consequences, wherever necessary. It is hereby made
clear that this Court has not interfered with religious ceremonies
to be performed in the Temple. [Para 52] [750-C-D]
Ms. Aruna Roy & Ors. v. Union of India & Ors. (2002)
7 SCC 368 : [2002] 2 Suppl. SCR 266; Prafull Goradia
v. Union of India 2011 2 SCC 568 : [2011] 1 SCR 579;
Transport & Dock Workers Union v. Mumbai Port Trust
(2011) 2 SCC 575 : [2010] 14 SCR 873; Shantistar
Builders v. Narayan Khimalal Totame (1990) 1 SCC
520; P.G. Gupta v. State of Gujarat & Ors. (1995) Supp
2 SCC 182 : [1994]  6 Suppl. SCR 628; Ramchandra
Mangilal & Ors. v. State of M.P. ILR (1991) MP 444 :
(1987) MPLJ 668 – referred to.
Case Law Reference
[2002] 2 Suppl. SCR 266
referred to
Para 10
[2011] 1 SCR579
referred to
Para 12
[2010] 14 SCR873
referred to
Para 13
(1990) 1 SCC 520
referred to
Para 14
[1994] 6 Suppl. SCR 628
referred to
Para 14
ILR (1991) MP 444
referred to
Para 50
SARIKA v. ADMINISTRATOR, SHRI MAHAKALESHWAR
MANDIR COMMITTEE, UJJAIN (M.P.)
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CIVIL APPELLATE JURISDICTION: Civil Appeal No. 4676
of 2018.
From the Judgment and Order dated 27.10.2016 of the High Court
of M.P. at Indore.
Tushar Mehta, ASG, A. K. Chitale, Ms. Vibha Dutta Makhija, S.
B. Upadhyay, Sr. Advs., Niraj Sharma, Divyaknt Lahoti, Sumit Kr.
Sharma, Ms. Amrita Grover, Vijay Prakash, Rajat Nair, Arvind Kumar
Sharma, Mrs. Anil Katiyar, Rohit K. Singh, Arjun Garg, Mukesh Kher,
Priyank Kher, Bipin Kumar Jha, Atishi Dipankar, Neeraj Shekhar, Sumit
Kumar, Animesh Kumar, Ashutosh Thakur, Advs. for the appearing
parties.
The Judgment of the Court was delivered by
ARUN MISHRA, J. 1. Leave granted.
2. The petition pertains to famous Mahakaleshwar temple, Ujjain.
The appellant has impugned the judgment and order passed in Writ Appeal
No.37/2014 by the Division Bench of the High Court of Madhya Pradesh
at Indore thereby setting aside the order passed by the Single Bench on
4.12.2013 in W.P. No.10712 of 2013.
3. Mahakaleshwar is an ancient temple of Lord Shiva.  In order
to understand the importance of the Lingam it is necessary to consider
it, in brief, the history of Mahakal – Shiva, worshipping of statues and
Lingam, origin of Mahakal, same as defined in scriptures etc. as pointed
out in the reply of Mahant Prakash Giri of Shri Panchayati Akhara
Mahanirvani is as under:
“BRIEF HISTORY OF MAHAKAL SHIVA
     Since ancient times in Hindu culture definitions are found
in name of Shiva, Pasupati, Rudra,
Ishaan, etc. Undoubtedly,
the Vedas are the only authentic and well-being book of Hindu
religion, when and where it was created it is matter of search.
But it can be said that at least 5000 years ago, it was in
complete existence.
      Shiva is the instrument of discussion in Veda Mantras,
but that discussion is on shapeless god. Somewhere nature’s
body is also addressed by various names of Shiva, part of
Vedic treatises of the Swaithashwar influx, it has been
discussed by the ‘Sweth’ sage on the basis of the Vedic
Mantras in the spiritual form of Shiva.
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        As briefly stated, [Abstract from Swaithashwar influx] :
The creator treats himself and all the controlling Divine  powers
differently, therefore, it remains entangled in the creation of
universe [In the enjoyment of nature] And when that
incomparable divine power is experienced, then attain
liberation, that is salvation.
     Indestructible or destructible, visible and not visible it
nourishes the divine (the supreme power) of this whole world,
the creature attracted to the qualities of nature, treating
himself as his boss, stays in the same nature, and when that
creature is experiencing that divine, attracted by the qualities
of nature, creatures [Jeev] keep himself tied by the attribute
of the same nature, and when that creature experiences that
divine, then he is exempted from all bondage.
     The destructive staple and indestructible life-force is
formulated by a god called ‘Har’, with the thought of its
contemplation, and by the feeling of its element, the person
achieves the retirement of the cycle (nature) of the
reincarnation after liberation.
       Braham in the soul should forever be known, there is no
more known qualified entity than this, the creator (creature),
the usable material (nature), and the inspiration (God), this
is the only way Brahma said in three ways.
      While commenting on this stanza, ‘Shankaracharya’ has
written with the reference of Shiva, that performers [Yogi]
see Shiva’s not in idols but in soul, a person who
relinquish
Shiv from his inner soul to worship outer Shiv, he feels as if
he has dropped his hands morsel (Food yoga substance) and
licks his empty palm, as the blind person can’t see the rising
sun, in the same way, the uneducated person can’t view the
calm form of Shiva. The person who view the omniscient
(everywhere present) calm form of Shiva, Shiva resides in his
heart, but those who can’t see Shiva located in their souls,
those people use to search him at pilgrimage place. In the
interpretation of this stanza, it is written with reference to
Vishnu Purana that’s the goal that is proven by the mind’s
axiomatic (complete) Inconsistent (Due to meditation and
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distinction between patience) the form is assumed, it is called
a Samadhi.
    The power called a Rudra is governed by the entire
Universe, it is situated within all the organisms and creates
the entire universe (many planets located in space and space),
protects them and destroys (destruction of the universe) means
it merges in itself. Rudra Dev originates all the creation and
creatures.
     Nature is to be known as illusion and Maheshwar as
Elusive this entire world (universe) is the Action Format of
both of them.
      At the beginning of creation by becoming one [supreme
power] and being special by its power without any purpose
many types of characters [Special form] holds and in the end
the world dissolves in it and same supreme power provide
pure intelligence.
      Supreme power is the fire, the same sun, the same air, the
same moon, the same Venus, the same Brahma, the same water,
and the same is Prajapati. Dev (supreme power) exists in fire,
which is in water, and is occupied (everywhere) in the entire
universe and which is present in the Medicine and the
vegetation also that god (God). This soul is neither a woman,
nor a man, nor an important, the one who holds the body
remains the same.
     The supreme power, (the power that exists everywhere),
that power is the form of knowledge, which is the power time
(time). Who is the virtuous and Omniscient [all knowing]
Inspired by that the earth, water, fire,
air, and sky, established
In their own deed, keeps interaction, think of that supreme
power. Head-Neck-and chest keeping the body together, by
controlling all the indices by concentrating peace of mind,
strengthen the meditation while uttering the sound ‘Om’.
     To control the mind, do pranayama. These actions are to
be held at quiet, secluded, and in a clean place.
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      In this way, where ever Yogi does Yoga, the Yogi experience
the Brahma Tattva (God) with the illuminating self, similar to
the lamp, That yogi is free from all unborn, steady, and all
elements, he releases himself from all bounding by knowing
that God.
    Thus, from this brief description of Shvetashwar
Upanishad, it can be understood that the Shiva as described
in Veda, he is the only creator of the Universe, is rearing the
universe, is also the destroyer, spreads everywhere known as
power form of formless God.
     It is submitted that Vedas are the foundation of Hindu
religion, all types of basic knowledge and science are
available. This is the first knowledge book of the universe,
on basis of this Vedas, all Purans and Hindu texts are written
or spoken, now it can be seen brief form of Shiv from Hindu
texts written after Vedas. The ‘Shev sect’ is known for
worshiping different forms of Shiva by believing it as God,
this sect. has its own elaborate literature how much is truth, it
is the matter of research but in Bharat it has been recognized
at least 2500 years ago it is known from the available evidence,
how old is this from it is a matter of research. The main forms
of Shiva People whom people in Bharat or abroad worship
him as God in the form of idol or phallus. The visual part of
Shiv is as follows:
1. Panchamukhi Shiva
2. Asht Vidh Shiva
3. Ekadash Rudra
4. Various Incarnations of Shiva
5. Bhairav
6. Shiva’s Yogavatar
The Origin of Lingas:
The origin of the Linga’s in the
Puranas in such a way that when this creation was taking
place, there was a fierce battle between Brahma and Vishnu,
and in that war a huge Jyotipunj appeared between them, As
a result of this sudden incident, both of them stopped fighting
SARIKA v. ADMINISTRATOR, SHRI MAHAKALESHWAR
MANDIR COMMITTEE, UJJAIN (M.P.) [ARUN MISHRA, J.]
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together and went to know the secrets of this light; they went
up and down in the form of swan and wind, but there was no
end to it then both of them came back and gathered and
explored Lingas at that time they heard a sound ‘Om’ coming
out of that Jyotirmay Lingas, and universe was created, first
of all it came in form of Golden egg and it remain in same
format for thousand years after that egg got divided which
created Sky and Earth Brahma and Vishnu performed the
prayer of Jyotirlinga with Om Mantras then from that
Jyotirlingas in form of words [a,aa,e,ee,u,oo,r,tr,others) Shiv
along with Uma manifested when he lift his head again and
looked upwards then from sound of Omkar he visualize 38
words Ishan Mantras, 24 words Tatpurush Mantra, 33 words
Aghor Mantras, 35 words Sadhojat Mantras and 66 words
Vamdev Mantras knowing these five mantras Vishnu started
Chanting these mantras and prayed Shiva by these in Mantra
form from here onwards the origin of worship Jyotipunj Lingas
started, the main meaning of the word lingas is symbol, i.e.
here, we understand from Shivling that in entire universe
Shivaling is considered to be the symbol of the ultimate power
which prevails inside and outside of it, word Shiva it the only
power who runs, creates, .and destroy this universe. This
universe is its direct symbol, hence Shivling is considered as
symbol of God.
  Different types of lingas: There are two main types of
lingas the
first type of lingas is called as swambhu, meaning
of swamboo is who is self-generated, second type of Lingas
are produced, Lingas are produced from Mercury, Gold, Silver,
Diamond, Sfetik, Precious Stones, stones and Mud, it can be
made from other materials also, Shiv Lingas made of mud are
dissolved in water after worshipping daily balance type of
Lingas are permanent. According to tradition every piece of
stone found in Narmada river is treated as Lingas. Apart from
this trees and plants are also symbol of Shiv Lingas.
 Legislation of worshiping Statues and Lingas: Shiva
statue created along Human shape is called Pratima, Customs
of worshiping the Idols and Lingas are almost same.
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Worshiping of Shiva’s Formless Lingas: In addition to external
worship, internal worship is also mentioned in the Puranas,
for spiritual contemplation and meditation two types of Lingas
have been defined Lingas created by physical materials
available outside and interior Lingas, for the sake of
emotional fulfillment of common mass concept of Solid outside
form of Lingas, has been perceived, the epicenter lingus which
means the spiritual astral body, which does not have direct
experience the same ignorant persons perform prayer etc
everything outside by imagining it externally, by meditating
Jnan meditation yoga, in meditation, that subtle Lingas symbol
of Shiva sees himself sitting in his own right. Once this
knowledge is attained, there is liberation this is worshiping
the formless Lingas. Knowledgeable people perform
meditation yoga by the equator were he visualize subtle shape
Shiva sitting within itself when his knowledge is attained he
gets Liberation, this is the way to worship the formless Lingus.
Pasupat ki Utpatti: According to Ling Purana, Pasupat
vrat Yoga scriptures and Kapil Samkhya are composed by
Shiva and Pasupat was created earlier and it’s the best. Shiva
had very first preached to Vishnu etc deities of Pasupat second
time he preached at time when he inhale poison occur from
sea churn, third time he preached to Prajapati Daksh on the
occasion when Daksh oblation [Yag] was vandalize. Shiva
28 yoga avatars were also holders of pasupat vrat
they spread
the Pasupat through their disciples. Pasupat vrat which was
originated by Lord Shiva, after him the Yoga incarnation held
at different times by different people took forward but all of
them are not available in Holy book [Grant] but they are
discussed in the context here and there. Out of these the last
Yoga avatar his name was ‘Lakuleesh’ and he was born
presently known as Gujarat in Vadaodra district, according
to time he reached Ujjain their he delivered his first preach
to Kushik and other disciples on manner in which Shiv
performed and practiced the Pasupat vrat, and Mahadev south
facing statute i.e sacraments or pledge the bhasma purified
by Sadhojatadi 5 Shiva Mantra’s to Mahakal this prime action
has been interpreted in Pasupat Sutra by authentic interpreter
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‘kodilya’ in his first Sutra. Mahadev authentic south-direction
Linga formation is the only one at ‘Mahakaleshwar Jyotirling’
besides this the accreditation is that it doesn’t exist at any
other place. Persons who adopt Pasupat yog should take bath
thrice with Bhasam, should sleep on bed of Bhasma, even
after taking food etc he should put Bhasam on his body,
should possess Shiva Nirmaalya, such as House holders and
people living in the other hermitage have their own special
symbols likewise Bathing with Bhasam [Bhasam ashnan],
Sleeping on Bhasam, Anuashnan Shiva Nirmaalya are symbol
of person of Pasupatl’s, Pasupati should chant five Braharn
mantra purified by ‘Sadvoiata’all these should be performed
in congruence of south facing staue of Lord Mahadev.ln brief
it has been narrated about Pasupat,
        Pasupat tradition originated from Lord Shiva has always
been followed regularly in Bharat today they are known as
‘Naga Sadhu’, There is evident proof of Pasupat and Naga
Sadhu’s are time to time mentioned in ancient books [Grants],
and are been quoted in scripts of others religion [Jainism
and others].
Origin of Mahakal: According to Shiva Mahapurana
Kotirudra sanhita Update 16, a Brahmin lived with his four
sons in Ujjain [Ujjani] city, that Brahman daily used to
perform Agni horn & terrestrial Shiva Linga, at the same time
an evil demon called Dushan lived on the mountain called
Ratanmal. On day when Brahman was
delighted in meditation
of Lord Shiva then only Dushan monster arrived along with
his army and tried to kill Brahman then only Lord Shiva
manifest from the terrestrial Linga worshiped by the Brahman,
said that I am Mahakal who destroys evil demon like you,
move away from this Brahman, and by a single word ‘Hunkar’
reduced that evil demon along with his army into ashes, after
the killing of Dushan these Brahmins prayed to Lord Shiva to
stay their and Lord Shiv accepted it stable himself in form of
Lingas and known as Mahakal. In the 17th chapter of this
mythology, King Chandra Sen of Ujjain and one Gope child
also worship the Mahakaleshwar Lingas.
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Pasupat and Mahakal: In the Puranas and many other
literature, the material related to Mahakal is obtained,
according to available evidence, current Mahakal temple is
the only authentic South facing Shiva Linga, ,in the past there
was crematorium at this place, this is the only Shiv Lingas in
the universe on which from unknown time ashes of funeral
pyre brought from crematorium by pronouncing Sadyojata
Five mantras is plated by Naga [Pasupatis] Sadhu. This
tradition is not experimented anywhere else except Mahakal
no other sect in the universe except Pasupat loves Bhasam
and crematorium, he is worshiper of south facing Shiva and
uses bhasam purified by Pach Braham[ Sadyojata] mantras.
Current format of Pasupat which was preached by Lukulish
in Ujjain these probes that Pasupat and Mahakal are
mutually related and according to the said behavior in
Mahakal before and during today’s time, Mahant of Nag a
Sadhu’s at Mahakal is following the tradition of Pasupat.
Swet Saga the first Pasupat acharya in Swetashwer upnished
have mentioned at different places about Divine power of
Shiva especially in chapter (4-20) He has praise a special
appearance of Rudra’s southern face, In mahabharat chapter
Anushasan parv Shiva told Uma that I have delivered the
preaching on Pasupat from my Southern face, in Shiv
Mahapuran, Ling Mahapuran, Panchbrahmhopnishad
volumes south facing Shiva has been called Aghor, It is famous
the crematorium is very dear to Shiva and Shaiv
Aghories, in
Ling Mahapuran worshiping South facing Shiva by Bhasam
has been mentioned specifically, proof in these texts certify
& it is evident that the present Jyotilinga of Mahakal south
facing aghor shiva statue, that’s why Naga Sadhu’s (Followers
of Pasupat branch) are offering Bhasam ashnan daily to him,
since ancient times (according to the evidence of Kondilya it
is 1500 years back) is being performed even today. The ritual
of performing Bhasma ashnan to Mahakal can be carried
out only and only by Naga sadhu’s nobody else can do nor
should it can be attempted. If attempted it will destroy the
tradition and will hurt the sentiments of Hindu religion. Today
even the Hindu devotees visit Mahakal to visualize the Bhasma
Ashnan of Maharaja Mahakal.
SARIKA v. ADMINISTRATOR, SHRI MAHAKALESHWAR
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Antiquity of Mahakal and Pasupat: By 1735 when Ujjain
has come under domination of Marathas at that time Ranoji
Schinde who was appointed by Peshwas, and has given
charge of Ujjain to Diwan Ramchandra this Diwan
Ramchandra had rebuilt the present Mahakal Temple, approx
1235 Shamsuddin Alatmas had robbed and destroyed the
Mahakal Mandir. Restoration of Mahakal Temple was
executed by Raja Bhoj approx during 1010, state poet Ban
Bhat of Harshvardan who ruled the state during 590-647 has
also described about Mahakal & Pasupat in his poem
Harshcharit & Kadambari. During the time of Vikramaditya
great Poet Kalidas has specifically mentioned Mahakal Temple
in his Poetry Raghuvansh and Meghdoot it is difficult to
specify the time of Kalidas, but at least 1650 years is prevalent
in the past not less than that. Apart these description of
Mahakal are found in Puranas and Tantra shastra also, but
time can be mentioned by Historians, we can’t. In book Heart
of Jannisium written by Stevenson has also mentioned that
Founder of Jain religion Mahaveer also visited Ujjain and
has performed austerity, famous Mahakal Temple was
established in Ujjaini. What is the truth we can’t say but from
the available scripts it can be mentioned that approx 2000
years past existence of Mahakal Temple is evident because
Historian has predicted the time of composition and preaching
of Pasupat 150 B.C to 1st A.D and there is indirect form of
discussion
of Mahakal in Pasupat Sutra. Now briefly we
should view the ancientity of Pasupat. From 1295 to 1385 a
person named Acharya Madhav has mentioned briefly about
Nakulish Pasupat Sight to Shavya Sect in his book called
Sarvya Darshan. In eight century Shankracharya has
specifically discussed about Pashupat Sect in his Vedant Sutra
chapter 2, fart 2, formula 37 which is an authentic book.
This Formula of Vedant has clearly mentioned of Pasupat Sect
by mentioning word Pati so the Pasupat is ancient the Braham
Sutra and the time of composition of Vedant sutra is between
4000 B.C to 450 B.C as described by historian in their own
way, so it is difficult to predict the exact time, approx 2000
years back Pasupat Sect was fully established or it was’ in
the beginning shape this can be said.”
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Preservation of Mahakaleshwar Linga:
4. This Court has primarily entertained the petition vide order dated
5.5.2017 as it transpired that the idol of Lord Shiva in the form of Lingam
is in danger due to various causes and it has deteriorated as such notice
was issued to ensure its preservation.
5. The appellant has filed an additional affidavit in the matter of
erosion of Lingam. It has been pointed out that due to the erosion of
Omkareshwar Jyotirlingam, offerings have been banned. Omkareshwsar
Jyotirlingam is situated nearby Ujjain. In this regard, newspaper report
dated 15.11.2006 as to Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlingam has also been filed.
6. Following is the report dated 15.11.2006 published in the
newspaper UNI :
“Mahakal Jyotirlinga eroding:
Published: Wednesday, November 15, 2006, 11:40 [IST] 
Indore, Nov 15 (UNI) ‘Jyotirlingam’ of Lord Mahakal at temple
town Ujjain is gradually getting eroded. More than 30 square
cm scalp of the holy ‘lingam’ has come out with nearly 7-8
mm thickness from the eastern side along with 3-4 similar
circular patches, having 2-2.5 cm diameter and 6.5 mm depth,
just above the bigger patch. The entire holy ‘lingam’ is having
geological scaling on the western side. Two vertical carving
has raised concern that the ‘lingam’ will have enough chances
of splitting into three pieces in future.
Dr. Ram S Shrivastava, a known scientist closely observing
the holy lingam since 1953, is convinced that if due care was
not taken then “we
will have to cut a sorry figure in future.”
He said the Mahakal was the oldest ‘Jyotirlingams’ out of 12
‘Jyotirlingams’ in the country and the only one facing south.
The Mahakal temple was destroyed by Sultan Shamsuddin
Iltutmish of Delhi in 1235 and it was later restored by the
Scindias in the 19th century.
There is a 5,000-year-old record available for worships. It is
believed that the ‘Jyotirlingam’ was found inside the Koti
Teerth Kunda in the Mahakal campus and the temple was
first constructed by King Vikramaditya. Dr. Shrivastava said
SARIKA v. ADMINISTRATOR, SHRI MAHAKALESHWAR
MANDIR COMMITTEE, UJJAIN (M.P.) [ARUN MISHRA, J.]
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one of the reasons for erosion could be pouring of chlorinated
water -nearly 25,000 litres a day -besides about 80 ‘pundits’
from 16 Brahmin families massaging the lingam on rotation
basis using Bhat Shringar, Bhang Shirngar etc. Milk’ and
other offerings could be accounted in tonnes. Almost every
visitor touched the holy shrine and often rubbed and pressed
it during prayers.”
7. Yet another report dated 7.7.2014 about banning of offerings of
sugar, ghee, milk, curd etc. in the temple at Ujjain has been placed on
record. That management wanted experts to check erosion of Jyotirlinga
of Mahakaleshwar Temple at Ujjain. Following is the report dated
7.7.2014 :
“Mahakal management wants experts to check erosion of
jyotirlinga
TNN | Jul 7, 2014 11.42 AM IST
UJJAlN: Mahakaleshwar temple administration has written
a letter to the commissioner of state archaeology department
to send a team of experts to examine reported erosion in
treasured stone jyotirlinga at the temple.
District collector and temple committee head BM Sharma told
newspersons on Saturday that steps needed to prevent the
erosion would follow the report and suggestions of experts
expected to visit the temple shortly.
The issue of erosion of Shivling has been in news for over a
decade, prompting the issuance of guidelines. But norms were
not implemented. .It has been reported several times that use
of impure puja materials like sugar, ghee, milk, curd, and
others is causing erosion in two-and-half-feet high shivling.
The administration even restricted the use of these materials
to 1.25 liter per devotee a few years ago, but it was not
controlled and monitored. Similarly, a suggestion to establish
kiosk of Sanchi milk in temple corridor to ensure pure milk,
ghee to pilgrims, is gathering dust. The shops outside the
temple are selling sub-standard puja materials and devotees
have no option but to buy them.
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The shivling at Mahakal is much in height compared to
jyotirlinga at Onkareshwar temple in Khandwa district and
the administration there a few months ago the restricted use
of panchamruit material to avoid the erosion. Use of sugar
granules is already banned in other Mangalnath temple in 
Uijain and devotees have been asked to use powdered sugar.”
Reasons for decay and conservation of heritage monument have
also been placed on record.
8. Later on, an application under Article 142 of the Constitution of
India has also been filed by the appellants for the issuance of appropriate
directions for the preservation of Lingam and prayer has also been made
for the appointment of Expert Committee.
9. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlingam has so much importance for
spiritual and other gains, there is a constitutional duty to protect it as
envisaged in Article 25, Art. 26 read with Article 49, at the same time
there is a fundamental duty under Article 51A of the Constitution to
promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood as provided in
Article 51A and to value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite
culture. It is also the duty to strive towards excellence in all spheres of
individual and collective activity as provided in Article 51A (a)-(j). Articles
51A (a), (e), (f) and (j) are extracted hereunder:
“[51A.   Fundamental Duties.-
It shall be the duty of every citizen of India-
(a) to abide by the  Constitution  and respect its ideals and
institutions, the
National Flag and the National Anthem;
(e) to promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood
amongst all the people of India transcending religious,
linguistic and regional or sectional diversities; to renounce
practices derogatory to the dignity of women;
(f) to value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite
culture;
(j) to strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual
and collective activity so that the nation constantly rises to
higher levels of endeavour and achievement.”
SARIKA v. ADMINISTRATOR, SHRI MAHAKALESHWAR
MANDIR COMMITTEE, UJJAIN (M.P.) [ARUN MISHRA, J.]
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10. In Ms. Aruna Roy & Ors. v. Union of India & Ors. (2002) 7
SCC 368, this Court has considered the importance of moral values in
religions and it was observed that the religion is the foundation for the
value-based survival of human beings in a civilized society. The force
and sanction behind civilized society depend on moral values. Religion
should not be misunderstood. The secular democracy requires where
even a very weak man hopes to prevail over a very strong man on the
strength of rule of law by proper understanding of duties towards the
society. In Aruna Roy (supra) this Court has observed thus:
“30. Undisputedly, the aforesaid S.B. Chavan Committee’s
report was placed before Parliament for discussion. None can
also dispute that the past five decades have witnessed a
constant erosion of the essential social, moral and spiritual
values and increase in cynicism at all levels. We are heading
for a materialistic society disregarding the entire value based
social system. None can also dispute that in a secular society,
moral values are of utmost importance. A society where there
are no moral values, there would neither be social order nor
secularism. Bereft of moral values secular society or
democracy may not survive. As observed by the Committee,
values are virtues in an individual and if these values
deteriorate, it will hasten or accelerate the breakdown of the
family, society, and the nation as a whole. In a
society where
there is constant evaporation of social and moral values for
getting property, power or post, — is it not advisable to have
a solid social foundation from the base level so that a grown-
up person would fight against all kinds of fanaticism, ill-will,
violence, dishonesty, corruption, and exploitation? The
answer would obviously be — ‘yes.’
        31. Further, for controlling wild animal instinct in human
beings and for having a civilized cultured society, it appears
that religions have come into existence. Religion is the
foundation for value based survival of human beings in a
civilized society. The force and sanction behind civilized
society depend upon moral values. The philosophy of
coexistence and how to coexist is thought over by the saints
all over the world which is revealed by various philosophers.
How to coexist, not only with human beings but all living
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beings on the earth, maybe animals, vegetation and the
environment including air and water, is thought over and
discussed by saints and leaders all over the world which is
reflected in religions. If that is taught, it cannot be objected
as it is neither violative of constitutional or legal rights nor it
offends moral values. This has been dealt with elaborately
by the S.B. Chavan Committee. The Committee as stated above
had invited suggestions from noted educationists on various
aspects of value-based education. As stated by the Committee
it had benefited by the views of eminent experts/NGOs doing
pioneering work in this area. Further, no one can dispute
that truth (satya), righteous conduct (dharma), peace (shanti),
love (prem) and non-violence (ahimsa) are the core universal
values accepted by all religions. The Committee has also
pointed out that religion is the most misused and
misunderstood concept. However, the process of making the
students acquainted with the basics of all religions, the values
inherited therein and also a comparative study of the
philosophy of all religions should begin; students have to be
made aware that the basic concept behind every religion is
common, only the practices differ. If these recommendations
made by the Parliamentary Committee are accepted by NCERT
and are sought to be implemented, it cannot be stated that its
action is arbitrary or unjustified.
   32. Further, it appears to be a totally wrong presumption
and
contention that knowledge of different religions would
bring disharmony in the society. On the contrary, knowledge
of various religious philosophies is material for bringing
communal harmony as ignorance breeds hatred because of
wrong notions, assumptions, preaching and propaganda by
misguided interested persons.”
11. There is a pious purpose of all the religious activities, no religion
breeds hatred. It is in order to bring harmony and to understand basic
human values and for self-realization and to visualize the concept of
equality pilgrimages by the various sections of people of various religions.
Secularism is the basic structure of the Constitution that has to be given
the meaning that is developing understanding and respect towards different
religions. The essence of secularism is non-discrimination of people by
SARIKA v. ADMINISTRATOR, SHRI MAHAKALESHWAR
MANDIR COMMITTEE, UJJAIN (M.P.) [ARUN MISHRA, J.]
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the State on the basis of religious differences. In the Commissioner,
Hindu Religious Endowments, Madras vs. Sri Lakshmindra Thirtha
Swamiar of Sri Shirur Mutt [AIR 1954 SC 282], this Court has
considered the concept of religion under Article 25. It has been observed
that it secures to every person, subject to public order, health and morality,
a freedom not only to entertain such religious belief, as may be approved
of by his judgment and conscience but also to exhibit his belief in such
outward acts as he thinks proper and to propagate or disseminate his
ideas for the edification of others. This Court has observed that the
question relating to the administration of properties belonging to a religious
group or institution are not matters of religion. Religion is a matter of
faith with individuals or communities. It is not necessarily theistic. In the
said case it was observed that “there are well-known religions in India
like Buddhism and Jainism which do not believe in God or in any Intelligent
First Cause. A religion undoubtedly has its basis in a system of beliefs or
doctrines which are regarded by those who profess that religion as
conducive to their spiritual well-being, but it would not be correct to say
that religion is nothing else but a doctrine or belief. A religion may not
only lay down a code of ethical rules for its followers to accept, it might
prescribe rituals and observances, ceremonies and modes of
worship
which are regarded as integral parts of religion. The guarantee under
our Constitution not only protects the freedom of religious opinion but it
protects also acts done in pursuance of a religion and this is made clear
by the use of the expression practice of religion.”
12. In Prafull Goradia v. Union of India [2011 2 SCC 568] this
Court has observed that if Government is making small expenditures
separately for separate religions, therefore granting support to Haj pilgrims
was not violative of Article 14 or 15. This Court has observed thus:
“8. In our opinion Article 27 would be violated if a substantial
part of the entire income tax collected in India, or a substantial
part of the entire central excise or the customs duties or sales
tax, or a substantial part of any other tax collected in India,
were to be utilized for promotion or maintenance of any
particular religion or religious denomination. In other words,
suppose 25 % of the entire income tax collected in India was
utilized for promoting or maintaining any particular religion
or religious denomination, that, in our opinion, would be
violative of Article 27 of the Constitution.
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        10. In our opinion, if only a relatively small part of any
tax collected is utilized for providing some conveniences or
facilities or concessions to any religious denomination, that
would not be violative of Article 27 of the Constitution. It is
only when a substantial part of the tax is utilized for any
particular religion that Article 27 would be violated.
       14. Hence, in our opinion, there is no violation of Article
27 of the Constitution. There is also no violation of Articles
14 and 15 because facilities are also given, and expenditures
incurred, by the Central and State Governments in India for
other religions. Thus there is no discrimination.”
13. This Court in Transport & Dock Workers Union v. Mumbai
Port Trust (2011) 2 SCC 575 has considered the essential spending of
the government money on religions when it can be violative of Article 27
and has laid down thus:
“10. Insofar as the provision of Section 9A of the Industrial
Disputes Act is concerned, it was submitted that since by the
policy decision no change in relation to the personnel who
were working was intended to be brought about, there was
no question of giving any notice of change.
11. The learned Counsel appearing for the appellants relied
on the judgment of the Supreme Court in People’s Union for
Democratic Rights v. Union of India AIR 1982 SC 1473 to
contend that a writ petition by workers, when they claim any
violation of fundamental right, is maintainable. The learned
counsel also relied on the judgment of the Supreme Court in
Moti Ram v. North East Frontier Railway AIR 1964 SC 600 to
claim that the respondent-Port could not have framed a policy
which violates the guarantee of Article 14 of the Constitution.
12. The learned counsel appearing for the appellants further
relied on the judgment of the Supreme Court the Olga Tellis v.
Bombay Municipal Corporation AIR 1986 SC 180 to contend
that even if an undertaking is given, that undertaking does
not stop the person who has given the undertaking from
asserting his fundamental right.
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MANDIR COMMITTEE, UJJAIN (M.P.) [ARUN MISHRA, J.]
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13. The learned counsel for the respondents on the other hand
relied on the judgments of the Supreme Court, in Ravi Paul v.
Union of India 1995 (3) SCC 300, and M.P. State Textile
Corporation Ltd. v. Mahendra 2005 (10) SCC 675, and
submitted that in one establishment there can be employees
having separate duty hours.
14. In our opinion, the writ petition filed by the appellants
should have been dismissed by the High Court on the ground
of existence of an alternative remedy under the Industrial
Disputes Act. It is well settled that writ jurisdiction is
discretionary jurisdiction, and the discretion should not
ordinarily be exercised if there is an alternative remedy
available to the appellant. In this case there was a clear
alternative remedy available to the appellants by raising an
industrial dispute and hence we fail to understand why the
High Court entertained the writ petition. It seems to us that
some High Courts by adopting an over liberal approach are
unnecessarily adding to their load of arrears instead of
observing judicial discipline in following settled legal
principles. However, we may also consider the case on merits.”
14. The Government spends a huge amount on Kumbh/Simhasth
Melas being organized at such places. Even otherwise, when there is a
large number of a gathering of persons every day and in particular during
melas and other festival times, State has obligation to provide the basic
amenities to
the pilgrims. It is the bounden duty of the Government to
make proper arrangement to provide shelter places, for maintenance of
law and order and to sanction the amount without fear of violation of the
concept of secularism. Right to life includes mental and intellectual growth
which is laid down in Shantistar Builders v. Narayan Khimalal Totame
(1990) 1 SCC 520. In P.G. Gupta v. State of Gujarat & Ors. (1995)
Supp 2 SCC 182, considering the International covenant on economic,
social and cultural rights, food, clothing, and shelter have been held as
part of Article 21.
15. There is a constitutional obligation to preserve the religious
practices of all religions, culture and there is also a corresponding duty
to act in that direction. Similarly, such acts which are necessary for the
preservation of such historical monuments/deities. State is duty bound to
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spend the amount so that not only the archaeological, historical and ancient
monuments are preserved but sanctum sanctorum, as well as the deity
otherwise no useful purpose would be served by spending so much amount
on Simhastha/ Kumbh Melas in case deity, is itself permitted to be
deteriorated as it has happened at other places particularly nearby
Omkareshwar Jyotirlingam by offerings and rubbing it etc. has
deteriorated and now barricades have been erected around the lingam
and nobody is permitted to touch it. Same is true with respect to other
important temples of which reports have been filed. It is apparent from
the reports published about Omkareshwar that the administration had
banned offering of milk, ghee, water, curd and other traditional materials
to save the Jyotirlingam from further erosion. It is regrettable that we
have not been able to preserve and protect our Jyotirlingas of immense
importance and there was a proposal to install new Lingam at
Omkareshwar in place of original. In 2006, also there was a report of
erosion of Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlingam at Ujjain and it was feared that
Jyotirlingam owing to the two vertical carvings had enough chances of
splitting into three pieces in future. On the strength of a report of known
scientist referred to therein, who had observed Jyotirlinga since 1953, in
his opinion, if due care was not taken we will have to cut a sorry figure
in future. Mahakaleshwar is the oldest Jyotirlingam out of dwadash
(twelve) Jyotirlingams in the country. The main cause of constant erosion
of Lingam was water and other impure material.
16. News Report dated 7.7.2014 also reflects that Mahakaleshwar
temple management wanted experts to check the erosion that was caused
by impure puja materials like sugar, ghee, milk, and curd etc. It was
regretted that suggestion to establish kiosk of Sanchi milk in temple
corridor to ensure pure milk, ghee etc. to pilgrims was gathering dust.
Devotees have no option but to purchase sub-standard and adulterated
materials.
17. As per the report on famous ‘Mangalnath temple’ situated at
Ujjain itself, there special Puja and Abhishekam is performed for ‘Mangal
Grih Shanti’. The report indicates that District Administration has banned
offering of sugar, vermilion as rubbing thereof was causing damage to
the Shivling. Use of sugar had been banned with immediate effect as it
was causing highest damage and use of other materials had also to be
limited. Use of sub-standard and chemical contained vermilion and
turmeric powder was also proposed to be checked and it was decided
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that herbal articles would be made available for pooja. It is regrettable
that in temple of such immense importance the deities are being destroyed
due to aforesaid impure materials of Puja which are being offered. A
report dated 12.5.2014 had been placed on record indicating a ban on
touching idol of Muktinath Lingam inside Muktinath Temple in Mustang
district of Nepal. It was also mentioned that the Government team was
working on a master plan for the development of Muktinath temple.
Said temple is a holy place for Buddhists and Hindus.
18. There are other reports placed on record with respect to the
damage being caused to other important deities in the temple like
Mahalaxmi Temple at Kolhapur and Bhoramdev Shivling at Kavardha
in State of Chhattisgarh. Report of erosion of Shivling at Trimbakeshwar
temple in Nasik, Maharashtra. The report indicates that erosion is due to
use of excessive use of water etc.  We had initially called the suggestions
from Temple Committee itself for preservation of Linga.
INITIAL SUGGESTIONS OF TEMPLE COMMITTEE
19. In compliance of the order dated 5.5.2017 passed by this Court
the Temple Committee has filed following suggestions:
“2. That in compliance of the same the committee sought a
report from the Department of Geology, Vikram University,
Ujjain, Prof. p.k. Verma, Professor of Applied Geology
submitted the report. Hereto annexed and marked as
ANNEXURE R-1/3 is the true and correct
copy of the report
dated 11.06.2017.
3. It is submitted that as per the report of Professor Verma
dated 11.06.2017, the corrosion of Shivlinga is mainly due to
touching of Shivlinga with a variety of impure puja material
including adulterated milk, curd, sugar, sugarcane juice,
flowers etc during Abhishek or other special pooja which
are performed regularly, since time immemorial.
4. Though, as per the observation of Professor Verma, the
process of chemical reaction is supposed to be of very low
intensity, practically negligible. The other constituents (other
than silica) of the rock, however, are vulnerable to such
impure/adulterated pooja materials. He had suggested that
these chemical reaction & corrosion can be reduced by
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
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avoiding usage of the impure or chemically adulterated pooja
materials over Shivlinga.
5. That keeping in view the suggestion made by Professor
Verma and also with earnest desire of the temple committee to
protect any corrosion of Shivlinga, a special sub-committee
was constituted by the Collector, who also is the President of
the committee to discuss issue of corrosion as well as to explore
the proposal and remedial measures for avoiding any further
corrosion of Shivlinga. The sub-committee consisted of the
following 7 members.
6. The first meeting of the sub-committee took place on 13.06.2017
where the Food Controller of the State Government also participated in
the said meeting. After a detailed discussion on the remedial measures
to protect the corrosion of Shivlinga the following remedial measures
were proposed by the committee :
1.
Pt. Shri Anand Vyas, Archeologist
2.
Pt. Ghanshyam Sharma / Representative, Shri M.T.S., 
Ujjain
3.
Pt. Pradeep Sharma, Ex-Samiti member of Shri M.T.S., 
Ujjain
4.
Pt. Ashok Sharma – Purohit
5.
Shri Prakashendra Mathur, Archeologist
6.
Representative of Pollution Control Board
7.
Administrator, Shri Mahakaleshwar Mandir Samiti, Ujjain
S.No.
Subject
Suggestion
1.
Consideration/discussion 
on the milk to be offered 
to the God (Bhagwan)
There 
is 
a 
tradition 
of 
Dugdhbhishek of Bhagwan 
Mahakaleshwar. 
In 
this 
regard, it was suggested that 
high-quality milk   may   be 
used. There   must not be any 
adulteration 
in
the milk. 
Stringent 
rules 
may 
be  
made in this regard. For  this 
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purpose, 
the 
Temple 
Committee 
(Mandir 
Samiti) 
may 
make 
arrangement for milk at 
its own level. For this 
purpose, ‘Sanchi' can 
be used and in future, 
by upgrading Temple 
Gaushala 
more, 
the 
milk may be brought 
directly 
from 
the 
Gaushala to the temple 
and the milk imported 
from outside sources 
may 
be 
strictly 
prohibited.
2.
Consideration/discussion 
on the issue of Panchamrut 
Poojan (offering)
The 
Panchamrut 
ablution is done every 
day to God Shiva. In 
this 
regard, 
it 
was 
suggested 
that 
Panchamrut 
may 
be 
prepared by the Temple 
Committee/Samiti itself. 
For this purpose, it may 
provide 
high-quality 
milk and curd at its own 
level 
and 
may 
not 
directly mix sugar in the 
Panchamrut. For this 
purpose, 
sugar 
dust 
may 
be 
used. 
The 
quantity of Panchamrut, 
as already prescribed 
for 1 ¼ liter, may be 
complied with. Honey 
(Shahad) etc may be 
made available from the 
Gramodyog etc.
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ple 
dir 
ke 
at 
his 
an 
re, 
ple 
he 
ght 
he 
ple 
ed 
ces 
tly 
rut 
ery 
In 
was 
hat 
be 
ple 
elf. 
ay 
ity 
wn 
not 
he 
his 
ust 
he 
ut, 
ed 
be 
ey 
be 
he 
3.
Consideration / discussion 
on 
worship 
/ 
offering 
materials
On 
the 
shops 
situated 
outside 
the 
temple, 
the 
offering / worship 
articles 
are 
sold, 
viz. Abeer, Gulal, 
Kumkum 
(Saffron) 
etc. In this regard, it 
was suggested that 
the Mandir Samiti 
(Temple Committee) 
may fix a shop or the 
Samiti may itself run 
a shop where pure 
worship 
materials 
may be available. 
The 
worship 
materials being sold 
presently 
in 
the 
outside area of the 
Temple 
may 
be 
prohibited/restricted 
immediately.
4.
Discussion on ‘Jalpaatra’
For 
Jalabhishek 
(water 
ablution) 
of 
Bhagwan 
Mahakaleshwar, 
the 
Jalpatra 
has 
been 
installed 
at 
the 
Jaldwar (Watergate). 
The 
said 
Jalpatra 
may be cleaned every 
day with hot water so 
that the acid being 
gathered in the pipe 
etc 
may 
not 
be 
gathered/accrued.
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Hereto annexed and marked as ANNEXURE R-1/4 is the true
and correct copy of the minutes of the meeting dated
13.06.2017.
That the said proposal has been accepted by the committee
for implementation and the temple committee is accordingly
taking steps to protect the Shivlinga. The above proposal is
according submitted before the Hon’ble Court.”
5.
Consideration of the issue of 
constantly being big garland 
etc. on the ‘Jyotirling of 
Bhagwan (the God)'.
Constant 
Jalabhishek 
(water ablution) is done 
to 
the 
Bhagwan 
Mahakaleshwar 
from 
06 O’clock morning till 
4.30 PM in the evening. 
For this purpose, a big 
garland etc may remain 
constantly 
on 
the 
‘Jyotirling of Bhagwan’ 
so that water, milk etc. 
may not fall directly on 
the Jyotirling.
6
Consideration of the issue of 
a test of water, milk, and 
articles etc.
This 
suggestion 
was 
received in the meeting 
that the articles and 
materials from which 
the 
worship 
etc. 
of 
Bhagwan 
Mahakaleshwar is done 
every day, all these may 
be tested once, from 
which this fact may be 
clear 
that 
which 
material 
is 
positive/suitable for the 
Jyotirling 
and 
which 
materially affects the 
Jyotirling negatively.
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REPORT BY PROF. PRAMOD K. VERMA DATED 11.06.2017
20. A Report by Prof. Pramod K. Verma dated 11.6.2017 has
also been filed by the Committee in the form of Annexure R-1/3, which
is as under:
“JAI SHRI MAHAKAL
11th June 2017
   This brief description comprises visual observation of
Lord Mahakaleshwara Shiv Linga for its potential erosion
due to pooja offerings by devotees.
    By an invitation from Mahakaleshwara Mandir Samiti, I
along with Dr.Awadesh Bhatt visited the Lord Mahakaleshwar
Temple on 08th June 2017 at 2:00 pm for performing the
above task. For obvious reasons, it was possible to have an
only limited observation and thus, only torch and hand lens
was used.
The following observations were made: -
1. The Sacred Shiva Linga is approximately 2 feet in diameter
and 2 feet in height.
2. The Shiva Linga is made up of Sandstone (looks very
similar to Vindhya Sandstone which occurs in the nearby
areas).
3. The sandstone is of arenaceous in nature with the major
percentage of quartz clasts of the size generally less than 2
mm. The clasts are clearly visible through a hand lens.
4. The other clast material appears to be feldspar (orthoclase)
giving the rock a typical pinkish colour.
5. The matrix is also of an almost similar composition.
6. The cementing material is mostly siliceous. However, a small
amount of calcareous/feldspathic (not distinguished by lens
observation) cementing materials is also present.
7. The cementing material other than siliceous
matter is likely
to undergo dissolution when exposed to the acidic
environment. As a result, there may develop tiny depressions
(or pits) over the Shiva Linga.
shek 
done 
gwan 
from 
g till 
ning. 
a big 
main 
the 
wan’ 
etc. 
y on 
was 
eting 
and 
which 
of 
done 
may 
from 
y be 
which 
is 
r the 
which 
the 
y. 
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8. The depressions or pits may occur when adulterated/impure
pooja materials are offered over Shiva Linga during
Abhisheks. The corrosion, in the long run, may occur due to
touching of Shiva Linga with a variety of impure pooja
materials including adulterated milk, curd, sugar, sugarcane
juice, flowers etc during Abhishek or other special pooja
which are performed regularly.
10. Once even a small pit is formed, these materials may get
into the rock and, may try to loosen the bonding by various
chemical processes.
11. As the rock is largely composed of a siliceous material,
the process of chemical reaction is supposed to be of very
low intensity, practically negligible. The other constituents
(other than silica) of the rock, however, are vulnerable to
such impure/adulterated pooja materials.
12. A more systematic and scientific investigation may be
needed to come to a firm conclusion.
13. Nonetheless, at this stage, it is suggested that impure or
chemically adulterat4ed pooja materials must be avoided by
offering over Shiva Linga.”
21. The Minutes of the Meeting dated 13.6.2017 of the Temple
Committee have also been placed on record vide R-1/4. The relevant
portion is extracted hereunder:
“SHRI MAHAKALESHWAR MANDIR SAMITI,
UJJAIN
MINUTES OF MEETING DATED 13.06.2017
 Today a meeting was held in the Administrative office of
Mahakaleshwar Temple under the Chairmanship of Shri S.S.
Rawat, Administrator, and Joint
Collector, with regard to as
to how Lord Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga can be best
protected. The following members were present:-
1. Dr. Prakashendra Mathur
Archeologist
2. Pt. Pradeep Sharma
Ex-Samiti Member
3. Pt. Ashish Sharma
Representative of Pujari
4. Pt. Ashok Sharma
Purohit
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5. Shri D.V. S. Rawat
Pollution Department
6. Shri Shailesh Kumar Gupta
   Food Controller
A discussion was held by the members present at the meeting
in respect of erosion in the Jyotirling and following suggestions
were proposed by the Committee:-
S.N.
Subject
Suggestion
1.
Consideration/discussion 
on 
the milk to be offered to the 
God (Bhagwan)
There is a tradition of 
Dugdhbhishek 
of 
Bhagwan 
Mahakaleshw ar. In this 
regard, it was suggested 
that 
high-quality 
milk 
may be used. There must 
not be any adulteration 
in the milk. Stringent 
rules may be made in 
this 
regard. 
For this 
purpose, 
the 
Temple 
Committee 
(M andir 
Samiti) 
may 
make 
arrangement for milk at 
its own level. For this 
purpose, ‘Sanchi' can be 
used and in future, by 
upgrading 
Temple 
Gaushala more, the milk 
may be brought directly 
from the Gaushala to the 
temple 
and 
the 
milk 
imported from outside 
sources may be strictly 
prohibited.
2.
Consideration/discussion 
on 
the 
issue 
of 
Panchamrut 
Poojan (offering)
The 
Panchamrut 
ablution is done every 
day to God Shiva. In this 
regard, it was suggested 
that Panchamrut may be 
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prepared by the Temple 
Committee / Samit itself. 
For this purpose, it may 
provide high-quality milk 
and curd at its own level 
and may not directly mix 
sugar 
in 
the 
Panchamrut. For this 
purpose, sugar dust may 
be used. The quantity of 
Panchamrut, as already 
prescribed for 1 ¼ liter, 
may be complied with. 
Honey (Shahad) etc may 
be made available from 
the Gramodyog etc. 
3.
Consideration/discussion on 
worship/offering materials
On the shops situated 
outside the temple, the 
offering/worship articles 
suggestion in, viz. Abeer, 
Gulal, 
Kumkum 
(Saffron) etc. In this 
regard, it was suggested 
that the Mandir Samiti 
(Temple Committee) may 
fix a shop or the Samiti 
may itself run a shop 
where 
pure 
worship 
materials 
may 
be 
available. The worship 
materials 
being 
sold 
presently in the outside 
area of the Temple may 
be prohibited/ restricted 
immediately.
4.
Discussion on ‘Jalpaatra’
For Jalabhishek (water 
ablution) of Bhagwan 
Mahakaleshwar, 
the 
Jalpaatra 
has 
been
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mple 
tself. 
may 
milk 
level 
y mix 
the 
this 
may 
ty of 
eady 
liter, 
with. 
may 
from 
uated 
 the 
ticles 
beer, 
mkum 
this 
ested 
amiti 
may 
amiti 
shop 
rship 
be 
rship 
sold 
tside 
may 
ricted 
water 
gwan 
the 
been 
installed at the Jaldwar 
(Watergate). The said 
Jalpatra may be cleaned 
every day with hot water 
so that the acid being 
gathered in the pipe etc. 
may not be gathered/ 
accrued.
5.
Consideration of the issue of 
constantly being Sandstone 
garland etc on the ‘Jyotirling 
of Bhagwan (the God).
Constant 
Jalabhishek 
(water ablution) is done 
to 
the 
Bhagwan 
Mahakaleshwar from 06 
O’clock morning till 4.30 
PM in the evening. For 
this 
purpose, 
a 
big 
garland etc may remain 
constantly 
on 
the 
‘Jyotirling of Bhagwan’ 
so that water, milk etc 
may not fall directly on 
the Jyotirling.
6.
Consideration of the issue of 
a test of water, milk, and 
articles etc.
This suggestion in the 
meeting that the articles 
and 
materials 
from 
which 
the 
worship 
etc 
of 
Bhagwan 
Mahakaleshwar 
crowd 
every day, all these may 
be tested once, from 
which this fact may be 
clear that which material 
is positive/suitable for 
the Jyotirling and which 
materially 
affects 
the 
Jyotirling negatively.
SARIKA v. ADMINISTRATOR, SHRI MAHAKALESHWAR
MANDIR COMMITTEE, UJJAIN (M.P.) [ARUN MISHRA, J.]
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                                                                             Sd/-
     Administrator & Joint Collector
                                                Shri Mahakaleshwar Mandir Samiti
                                                                      Ujjain”
CONSTITUTION OF COMMITTEE OF ASI / GSI BY THIS
COURT
22. This Court vide order dated 25.8.2017 had constituted a
Committee of two officers of the Archaeological Survey of India and
two officers of the Geological Survey of India to submit the report.
Following is the relevant extract of the order:
“A proposal has been submitted by Mr. Tushar Mehta,
learned ASG for a constitution of an Expert Committee and
to nominate the names of two officers of Archaeological
Survey of India and two officers of Geological Survey of India.
It is submitted by Mr. Mehta that the officers are experts in
the field.
    The Central Government suggests the following team :
     The Union of India shall bear the expenses of the
Committee so formed. The Committee to study/survey/ analyze/
examine Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlingam of Ujjain (MP) and to
prepare a report containing the rate at which the deterioration
1.
For 
Archaeological 
Survey of India
1. Shri Madan Singh Chauhan, 
Regional 
Director, 
(Archaeologist), ASI, Central 
Region, Bhopal
2. Dr. V.K.Saxena, Director 
(Science), 
(Archaeological 
Chemist), ASI, Science Branch, 
Dehradun
2.
For Geological Survey 
of
India
1. Shri Hemraj Suryavanshi, 
Dy. Director, General, State 
Unit, Madhya Pradesh, GSI, 
Bhopal.
2. 
Shri 
L.L . 
Vishwakarma, 
Director, GSI, Bhopal
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in the size of Lingam is taking place, if any, and the measures/
steps/ precautions to be taken to ensure that this deterioration/
shrinkage of the Lingam stops. Let the Committee also study
the other structures and also the temple and submit what steps
are required to be taken to overall improve the entire premises
and for its preservation.
      Let the Committee make a study and report seeing as how
much deterioration of Lingam has taken place during the last
three-four decades and what remedial steps have to be
another part.
    Let the Committee submit a report be within a period of
four weeks from today. A copy of the report as and when
submitted be furnished to the learned counsel for the parties.
We request the Administrator to extend fullest co-operation.
     List the matter on Tuesday i.e. 03.10.2017.”
REPORT BY EXPERT COMMITTEE OF ASI/ GSI
23. Following is the report (excluding photographs) submitted by
the aforesaid Experts of ASI and GSI:
“REPORT
ON THE STUDY / SURVEY / ANALYSIS / EXAMINATION
OF MAHAKALESHWAR JYOTIRLlNGAM OF UJJAIN
(MP)
BY :
1: Madan Singh Chauhan, Regional Director, A.S.I., Central
Region, Bhopal
2: Dr. V.K. Saxena. Director (Science), A.S.I., Science, Branch
Dehradun
3: Hemraj Suryavanshi, Dy. Director General, GSI, Bhopal
4: L.L. Vishwakarma, Director (G.S.I.), Bhopal
ABOUT THE REPORT
This report is being submitted to the Additional Solicitor General
of India by the Committee Members of Archaeological Survey of
India
(ASI) and Geological Survey of India. Conservation status
auhan, 
ector, 
entral 
rector 
ogical 
ranch, 
anshi, 
State 
GSI, 
arma, 
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and the causes of decay/deterioration of the Jyotirlinga in general
on the basis of his knowledge of the subject and experience in the
field.
The report is divided into 4 (Four) Chapters.
1st Chapter of the report deals with the archaeological and religious
significance of the Mahakal temple and need for its proper
maintenance and restoration made by Madan Singh Chauhan,
Regional Director, ASI, Central Region, Bhopal.
2nd Chapter of the report deals with the general observations
made by Dr. V. K. Saxena, Director (Science), ASI with respect
to the overall decay/deterioration of the Jyotirlinga on the basis of
his knowledge of the subject and experience in the field.
3rd Chapter deals with the Geo-scientific study of the Shivalinga
made by Hemraj Suryavanshi Dy. Director General and L.L.
Vishvakarma, Director, Geological Survey of India, Bhopal.
4th Chapter deals with the suggestions and recommendations and
remedial measures.
CONTENTS
CHAPTER· I
1: 
-RELIGIOUS 
AND 
ARCHAEOLOGICAL
SIGNIFICANCE OF UJJAIN AND MAHAKAL TEMPLE
1.1: Introduction
1.2: Religious and historical significance
1.3: Prevalence of tangible and intangible heritage in Ujjain
1.4: Archaeological evidence
1.5: Mahakal temple and premise
1.6: Condition of garbhagriha and shivalinga
1.7     A:- Shivalinga, modification, and effect
       B:-Morning worship and material used in the worship
1.8: Maintenance and restoration of temple premise and activities
A
B
C
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CHAPTER - II
2: NATURAL (PHYSICO~CHEMICAL) WEATHERING
OF STONE WITH REFERENCE TO MAHAKAL
JYOTIRLlNGA
2.1 General Chemical Characteristics of Some of the Offerings
Used During Rituals:
     o Milk
       o  Dahi or curd
     o  Homemade deshi Ghee
     o  Honey
     o  Sugar products
     o  Sandal or Chandan
     o Bhang (Cannabis)
     o Abir or Gulal
       o Kanku or Kumkum
     o Fruit juices
       o Bhasm/ Ashes of cow dunks cake
     o Oil lamps, Dhoop or incense sticks
2.2. Natural Weathering of sandstone
A: Water - A major cause of the decay of stone
B: Biological decay or Biodeterioration of stone
2.3. Examination of the Mahakal Jyotirlinga and Garbhgriha
A: General Observation of the Jyotirlinga
B: Drainage facilities for the disposal of the liquids and solids
C: Electrical fittings
2.4. -Other Observations
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CHAPTER -III
GEO-SCIENTIFIC STUDY OF JYOTIRLINGAM
MAHAKALESHWER, UJJAIN
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Observation and studies of Jyotirlingam
3.2.1 Visual observation
3.2.2 Studies based instrument
3.2.2(a) Spectral studies by Spectroradiometer
3.2.2(b) Portable XRF studies
3.3 Water analysis by portable water analysis kit and ICP-MS
Instruments
3.3.1 Ash analysis
3.4 Discussion and interpretation
3.4.1 Extent of weathering
3.4.2 Causative factor
3.4.3 Weathering through ages
CHAPTER- IV
A: SUGGESTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
B: REMEDIAL MEASURES
DETAILS OF ANNEXURES
I. Worship schedule and offering material of Jyotirlingam,
Mahakaleshwer Temple, Ujjain
II. Spectroscopy study of Jyotirlingam of Mahakaleshwer temple,
Madhya Pradesh, XRF Study of Jyotirlingam of Mahakaleshwer
Temple, Ujjain
III(a) Approximate chemical analysis of Lingam rock by portable
XRF instrument
IV(a) Chemical analysis of water samples from Mahakaleshwer
temple premises, Ujjain
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B
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(b) Trace element analysis in water samples from Mahakaleshwer
premises Ujjain
IV(c) Chemical analysis of bhashma offered to Jyotirlingam: and
ash samples from Mahakal temple
1.1 INTRODUCTION: On the direction of the Additional
Solicitor General of India, the Director General, Archaeological
Survey of India, in his office letter no. 33/BO/2017-M dated
24.8.2017 recommended names of undersigned for the Committee
to assess the deterioration of Shivalinga of Mahakal Temple at
Ujjain and to prepare a report containing the rate at which the
deterioration in the size of Lingam is taking place during lost three-
four decades, if any, and the measures/steps/precautions to be
taken to ensure this deterioration/ shrinkage of the Lingam stops.
Beside that to study the other structures and also the temple and
submit what steps are required to be taken to the overall
improvement of the entire premise and for its preservation. In
pursuance of the direction, the temple known as Mahakal or
Mahakaleshwar at Ujjain was inspected by the Committee
Members jointly on 7.9.2017.
   Before putting the observation on the assessment of the
Shivalinga and temple of Mahakal and other subsidiary shrines
inside the premise it was felt inevitable by the committee to highlight
its Archaeological, Historical and religious significance so that, on
that perspective, an assessment could be made.
       In Ujjain, Mahakal temple is located in the west of the city
on the bank of River Kshipra
in ancient time that area was known
as Mahakala Vana (Mahakal forest). It is 192 km west of capital
city Bhopal and takes around three hours by road journey from
Bhopal to reach here.
         Mahakal temple is one of the most venerated temples known
by this name and one of the twelve famous Jyotirlingas shrines of
the country.
1.2 RELIGIOUS AND HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
The grandiose of Mahakal and Ujjain / Avanti occurs equally in
the ancient texts of Brahmanical, Buddhist and Jaina sects. Avanti
has been referred as country and Ujjain as its capital in the ancient
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texts. The first name of “Avanti “is liter in the Yajurveda for the
meaning of protection. It is said that Ujjain was also named as
Avanti and this name is nomenclatured after the name of Avanti:
a son of Kartaviryaarjuna of Mahishamati kingdom. In Meghadut
of Kalidasa, Abhidhanchintamani and in Naradapurana it was
termed as Avantika, Avantikapuri, Avantinagari or Avantikapur,
Vishala, Pushkarandini, Nandini, Amravati, Kanakashringa,
Kushasthali, Padmavati, Kumudvati, and Pratikalpa. It is believed,
existed in six kalpas and in each Kalpa it was called as
Swarnashringa, Kushasthali, Avantika, Amravati, Chudamoni, and
Padmawati. In kathasaritsagara, it is mentioned that Ujjain was
called in four names in four yugas like Padmavati Bhogawati,
Hiranyawati, and Ujaini. In Kuvalayamala its name is referred as
Kushal Nagari.
      It is said that during the churning of the sea by the gods and
demons then begun the wild scramble for immortality with the
demons chasing the gods across the skies and in the process, a
few drops of nectar were split and fell at Hardwar, Prayag, Nasik,
and Ujjain.
      There are different meanings of “Ujjain’ and ‘Ujhain”. It
means protection, a tradition wherein people worshipped Indra
for rain, in Gujarati and Prakrit it means a picnic, in Sanskrit, it is
called as udyan or garden. In the north Himalayan region, it means
attempt for any special task while in the Malwa tradition this word
is
called when people worship Lord Indra by keeping fast for
rain.
         ln Pali language it is called Ujani, in Prakrit Ujaiyani, Ptolemy
referred it as Ozen, Huen-Tsang calls it Ujayana, Arab geographer
referred it as Ujjhen and in the coins, name occurred as Ujani. In
the Mrichchakatika play of Sudraka of 5th century AD, Ujjain
was inhabited by various communities viz. Shakas, Tushars, Greeks,
Persians, Magadha, Kirata, Kalinga, Bongo, Mahishak, Chole,
Pandya, trader of Kerala and several prostitutes.
     In the Skandapurana there are references to seven seas or
Saptasagaras mentioned as Pushkar Sagara, Kshira Sagara,
Goverdhan Sagara. Rantnakar Sagara, Vishnu Sagara,
Purishottama Sagara and Rudra Sagara. The Rudra Sagara is
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mentioned in the Mahakal Vana (nearby the Mahakal temple).
As a religious city, Ujjain occupied the same place as of the
Benaras, Goya, Mayapuri, and Kanchipuram. By the 6th century
BC, Avanti with its capital at Ujjain is mentioned in Buddhist
literature as one of the four great powers along with Vatsa, Kosala,
and Magadha. Ujjain locates on the ancient trade route which
connected north India to the south via Mathura- Ujjain-
Mahishmati- Paithan and then to western Asia. Periplus gave the
accounts of Ujjain referred by him as Ozene is to the east of
Barygaza (Broach) which fed all commodities of the trade like
onyx, porcelain, fine muslins. mellow coloured muslins and cotton,
spikenard and costusbodellium. In the Udaipur, prashasti mentions
Vakati I of Paramara dynasty as the king of Avanti and they are
said to form their capital at Mahakala vana at present Ujjain. The
Mahipal and his kalachuri confederate Bhamana deva are said to
have conquered the territory up to banks of Narmada including
Ujjain and Dhar. The downfall of this wealthy city begun in 1234
with the invasion of IItutamish of Slave dynasty of Delhi who
along with the, also dismantled Mahakafa temple and in search of
treasure he dismantled Shivalinga from the jaladhari or pithika
and thrown into kotitirtha and picked up golden idols including idol
of Vikramaditya and brought to Delhi.
     During the time of Mughal king Akbar, a city wall was
constructed around the city for the defense of
Ujjainisand Nandi
Darwaja, Kaliadeh Darwaja, Sati Darwaja, Dewas darwaja and
Indore darwaja were the various entrances to the city.
      In 1658 a battle took place near Ujjain in which Aurangzeb
and Murad defeated Maharaja Jaswant Singh of Jodhpur who
was fighting on behalf of Prince Dara.
      Thereafter Sawai Jai Singh was made governor of Malva by
Muhammad Shah who built an observatory and several other
temples over there. In the 17th century, this region of Malwa
came under the sway of Maratha who constructed numbers of
temples in Ujjain and modern Ujjain came into existence. During
this period the artists especially painters of Poona and Kangra
styles flourished their art in the structures of Ujjain and distinctive
wooden carving on the balconies and galleries were decorated in
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Ujjain. Thereafter this legendary city of Ujjain came under the
control of Scindias from 1750- 1810. Ramoji Scindia was powerful
Sardar of Maratha who made Ujjain the capital of Malwa. He
remained always busy in the wars hence his diwan Ramachandra
baba look after the affairs of Ramoji Scindia. On the information
supplied by the local brahmins regarding dumping of Shivalinga
into the kotitirtha by Iltutamisha, Ramachandra baba exposed that
Shivalinga and installed inside the main place and constructed
temple over the original place. Thus present temple is of Maratha
period. In 1810 Doulat Rao Scindia shifted his capital at Gwalior
and subsequently, Ujjain lost its commercial importance.
1.3 PREVALENCE OF TANGIBLE AND INTANGIBLE
HERITAGE IN UJJAIN
As stated above that Ujjain is a very ancient city of great religious
and heritage significance even today there are numbers of temples
with living tradition existing over here preserving both tangible
and intangible heritage of the country. Apart from the Mahakal
temple, other known temples in Ujjain are 84 temples dedicated
to Lord Shiva in different names as below;
1: Augusteshwara Mahadev,
2: Gurihshwar Mahadev,
3: Dudeshwar Mahadev,
4: Damrukeshwar Mahadev,
5: Anadikalpeshwor Mahodev,
6: Swaranjaleshwar Mahadev,
7: Tivisthpeshwar Mahadev,
8: Kapaleshwar Mahdev,
9: Swargdwareshwar Mahadev,
10: Karkotakeshwar Mahadev,
11: Siddheshwar Mahadev,
12: Lokapaleshwar Mahadev,
13: Kameshwar Mahadev,

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14: Kutumbeshwar Mahadev,
15: Indradumneshwar Mahadev,
16: Ishaneshwar Mahadev,
17: Apsareshwar Mahadev,
18: Kolkleshwor Mahadev,
19: Nagchandreshwar Mahadev,
20: Pratihareshwar Mahadev,
21: Kukuteshwar Mahadev,
22: Karkateshwar Mahadev,
23: Meghnadeshwar Mahadev,
24: Mahalayeshwar Mahadev,
25: Mukteshwar Mahadev,
26: Someshwar Mahadev,
27:Anarkeshwar Mahadev,
28: Jateshwar Mahadev,
29: Rameshwar Mahadev,
30: Chavaneshwar Mahadev,
31: Khandeshwar Mahadev,
32: Pattaneshwar Mahadev,
33: Anandeshwar Mahadev,
34: Kanthadeshwar Mahadev,
35: Indraeshwar Mahadev,
36: Markandeshwara Mahadev,
37: Shiveshwara Mahadev,
38: Kusumeshwara Mahadev,
39: Akrureshwara Mahadev,
40: Kundeshwara Mahadev,
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41: Lumpeshwara Mahadev,
42: Gangaeshwara Mahadev,
43: Angarkeshwar Mahadev.
44: Utaareshwar Mahadev,
45: Trilochaneshwara Mahadev,
46: Veereshwara Mahadev,
47: Nripeshwara Mahadev,
48: Abhayeshwara Mahadev,
49: Prithukeshwara Mahadev,
50: Sthavareshwara Mahadev,
51: Shooleshwara Mahadev,
52: Onkareshwara Mahadev,
53: Shree Vishveshwara Mahadev,
54: Kanheshwara Mahadev,
55: Singheshwara Mahadev,
56: Revanteshwora Mahadev,
57: Ghanteshwara Mahadev,
58: Prayageshwara Mahadev,
59: Siddheshwara Mahadev,
60: Matangeshwara Mahadev,
61: Soubhageshwara Mahadev,
62: Rupeshara Mahadev,
63: Sahastradhanukeshwara Mahadev,
64: Pashupateshwara Mahadev,
65: Brahameshwara Mahadev,
66: Jalpeshwara Mahadev,
67: Kedareshwara Mahadev,
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68: Pishachamukteshwara Mahadev,
69: Sangameswar Mohadev,
70: Dudhareshwar Mahadev,
71: Yogeshwar Mahadev.
72: Chandradityayeshwara Mahadev,
73: Karbheshwar Mahadev,
74: Rajsthaleshwar Mahadev,
75: Badleshwar Mahadev,
76: Aruneshwar Mahadev,
77: Pushpadanteshwara Mahadev,
78: Abhimukteshwara Mahadev,
79: Hanumanteshwara Mahadev,
80: Swapneshwara Mahadev,
81: Pingleshwara Mahadev,
82: Kayavarohaneshwar Mahadev,
83: Bitkeshwar Mahadev, Durdureshwar Mahadev.
       These Mahadeva’s temples are in the Ujjain city itself while
out of eighty-four the temples of four are within the same premise
of the Mahakaleshwara temple. These are Anadikalpeshwara
Mahadev, Thrivisthapreshwara Mahadev, Chandradityeshwara
Mahadev, and Swapneshwara Mahadev.
     Besides Shiva temples in the city, there are nine temples
dedicated to lord Vishnu known by “Nau Narayana” (nine
Narayana) are; 1: Ananta Narayana, 2: Satya Narayana, 3:
Purushottama Narayana, 4: Adi Narayana 5: Shesha Narayana,
6: Padma Narayana, 7: Laxmi Narayana, 8: Badri Narayana, 9:
Chaturbhuja Narayana.
      Other religious and heritage places are Avanti devi temple,
Bade Ganesh temple, Harsiddhi Shakti Peeth, Ramghat, Datta
Akhada, Chaubis Khamba, Gopal Temple, Yogeshwar tekri (Tope),
Nagar kot Maharani temple, Chaunsath Yogini, Sandipani Ashram,
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Mangalnath, Angareshwor, Ramajanardan temple, Chitragupta
temple, Gada Kalika temple, Vindhyavasini temple, Tomb of
Matsyanath, Bhrutahari cave, Kalbhairava temple, Siddhvatta,
Kaliadehmahal, Ashtachiranjivi, Rinmukteshwar, Aagyabetal, Veer
Durgadas ki chhatri, Vedshala, Chintamani Ganesha, Novagriha
temple, Iskon temple, Ramanujakot, and Archaeological Museum.
1.4 ARCHAEOLOGICAL EVIDENCE:
      The site of ancient Ujjain is not however identical with the
modern city of Ujjain. As the time passed, the so-called Mahakal
vana converted into a populous city while the ancient city is now
a desolate waste and known as Garh which is situated at the
north of the modern city of Ujjain and converted into a tabled land
of about 9 - 15 m above the adjoining plain.
      The excavation carried out in the pre-independent era and
after was done in a different location nearby the city. In the first
excavation of the site in Ujjain in 1938-39 Garde, its archaeological
potentiality was proved by the findings of a large miscellany of
coins, terracotta, beads, and pottery etc. after that further
excavation was carried out in vaishya tekri, kumhar tekri and
pallevali or kankar tekri where excavation yielded brick stupas.
In the Kumahar tekri, other antiquities were also recovered dated
of 1st century BC. Thereafter further excavation was carried out
in 1955-58 and 1964-65.
         In 1955 - 58, Site of excavation was chosen at Garh
Kalika
mound where significant result was found in; period I; 750 to 500
BC; black and red ware, bright- redware, double slipware and
few sherds of PGW and remains of rampart and remains of mud
brick fortification of about 74.67 to 197 m wide enclosed by moat,
evidence of road of 7.32 m wide, other objects of iron which may
go back about 1000 BC. In period 11, NBPW with the association
of thick grey ware and unslipped redware remains of structure
made of mud, mud brick and stone rubble, ring wells, punch mark
coins and ivory seal bearing inscription dated 2nd century BC
was obtained. In period III, evidence included antiquities and
remains dated in three phases i.e. from Sunga, Satvahana,
Kushana, and Gupta period (200 BC-SOO AD). From late Gupta
to early Parmara period (500AD- 900 AD) and from Parmara to
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Muslim (900 - 1300 AD). In the period IV, apart from other
antiquities coins of Aurangazeb, Shah Alam, Daulat Rao Scindia
and Jankoji Rao Scindia were recovered.
      In 1964- 65 excavations a small structure of limestone basin
was found associated with NBP.
1.5 MAHAKAL TEMPLE AND PREMISE: There are total
142 small and large temples including Mahakal temple inside the
temple premise, of them, some are raised independently on the
floor of the premise and some attached in the niches and cells of
the main and other temples but all are counted and venerated
separately. At the south-west of the Mahakal temple has
Anadikalpeshwar Mahadev temple on a slightly raised platform
now converted into a new construction in red stone flooring all
around the temple and steps at the north side for reaching to the
temple. This temple also faces east and consists of a Nandi
mandapa, saonotnorciooa, mandapa, and garbhagriha. Garbhgriha
enshrines a Shivalinga within jaladhari. The garbhagriha, mandapa,
and pillars of sabhamandapa and Nandi mandal appear old while
the roof of the latter two are new constructions and painted in
pink colour.
   On the right of the Anadikalpeshwar temple has
Briddhakaleshwar temple on the same level of floor as the former
laid in red stone flooring like Anadikalpeshwar, this temple is also
repaired with unmatched paintings on the roof of main shikhara
and mandapa, while on the walls of mandapa, new stones are
added in between the pillars to cover
the mandapa.
       Just backside of the Briddhakaleshwar temple is a small shrine
constructed only to enshrine an old sculpture of Lord Vishnu which
is now in a poor state of preservation as a thick patina of oil and
other offering material has been developed over this image.
     On the east side of the Anadikalpeshwar and Briddhakaleshwar
temples are other shrines of various dimensions dedicated to
different deities. All these are painted in pink and red colors. They
all are raised on the different level of the floor covered in red
stone flooring. All the shrines are more or less modified with marble,
red stone, and modern tile flooring and paintings of many different
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colors especially at the inner sides of the shrines. In some of the
temples like Balavijaya Maruti temple whole interior and exterior
has been changed with modern tiles used on the floor and walls.
     On the west side of the Mahakal temple is kotitirtha (ancient
pond) surrounded by the modern structures and dharamshalas at
north, west and south sides. In between the kotitirtha and structures,
there is a sufficient space developed with stone steps all around
for leading to the kotitirtha. Besides that, numbers of miniature
shrines raised in four pillars and topped by round dome like shikhara
enshrining each with Shivalinga, are built around the pond indicating
of kotitirtha (innumerable pilgrimage).
      Beside that numbers of small shrines are raised at the front
side (east-north) of the main temple in varying sizes and
dimensions.
     The garbhagriha (sanctum) of Mahakal appears basically a
cave enshrined with Shivalinga. It is quite deep below the ground
level. There is no physical evidence available there about the
construction of original temple, but as of now, the temple existing
over the main sanctum is of very late period probably of Maratha
period (18th century AD) wherein some of the traits of bhumija
style of Parmara period appears adopted in the walls and shikhara
of the shrine. Therefore, it can be inferenced that prior to this
temple of Maratha period, here was the temple in the Bhumija
style of
which traits were adopted in the present temple.
    Over the sanctum, Mahakal temple faces east, supported by
total 48 pillars arranged in 7 rows but when sanctum, where the
main Jyotirlingam enshrines, is entered, it can be reached from
two the narrow passages from east and west sides through two
doorframes on the south and the north sides. The general public is
allowed to enter through north side doorframe while south
doorframe has been used by the staff and VIPs for entering into
the garbhagriha (sanctum). The south side doorframe is
composed of three shakhas and is approached by a flight of steps
down to the ground floor whence another doorframe of plain design
opens at south into the garbhgriha.
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      On the north side, doorframe, plain in design, has cladded in
silver metal and ornamented in religious figurines, symbols and
canopied by snake at the fintel.
     In the premise, Mahakal temple occupies a central place.
Besides that, there are about 142 other temples in small and large
size constructed within the premise. Of them Briddhakaleshwar
and Anadikalpeshwar temples are considerably larger and almost
corresponding in core style and both locates at south of the Mahakal
temple, other dedicated to Sakhshigopal, Veerbhadra Mahadev,
Ichcha Ganesh, Mangalnath Avantikadevi, Koteshwar Mahadev,
Rakeshwar Mahadev, Suryamukhi Hanuman, Balahanuman,
Bhadrakali, Siddha tantra, Ram mandi, Narsimha,
Nilakantheshwar, Kashivishvanath, Annapurna Devi, Gayatridevi,
vitthalnath ere are small. Mahakal temple is constructed in three
floors above the ground floor. Each floor at the front is provided
by a portico supported with pillars.
     The underground floor is dedicated to the Mahakal wherein
garbhagriha enshrines a shivalinga, ground floor to Omkareshwar
wherein another small shivaling enshrines, the first floor has a
cell, and second consists of a sanctum with Shivallinga, also a
sculpture of Nagchandreshwar is placed inside a niche on the
north wall of the 2nd floor and covered by a glass window.
      On the south side at the ground floor, a doorframe opens into
narrow steps leading to the 1st and 2nd floors which appear not
for general public but only
for pujaris for worshipping
Nagchandreshwar. It appears that prior to Maratha period whole
temple might have constructed in parmara style and when fallen
it was probably attempted to restore in the same style but could
not be adopted in ditto, therefore, a new Pushpa had evolved with
a blend of Parmara - Maratha style. Architecturally, the temple
can be classified into three broad part from below to top consisting
of vedibandha, jangha, and shikhara. From the ground, each
projection raises equally up to the jangha and then to the top
where it terminates into a large finial. On the ground floor, there is
each portico provided on the north, west and south sides to enter
the sanctum of this floor by doorframe of plain design. There is
no extraordinary decoration on the outer walls except moldings at
lower walls and miniature shrines at the shikhara. At the ground
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level whole temple has been supported with 48 pillars on front
side and pilasters on the corners of the walls.
1.6: - CONDITION OF GARBHAGRIHA AND
JYOTIRLINGA/ SHIVLINGA/ LINGAM
    In the ground floor, the garbhogriho of Mahakal is almost a
square cell measuring 4.16 x 4.16 m enshrining with a Shivalinga
within jaladhari with silver encasing measuring a length of 2.08 m
and dia in 1.27 m. Generally, the mouth of jaladhari opens into the
north side but here it opens at the east direction.
    The inner walls and ceiling of the sanctum are cladded with
the silver sheets and decorated with different religious symbols
and images and niches on the east, west and north walls are
provided and enshrined with a metal sculpture of Kartikeya,
Ganesha, and Goddess Parvati respectively and they are in
folkish style. In 1996 these sculptures made of silver were placed
inside the niches which earlier were in marble stones.
     A silver sheet embossed with tracery has been provided on
walls of the garbhgriha in 2016. The walls are tracered in two
parts; the lower half with the motifs of (+) design while upper
with the motifs of Pushpa, Kalasha, trishula, swasthik,
ardhachandra, shankha, dhanusha-Bana, gada, kamandal,
Nandi, chimta, swastika dwaja, Simha and such many other
religious symbols.
     The ceiling has been interestingly incised with Rudrayantra of
271 distichs. We were informed by the local Pujaris that this silver
ceiling has been provided in 1996 when earlier ceiling which was
of silver plaque inlayed with stones, were fallen. The yantra was
recreated in the same style as it was in original and installed in the
silver sheet and fixed slightly upward than the earlier one.
   There are two silver lamp-stands (deepdaan) inside the
garbhagriha on either side of the Shivalinga which originally are
of stone but encased in brass. In 1994 brass encasing of both
were replaced with silver cladding.
1.7 A: -SHIVALINGA, MODIFICATION, AND EFFECT
Shivalinga/ Jyotirlinga of Mahakal is considered as sthavara or
Achala and Swayambhulinga or Uttamottamalinga (most
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superior linga). In the kamikagama, Swayambhulinga is described
as one which rose up and came into existence by itself and had
existed from time immemorial. As such even if such type of linga
is slightly damaged they need no jirnodhwaro (re- setting up).
      In the garbhagriha sandstone shivaling is directly rose at
the center and within the jaladhari (Saluka) facing east. It is
67.5 cms in height and 42.97 cms India within the jaladhari of
127 cms India and 208 cms in length. In 28.12.1924 portion of
Jalandhari of silver which cost 12 and was stolen from the main
temple, another jaladhari of silver were installed in 20.9.1925
along with a brass parapet (Katra) around the shivalinga. In 1994
again brass parapet donated by the devotee was replaced with
silver. There is no brahamasutra line found on the east surface of
the shivalinga rather in place of it, two semi-round lines at the
bottom are, in such a way that one line comes within the other.
This sort of line appears natural not by the man-made. On the
same side, the depressions have occurred on the bottom and lower
side. On the west surface of shivalinga, depressions are noticed
at the bottom and lower side while on the upper side they are
least. On the north side, there is no depression noticed. On the
south side. whence devotees can have a view the Shivalinga from
the hall, there is no such depression noticed except a round delve
on the bottom occurred due to chipped off.
      There is a
tradition of six-time worships performed in a day
inside the garbhogriha and it is called as Bhasma Arti, Datyodak,
Bhoga Arti, sandhya pooja, sandhya arti and shayana arti. These
worships the starting from early morning to night between 4-6
am, 7 - 7:45 am, 10 - 10:45 am, 5 - 5:45 pm, 7 - 7:45 pm and 10-
10:45 pm respectively. The main ingredients offered in the pooja
are water, milk, curd, honey, ghee and sugar, liquid perfume, a
pest of sandalwood, pest of cannabis and flowers. In the first
morning pooja apart from these, the ash of dry cow-dung has
sprinkled over the shivalinga at the last.
     There are 37 families of Brahmins of Ujjain who are responsible
for conducting pooja in the temple in a traditionally scheduled time
and for each pooja, at least 3 to 5 Poojaris are deployed at a time
and in special occasion more are deployed.
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B: - MORNING WORSHIP AND MATERIAL USED IN
THE WORSHIP
     A group of Brahmins attends the Mahakal pooja at morning
hour wherein at least five Brahmins take part. Morning worship
of Lord Mahakal is very interesting. It starts at around 4 am daily
and for that devotees remains in the queue since early midnight
so that they could have a view of the god and pour a lota of water
over the Shivalinga.
      At the beginning every devotee pours water over Shivalinga
one by one and then worship starts with chanting of mantras and
offering of doodh (milk), shakkor (sugar), dahi (curd), shahad
(honey), panchamrita (mixture of five], gangajal and at last itra
(liquid perfume) over the linga (liquid perfume) over the linga.
After offering of all these stuff, shivalinga is cleaned by the water
then process of decoration begins followed by putting handful pile
of cooked rice on the top of the shivalinga then three garlands one
by one around the pile, preparing of forehead by using pest of
sandalwood, then pundarika, eyes, nose, lips etc. The eyes are
decorated by putting silver pieces and lips by Vermilion, thus a
face of Shiva is prepared towards the south side of linga whence
it can be viewed by devotees seating at the south side hall. At
least five Brahmins attend the pooja of them one does this
ornamentation, other perform other activities like giving articles
(samagri) to him, cleaning and bringing other parts of the sanctum
and providing other articles of worship (pooja samagris) into the
garbhagriha. After completing decoration, a garment is worn over
the Shivalinga in such a way that top and sides the while face
remains open. Then kundala, kapalamala made of silver are worn
followed by a chhatra, over the Shivalinga, made of same metal.
After that worship begins by offering dhoop with a dhoopadan
made of silver. After that Shivalinga is covered by a garment and
one of the Pujari made an announcement that lady devotee may
avoid to see the Shivalinga now, because they were going to pour
dry ash of cow dung (bhasma) over the Shivalinga. , is a kind of
indication of digamber (nude) form of Shiva that’s why lady
devotees are called to veil. By doing so poojari takes a bale of ash
in his right hand and sprinkles over the Shivalinga till it is finished
and for that, it takes around five to seven minutes while the whole
process of pooja takes more than one and half hour to finish.
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       At last, Shivalinga is cleared from the articles offered over
the linga and ornamentation and one by one Arti added earlier for
decoration is removed and it is cleaned again by the plain water.
Thereafter group of ladies of the city enter the garbhagriha to
offer milk over the lingo followed by other devotes, thus the order
of coming devotees and pouring milk over the redware begins
whole day except the pooja hours as referred above. In the pooja
of 5 pm, the decoration of the lingo is again done almost in the
same pattern as stated above while in the rest four pooja at 7 am,
10 am, 7 pm and 10 pm decoration is not done.
     As per the information provided by the temple poojari the
offering material used in the morning pooja includes; milk (5 litre)
curd (1 kg), ghee (1 kg), honey (1 kg), sugar (250 grams),
sandalwood paste (100 grams), cannabis (100 grams), liquid
perfume, abeer (100 gram), gulaal (100 grams), kanku (100 grams),
rice (250 grams), garland (5 nos), flowers (1 kg), vilvapatra (1008
nos), gangajal, gulabjal, juice of fruits (5 kg), coconut water (1
litre) and juice of sugarcane (litre). For the decoration of lingo
cannabis (1 kg), cashew nut (250 gram), almond (250 grams),
pistachios (250 grams) and chooroli (250 grams).
1.8 MAINTENANCE AND RESTORATION OF TEMPLE
PREMISE AND ACTIVITIES
      As stated above, in the temple premise has numbers of small
and large temples corresponding to more or less in architecture to
each other. But
except main temple and walls of Briddhakaleshwar
and Anadikalpeshwar temples, rest of the shrines are reflected as
modern temples due to modification, crappy restoration and
paintings are done in white, cream and red colours.
   At the interior of the main temple, silver cladding in the
garbhagriha, tiles in the walls of the passage leading to
garbhagriha, tiles in the walls of cells and niches, tiles on the
first and second floors have been provided. In the Anadikalpeshwar
temple, the roof of the sabhamandapa and mandapa are altered.
In the Anadikalpeshwar temple, the roof and walls of the mandapa
have been replaced with new one. In the Balavijay Hanuman
temple whole the interior and exterior walls and roof of the temple
has been replaced with modern vitrified tiles and painting and
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pillars, arches of outer courtyard and ceilings with oil paintings.
The floor of the premise is constructed in red flog stones and
level of the floor of each temple arranged with steps. Besides
that, some new constructions have been also constructed between
the old temples and some are still going on in the premise.
     Apart from the daily worship in the temple, there are other
activities being carried out and looked after by the Mahakaleshwar
Temple Management Committee. These activities are:
A: Daily cleaning of the temple premise, gaushala, Vedic
samsthan, Vikram Kirti Mandir, rasoi of the temple and
surrounding area of the temple premise. Cleaning is done by
outsourcing.
B: Rasoi is maintained by the committee wherein about 55-60
staff is engaged in cooking and serving bhog to the visitors free
of cost. The Bhog is available from morning 11:00 am to night
11: 00 pm.
C: An another Laddu Prasad unit is also being run by the
committee, which cooked laddu as a prasad and sale to the
devotees every day,
D: Temple committee runs two ambulances for giving medical
assistance to the peoples of nearby villages. One doctor and one
nurse have been also engaged to render free medical checkup
and medicines to the public.
E: One Shavavahan is kept for free carrying of dead bodies to
deliver at the cremation place for the funeral. It is a free service.
F: One bus is also run by the committee for carrying visitors to
show
important religious places of Ujjain.
G: In the pravachan hall several programmes are organized in the
month of the Sravan month (Monday), Uma sanjhimahotsava
in Ashvin month which includes preaching by renowned kathakar,
shastriyo sangeet, and other cultural programmes like
bharatnatyamma etc. programme.
H: Temple Vedic Sansthan is established to educate students of
class VI to XlI on Vedic literature and Sanskrit. Presently about 6
teachers are educating 70 students in the Sansthan.
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I: Temple committee is maintaining gaushala at Chintamani area
wherein about 100 cows are reared. The milk of the cow has
been used in the worship and other ceremonies of the temple.
CHAPTER -11
NATURAL (PHYSICO~CHEMICAL) WEATHERING OF
STONE 
WITH 
REFERENCE 
TO 
MAHAKAL
JYOTIRLINGA
In this chapter, natural causes (Physico-Chemical) of weathering
of stone in the context of Jyotirlinga have been discussed in general
keeping in view the offerings (ingredients) used during the prayers/
rituals of the lingam.
       Rituals including Bhasm (Ash) Aarti and Abhishekas on the
lingam starts right from the dawn of the day and continue throughout
with short intermittent breaks. A large number of devotees visit
the temple daily and offer many ingredients and puja samagree as
a part of the ritual with great religious belief and Astha. The number
of devotees increases appreciably on any auspicious day or during
festivals. These offerings due to their physical or chemical
characteristics may interact differently with the minerals of natural
stone (Ungam). This continuous interaction, in the long run, may
be responsible for appreciable damage to the substrate (Lingam).
2.1 General Chemical Characteristics of Some of the
Ingredients:
      It is important and imperative to consider the Normal Chemical
Characteristics of the ingredients which are generally offered by
the devotees in order to have a better understanding of the
physicochemical or Geo-Chemical Interactions
of these products
with the stone of which this jyotirlinga is carved out. These are
briefly discussed below:
Milk:   The  milk  is  a  biological  fluid  having  following  gross
composition:
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The pH of normal pure milk generally varies from 6.5 to 6.7.
Source:   Handbook   of   Chemistry;   DOI  10.1  007/978-3-642-
41609-5_31-1.2015, page
Dahi (Curd):
Physico Chemical analysis of Dahi in percentage
Homemade Desi Ghee:
The chemical composition of Homemade Pure Ghee:
Small chain saturated fatty acid (SFA): 12.5% Mono-saturated
fatty acid (MUFA): 19.91% Long Chain fatty acids (SFA): 73.77%
Medium-chain Fatty acid (SFA): 20.17%
Honey:
Average Composition of floral  and honeydew Honey  is  as
below:
 Protein Ash  Total  
 Lactose pH  Total plate Total coli

dissolve

count  
form count

solid

3.60 3.27 
0.68± 15.63  
± 4.73±0. 5.05 7.68 ±0.01 2.32±0.11  
±  
0.43  
0.02  0.1  
01  
±

0.50 
0.21 
Colour flavor 
Refractive Moisture

Index

Acidity 
White Pleasant Granular 29°C 1.4530 
0.4 
3.0

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Sugar Products:
Avergage Chemical Composition of Sugar Products is:
coli 
count 
±0.11 
Characteristics or 
Floral Honey (%)  
Honey Dew Honey (%) 
Constitution

1 
Granular Tendency Few clumps of crystals
1/8 to each layer   
Few clamps of crystals 
1/16 to 1/8 inch layer 
2  
Colour  
Dark half of White  Light of amber
Moisture  
17.2  
16.3

Laevulose  
38.19  
31.80  
6  
Sucrose  
1.31  
0.80  
7  
Maltose  
7.31  
8.80  
8  
High Sugar  
1.50  
4.70  
9

3.91  
4.45  
 Free acidity  
22.03  
49.07

Lactones  
7.11  
5.08  
12  Total acidity  
29.12  
54.88  
13  Ash  
0.16  
0.73  
cidity 
0 
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Composition  
Average in percentage  
Sucrose  
8.1-8.7%  
Reducing Sugar  
3-6%  
3  
Oligosaccharides  
0.06- 0.6%  
4  
Polysaccharides  (including   
Gums and Dextrans)  
0.2-0.8%
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Sandal (Chandan):
Major compositions of sandalwood powder or Oil are: Alpha
Santatot - 41.0 - 55% and Beta Santalol- 41.0- 55 %.
Bhang (Cannabis):
The buds and leaves of Cannabis are ground into a paste to prepare
Bhang. The Biodeterioration component is Cannabidiol and delta-
9-tetrahydrocannabinol.
These compounds believed to have Antifungal, Antibacterial and
Antibiotic property.
Abir or Abeer and Gulal:
If these products are not derived from natural flowers/herbs, may
contain synthetic dyes which are manufactured through the
chemical process most likely with non-standard parameters and
hence the resulting colours may have toxic effects of abrasion on
sensitive objects.
Kanku (Kumkum):
It is either made from turmeric or any other local material. The
dried turmeric powder is mixed with slaked lime which turns the
rich yellow colour of the turmeric into a red colour. Modern
Kumkum (Sindoor) mainly uses Vermilion. Orange-red pigment
vermilion is purified and powdered form of cinnabar or mercury
sulfide.
Fruits Juices:
On many occasions, devotees offer fruit juices of a different
variety. These fruit juices may have a different chemical
composition and pH value depending upon the nature of the fruit.
The pH value of some of the fruit juices is given below. This pH
value represents the acid or basic character of any solution.
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Bhasm / Ashes of
Cow Dung Cakes:
We have been informed that ashes of Cow Dung Cakes are being
used during the Bhasm Aarti. Good quantity of ash is generally
used every day through sprinkling using a muslin cloth. Sample
has been collected and our preliminary analysis (XRF) (courtesy:
Wadio Institute of Himalaya Geology, Dehradun) revealed that
the ash collected is quite rich in Silica Content (around 63%),
Oxide of Calcium (10.75%), oxide of Magnesium, Aluminium,
Phosphorous, Potassium, Iron and traces of oxides of Titanium
and Manganese. The solubility of the Bhasma in water is almost
negligible, however, in acid, it is sparingly soluble.
Microscopic observation of the bhasmas carried out in the
laboratories of the Director (Science) Dehradun revealed the

Seasonal Fruits (Juice)

5.36  
2

3.60-4.30

3.30- 4.00  
4

3.40-4.80  
5  
Watermelon  
5.18-5.60  
6  
Pineapple  
3.20-4.00  
7  
Pomegranate  
2.93-3.20

Papaya  
5.20-6.00

Guava

Orange  
3.30-4.19

Grapes  
3.00-3.75  
12  
Sugarcane  
5.2-6.8 (Crude Juice 
13  
Coconut water  
1.5- 5.2  
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amorphous-crystalline character of the Bhasm. This characteristic
of the Bhasm expected to have abrasive action on the soft objects.
Burning of Oil Lamps, Dhoop or Essence Sticks:
     Oil lamps, Dhoop or essence sticks use carbon/charcoal powder
mixed with some oil and aromatic compounds. When allowed to
burn, thick smoke or fumes are emitted into the air which generally
creates the biofilm of black soot on the interior wall surface of the
temple. This may be aesthetically unpleasing but more importantly,
may induce a slow process of decay in the material on which it
deposits.
Note: Above analytical data represent the chemical composition
and general characteristics of the materials as per references
available and does not speak about the actual materials except
Bhasm being used during the rituals or about any sample of those
materials.
2.2. NATURAL WEATHERING OF THE SANDSTONE
Sandstones are Clastic Sedimentary Rock and are susceptible to
decay if exposed to the natural environment or manmade adverse
deteriorating conditions. (Details of the formation/genesis of such
rocks and their geological/mineralogical properties are
discussed in Part 3 of the report).
While examining the Mahakal Jyotirlinga, its decay/ damage/
deterioration due to the use of different ingredients used during
the daily ritual, it is necessary to refer to the Natural weathering
process of Sandstone of which this Jyotirlinga is carved out.
It is
very important, but also very difficult to assess where the
natural process of weathering of stone finishes and the damage
induced in the stone due to human activity starts to exacerbate
stone decay. To recognize the mechanisms of stone decay it is
necessary to examine the natural processes of weathering.
A: Water - A Major Cause of Decay of Stone:
Stone decay depends on many factors. The wet climate is one of
the slipware factors of decay and ingress of water or moisture in
the core of the stone causes dissolution of active mineral cement
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(Fe and Mg Carbonates]. The decay of feldspars and the swelling
of kaolinite further weaken the subsurface, the weak zone
encouraging the detachment of the surface patina, and granular
disintegration subsequently. As a result, the most common decay
types encountered include granular disintegration, pitting, blistering,
flaking, dissolution, the formation of fissures, and crust formation.
The precise character and the effects of, depending on the
mineralogy of the rock and durability of sandstone, therefore,
depends on its framework mineral composition and secondary
cement.
The environment of High humidity is equally injurious to stone as
it keeps the stone wet for a long time and triggers the process of
solubilization of minerals. Water may contain some soluble salts
and ingress of water in the matrix of the stone may carry these
salts within the stone. Wet and dry cycle thereafter cause
efflorescence of salt on the surface and may result in peeling off
of the top layer of the stone.
B: Biological Decay or Bio-deterioration of sand Stone:
The qualitative and quantitative development of Biological
Elements on stone and resulting process of Biological Decay is
strictly linked to environmental conditions as a whole.
The biological decay of stone may be induced as a result of Bio-
Geo-Chemical interactions of the microbiological metabolites
secreted by different categories of macro and microbiological
species with the stone matrix. These biological species
may be
Phototrophic or Non-phototrophic.
In the present context, non-phototrophic biological species have a
significant role to play as far as the decay of the Jyotirlinga is
concerned. The growth of the micro-organisms of this category
and the action of their biological metabolites on the stone depends
on the following factors:
    •  Light
    •  Nutritive Factors
 •  Environment to which Stone is exposed
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       However, macro and microbiological species may cause both
mechanical and chemical damage to the substrate but in the present
context, the chemically induced damage is important to be
considered. Some of the metabolites may be chelating and some
may have a different affinity of reaction to certain metals elements.
       As during the rituals and Abhishekas milk/ curd/ or any other
milk/ fruit product are used, the bacterial action is generally expected
on the stone if the fermented products rich in certain species of
bacteria are not washed away at regular interval of time.
     Different species of Lactobacillus bacteria are generally
present in milk products and under optimum conditions i.e. suitable
temperature and humidity, they start to multiply with appreciable
rate utilizing the lactose a good nutrient for bacteria present in the
milk products. During the process of multiplication of the bacteria
and consequent fermentation process, lactic acid is expected to
be released in different quantity in the solution. If this fermented
product is not discarded or utilized, it may result in the formation
of a by-product of more acidic nature which may be more injurious
to the substrate. General Chemical reaction involved in the process
is given below.
C12H22O11 + H20
      C6H1206 +    C6H1206
Lactose
      Galactose Glucose
C6H12O6
OH               COOH
Galactose
       Lactic Acid
Other species of bacteria
(Sulphur and Nitrogen) are also expected
to grow in the stagnant medium rich in cellulosic material and
carbohydrate.
The large amount of flowers, Bilva Patra and other materials
offered by the devotees to the Jyotirlinga when not removed with
a periodical interval, attract bacterial action on these materials.
This bacterial action may also be injurious to the stone including
sandstone because mild acid products released through the
metabolic activities of micro-organisms may react with the metal
ions of the sandstone very easily causing disintegration of the
substrate through leaching of the cementing material.
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2.3. 
EXAMINATION 
OF 
THE 
MAHAKAL
JYOTIRLINGA AND GARBHGRIHA:
The Jyotirlinga was carefully examined by the team on 7th
September 2017 after the Bhasm Aarti in order to make an
assessment with regard to its decay due to the use of different
materials during rituals. We have also been present during the
early morning Bhasm Aarti to record the process of this great
ritual and to have information about the ingredients generally used
during the puja.
A: General Observations of the Jyotirlinga:
There is only one entrance door on the Southern side for the
devotees to enter in the Garbhgriha and there is no room for
Parikrama around the Jyotirlinga. All the devotees offer materials
for rituals and do Abhishekas on the Jyotirlinga from the Western
and Northern side of the Garbhgriha. Jyotirlinga is fixed on a
circular pedestal of silver metal. It was not possible to visualize
the bottom portion of the Lingam and its depth under the floor
surface. The dimension of the lingam above the pedestal has
already been discussed earlier. As far as general conservation
status of the Jyotirlinga is concerned, chipping of the polished
layer may be seen mostly on the eastern and western side having
caused depressions or pits. These characteristics may be seen
elsewhere also on the lingam.
The top of the Jyotirlinga appears to have good polish but on the
southern side the polish has been considerably damaged and fine
minerals of sandstone are exposed. The polish on the top of
the
lingam is difficult to differentiate if it is the original polish or has
been developed and is maintained due to the rubbing of the offering
materials on the Lingam particularly on the top portion during the
Bhasm Aarti. A half-spherical chipped off the mark on the stone
is visible on the Southern side and two parallel spherical marks
originated from top of the lingam moving downwards on the
Eastern side.
The team has also witnessed that liters of water / Ganga jal are
offered by the devotees daily. Good quantity of milk, curd, a small
quantity of honey, ghee and other materials are also Katra during
the Bhasm Aarti including a lot of flowers and belpatra. However,
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during the Abhishekas of Jyotirlinga, water/Ganga jal is supposed
to wash away the milk products and carbohydrates but at many
places especially on the bottom of the lingam, we have observed
thick accumulation of sticky, slimy fermented by-products of milk
including carbohydrates. This accumulation is expected to invite
bacterial action if not, washed away regularly. The bacterial action
on the stone is, however, a slow process but expected to cause
damage to the substrate if not controlled in time. The bacterial
action on the flowers and other offering materials may also invite
fungal growth which in combination with the bacterial action may
be more harmful to the substrate. Bhang is also offered to the
Jyotirlinga during the Bhasm Aarti but the bhang paste generally
contains alkaloids and phenolic compounds which are not expected
to cause damage to the stone. The presence of alkaloids and
phenolic compounds rather help to control biodegradation as these
compounds also show antibacterial and antifungal properties. The
offering of Bhasm and other powder offering materials are
expected to have certain chemical compounds, the rubbing of which
on the lingo may cause damage to the top layer of the stone. The
offering of fruit juices is also expected to be injurious to the stone
because of their low PH value and acidic characters.
The sealing of joints around the Jyotirlinga has been observed to
be severely damaged which
may be a cause for infiltration of
offerings including water which may also lead to bacterial action
and moisture related damage to the stone.
The Marble flooring has also developed pits most likely a sign of
deterioration as a result of cumulative actions of all deteriorating
factors.
The walls of Garbhgriha are now covered with a silver metal
sheet which has lost original polish. As far as general ambiance
of Garbhagriha is concerned, the average temperature between 4
A.M to 6 A.M has been recorded as 23.5 o C and humidity as
78%. The high percentage of the humidity is also important as
retention of moisture within the Garbhagriha creates favorable
conditions for biological activities. This also keeps the Jyotirlinga
wet throughout the day which is a negative feature as far as the
decay of the lingam is concerned.
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B: Drainage Facility for the Disposal of the liquids and
  Solids:
The committee has observed that all the liquid and solid waste are
generally collected through drainage in a small pit outside the
Garbhagriha from where these are pumped out with the help of
the electrical motor.
It would be appropriate if this disposal system is improved so that
humidity level in the vicinity of the Garbhgriha is maintained suitably
and cleanliness may be ensured in the surrounding area.
(C) Electrical fittings in the Garbhgriha also demand major
renovation keeping in view the safety reasons and to make the
environment of the Garbhgriha more healthy and pleasing.
2.4 OTHER OBSERVATIONS:
Besides the Jyotirlinga and Garbhgriha of the Mahakal Temple,
following observations have also been made by the Committee
and the Committee feels that action may be taken for better
Conservation and Preservation of ancient structures and stone
figures. Periodical Inspections, Preventive conservation, and
Preservation may be ensured for such ancient stone figures of
religious importance.
CHAPTER- III
GEO-SCIENTIFIC 
STUDY 
OF 
LINGAM
MAHAKALESHWER UJJAIN, MP
3.1 Introduction:
In the proceeding of Court No 10 of Honorable Supreme court of
India, SLP Civil No 15459 of 2017.Upon hearing the counsel and
on the proposal submitted of Learned Additional Solicitor General
Shri Tushar Mehta, the Court made the following committee from
GSI and ASI comprise of Shri Hemraj Suryavanshi and Shri L.L.
Vishwakarma from GSI and Shri Madan Mohan Chouhan and
Dr. V.K. Saxena from ASI to study / survey/ analysis examine
Mahakaleshwer Jyotilingam of Ujjain (MP) and to prepare a report
containing the rate of which the deterioration in the size of Lingam
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is taking place, if any, and the measures/steps/precautions to be
taken to ensure that this deterioration/shrinkage of Lingam stops.
The Committee also study the other structures and the temple
and submit what steps are required to be taken to overall improve
the entire premises and for its preservation. The Committee makes
a study and reports inter alia as how much deterioration of Lingam
has taken place during the last three-four decades and what
remedial steps have to Sardar.
The committee Members of ASI and GSI jointly visited Ujjain on
7.9.2017 to assess the deterioration of Jyotirlingam of
Mahakaleshwer and to discuss the scope of the area of work for
the GSI and ASI team.
The GSI will carry out identification of rock type and its
composition of Jyotirlingam workout causes of deterioration in
the size of Jyotirlingam if any and suggest remedial measure. ASI
will study the archaeological and conservational aspect of the
temple premises, apart from carrying out chemical studies of
offering material to the Jyotirlingam
Geological Survey of India, Bhopal team has assessed the limitation
and accordingly methodology and instrumentation has been
selected for the detailed study of the lingam rock. Since rock
sample cannot be taken out from the Jyotirlingam for detail studies,
therefore, visual observation, as well as studies based on non-
destructive methods like remote sensing technique with an
instrument named
Spectroradiometer, was adopted to identify the
rock and ascertain its composition. The instrument as well as two
expert scientists from Nagpur office were called. The Nagpur
team was reached Ujjain on 10/9/2017 and carried out his work
on 11/9/2017. The team has collected spectral signature of lingam
rock and matched with standard spectral signature available with
spectral library of CHQ of GSI, Kolkata.
Another non-destructive method by portable XRF studies of lingam
rock was felt necessary to cross checks the identification made
by the remote sensing technique. Therefore, one portable XRF
instrument along with one scientist was called from GSI, Jaipur.
Portable XRF machine was used to collect information on 12/09/
2017 at 19 points in Jyotirlingam rock to study the composition of
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Jyotirlingam rock in weathered part as well as on non-- weathered
part of Lingam. Based on these studies remedial measures ware
worked out to reduce the extent of chemical weathering.
Apart from this water sample, ash samples, samples of offering
items like bhang, cow dung were collected and analyzed to
ascertain the real cause of chemical weathering and to suggest
suitable remedial measure to improve the overall environment of
the temple premises ware suggested.
3.2 Observation and studies of Jyotirlinga:
3.2.1 Visual observation: The Shiva Lingam measuring 67 cm
in height and 47.97 cm in diameter situated over silver coated
Jaladhari of 208x127x30 cm in size. The lingam rock is pinkish
buff coloured orthoquartzite similar to quartzite of Vindhayans. It
is massive, hard and compact fine to medium grained, well sorted
arenaceous quartzite compose of quartz occasionally with minor
feldspar with the siliceous matrix. Majority of the grains are quartz
along with minor orthoclase giving light pinkish brown shade to
the lingam rock. The cementing material is siliceous with minor
ferruginous impurities.
There are traces of two bedding plane on the left side of the
lingam rock with a minor change in grain size and composition
along these plane. These bedding planes are visualized as an imprint
in the forms of a slightly depressed linear groove-like structure
due to differential weathering, but on the fresh surface exposed
in pits developed in lower part of
lingam in the eastern side, these
imprint of bedding are not visible by naked eyes.
3.2.2 Studies based instrument:
(a) Spectral studies by Spectroradiometer:
On the basis of visual observation as well as studies based on
remote sensing technique with the instrument named
Spectroradiometer was adopted to identify the rock and ascertain
its composition. Two experts Geologist one from GSI Nagpur &
another from GSI Kolkata along with Spectroradiometer
Instrument have carried out studies of the lingam. The team has
collected spectral signature of lingam rock on 11/09/2017 and
matched these signature with the standard spectral signature of
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rocks available in the library at GSI headquarter Kolkata. Total
10 no of spectral signature from a different part of the Shiva
Lingam was collected. This study also confirms that the Lingam
rock is quartzite, mainly composed of quartz, orthoclase and a
minor amount of mica in the matrix.
(b) Portable XRF studies:
Portable XRF studies of lingam rock were felt necessary to cross-
check the identification made by visual observation as well as
with the remote sensing technique, therefore one Chemist from
GSI Jaipur was called to carry out a study of Lingam with Portable
XRF machine. Total 19 observation points were recorded by the
instrument on 12/09/2017 on lingam. The objective of this study
was to ascertain the approximate composition of lingam rock in
weathered part as well as on non-weathered part for confirmation
of its identification. Based on these studies remedial measures
were worked out to reduce the extent of chemical weathering.
The composition of Lingam rock worked by this instrument
conform its sedimentary nature with the presence of minerals of
zirconium and titanium in traces. Observation at 19 spots from
the instruments over the lingam rock was taken and the silica
percent ranges from 66 to 92.6% in 10 samples, out of which 7
spot samples have more than 75% silica. It conforms that the
rock is orthoquartzite. Methodology and analytical result are
enclosed as Annexure-III.
3.3 Water analysis by portable
water analysis kit and ICP-
MS Instruments:
Water analysis of the temple premises was carried out at seven
selected locations and it was found that the pH value of water
being used in the offering is high ranging from 8.4 to 8.7
Water is a universal solvent and dynamic medium which
necessitates its analysis. Ionic Product of pure water at 25°C is
1x 1O-14.Water is composed of H+ ion and OH- ion.
H2O
H+ + OH- (Ionic product)
In pure water of the hydrogen ion (H+) and hydroxyl ion (OH-) is
equal. Hydrogen ion (H+) is responsible for acidity and hydroxyl
ion (OH-) is responsible for the alkalinity of medium i.e. if hydrogen
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ion (H+) increases in the medium the acidity will increase and if
hydroxyl ion (OH-) concentration increases in the medium than
alkalinity will increase. The H+ and OH- concentration is
measured in terms of pH value which is the negative logarithm of
H+ concentration in water.
pH = - Log [H+]
If any liquid is having pH less than 7 then it will be acidic, and if it
is more than, it will be alkaline/ basic in nature. pH 7 is considered
neutral.
Weathering of rock increases on exposure to acidic as well as, as
well as two expert scientists from Nagpur office, medium as
compared to neutral medium; due to increase in electrochemical
reaction. On exposure of high silica material to acidic medium
have no significant weathering effect but on exposure to basic/
alkaline medium weathering increases by following reaction:
SiO2 + 2KOH –> K2SiO3 + H2O
On the bacterial decomposition of any organic matter, carbon
dioxide gas (C02) releases with the rise of temperature and C02
react with water to produce carbonic acid (H2CO3)
CO2 + H2O –> H2CO3
Sansthan
Storage tank below lingam produced carbonic acid may react with
alkaline water having high pH and up to some extent neutralization
reaction may happen as: -
H2CO2+2KOH->K2CO2+H2O+Heat
The pH of the tank is less than the water of Kotiteerth pond,
which is alkaline in nature and deleterious to the siliceous material.
3.3.1 Ash analysis:
Three ash samples (1), from Bhasmaaarti of Jyotirlingam, (2),
cow dung used for making
bhasma in mahakal temple and (3)
from Bhopal were analyzed for comparative studies.
Bhasma is being used in the bhasmaaarti range in pH from 9.07
to 10.2 in an aqueous medium having 7 pH; on the other hand, the
water of Kotiteerath pond is alkaline in nature. If alkaline water is
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mix with bhosmo. , the combination will further enhance pH of
the medium and produce a more adverse effect on lingam and
increase rote of chemical weathering (Annexure IV c).
Use of cow ghee, milk, curd, honey etc is a regular phenomenon.
As a matter of fact pH of some of these articles might induce
deterioration but in view of the religious sentiments, the age-old
practices cannot be stopped, but the amount of the material may
be restricted in order to reduce further deterioration. The only
effect of these semisolids appears to be their pH value in general
pH value of cow milk ranges between 6.6 to 6.8, pH of curd 4.5
to 6.0, pH of coconut water (matured) will be 5.2 and honey may
range from 3.9 to 6.0 in pHs
3.4 Discussion and interpretation : -
Since centuries the temple is a center of attraction to the Hindu
society. It was situated on the bank of kshipra River. The great
kshipra had changed its course in past it was flowing close to the
Mahakal temple and gradually shifted its course to the present
channel, now local people talk about gupt- kshipra which flows
below the kotiteerath pond and supplying water to the temple
premises since years.
3.4.1 Extent of weathering:
The lingam rock is hard and compact medium to fine-grained well-
sorted orthoquartzite as seen in above photos from a different
direction. Majority of the grains are quartz along with minor
orthoclase giving light pinkish brown colour to the
Jyotirlingam
rock. The cementing material is siliceous with minor ferruginous
impurities. It is hard and compact and sustainable in the ideal
natural environment. Close observation of lingam reveals that there
is the signature of chemical weathering on the eastern and western
side of the lingam. Observation of day to puja pattern and offering
of milk curd, honey bhang etc. as well as the traditional ritual it is
seen that the effect of chemical weathering is more pronounced
in the eastern and western side of the lingam. The northern side
(Front, facing devotees) is devoid of any weathering pits. Similarly,
the back side is also least affected by the process of chemical
weathering. The causative factors for the localised development
of pits are the topic of research for our team. We have gone
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through the ill side effect of offering material and the area affected
by the offering.
3.4.2: Causative factor:
(1) The ambiance and climatic parameter of Jyotirlinga room are
somewhat similar to a subtropical climatic condition where alternate
wet and dry spell is in practice. The offering supply’s bacteria
through curd organic compound and lodging of these compounds
in pits enhance the process of attacking and dissolving
cryptocrystalline siliceous cement in the rock resulting in loosing
and removal of grains in this way the chemical weathering is
progressing.
(2) Silico is stable and inert in most of the form but the
cryptocrystalline form of silica is prone to attack by the alkaline
substance (like potassium hydroxide KOH) and will dissolve at
room temperature in alkaline solution as express in this reaction.
(reference from Google).
SiO2+2KOH=K2SiO3+H2O
The formation of potassium meta-silicate is the cause of chemical
weathering which is soluble in water the rate of reaction is very
slow but continuous with the passage of time.
Water quality of the Kotiteerath pond has pH value 8.4 which is
alkaline in nature, this water being offered continuously to Lingam
rock during Jalabhishek. Ash offered in the bhasmaarti also contains
alkaline compound and the pH value of ash in aqueous media
using pure water is 9.1 which is highly deleterious to siliceous
rock. During Bhashmaarti ash are poured over the lingam and
then after water of Kotiteerath are used in
jalabhishek which is
reacting and producing causative factor to enhance the chemical
reaction stated above resulting in the form of chemical weathering
and removal of silica grains and development of pits in lingam
rock.
3.4.3: Weathering through ages:
Though the rate of weathering is very slow and cannot be
perceived by single observation as these pits have been spotted
60 years ago when Hon’ble first President of India. Shri Rajendra
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Prasad and Hon’ble first Vice President and second President of
India, Shri Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan were spotted worshipping of
Jyotirlingam in Mahakal temple at Ujjain and the patch of Pits in
the eastern side of the Lingam has also been spotted during that
time. In a span of 60 years, these pits have increased at a slow
rate in number and size. (Photo no.5-8) Projecting the rate of
erosion there is no alarming situation at present but some
precautions are necessary as a remedial measure to protect the
lingam for posterity and manage the deterioration.
CHAPTER· IV
A: SUGGESTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. The Jyotirlingam rock has been identified as orthoquartzite which
is hard and compact and highly siliceous in nature in which the
silica content varies from 75-92% analyzed by portable XRF
studies. Apart from visual observation spectral signature by
spectroradiometer were collected, matched with the standard
signature of orthoquortzite available in GSI, spectral lab.
2. The deterioration of lingam has Sandstones and increased in
last 40-50 years as depicted in photos no 1-4 and 5-8; the
deterioration is continuous Sandstone can be managed with
remedial measures.
3. The water of temple premises used in Jalabhishek is highly
alkaline in nature the pH value ranges from 8.4 to 8.7 which is
reactive with the cryptocrystalline siliceous cementing material
of orthoquartzite at room temperature and causing deterioration
in
Jyotirlingam.
4. The tradition of Bhasmaarti using ash of Cow dung (as per
temple pujaris) has pH value ranges from 9.07 to 10.20 in an
aqueous medium.
5. The age-old practices cannot be stopped but the amount of
material can be restricted/ minimized in order to reduce
deterioration. The quantity of offering as listed in Annexure I
contain milk, curd. into, honey, sugar, leaves, petals, and flowers,
accumulate in pits promote the growth of bacteria at room
temperature resulting in pH variation is also a cause of
deterioration.
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6. Presence of major and minor oxide and trace elements of rock
enhance the electrical conductivity of the water to a high level
which can cause deposition of salt in pores/ pits and chipping of
material by chemical weathering.
7. Poor drainage sanitation and water spillage were also spotted
in the temple premises.
8. The Use of water (jal /Ganga Jal) throughout the day for
Abhishekas of the Jyotirlinga by the devotees should be restricted
to a minimum.
9. Use of milk and other milk products including ghee and honey
should be minimized to a small quantity and made symbolic in
nature to satisfy the religious requirement.
10. Rubbing of Jaggary / Sugar powder and other powdery material
on the Jyotirlinga may be restricted/ minimized.
11. Use of a lot of flowers / Bel Patra etc. may also be made
symbolic as the use of such huge materials keep the Jyotirlinga
wet all the time and hinders natural breathing of the stone which
is essential for the good state of the Jyotirlinga.
12. Use of metal buckets, offerings pots, and other utensils should
be replaced with wooden / Good Plastic materials in order to avoid
mechanical abrasions.
13. lf possible, entry of devotees in the Garbhgriha may be limited
by making a management plan. Devotees may be permitted for
short duration at a time to avoid the crowd in grabhgraha. This is
important as there is only single entry door which is also used as
an exit door.
14. Every effort should be made to keep the Garbhgriha dry
and
clean including the passage and surroundings.
15. All the damaged area of marble floorings and sealing of joints
etc. should be repaired to avoid water percolation through the
damaged area.
16. 1f possible provision may be made for air circulation in the
Garbhagriha.
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17. Arrangements for disposal of waste may be improved and
should be made more effective.
18. Scientific / Chemical treatment of any stone object with
periodical inspection and preventive conservation may, however,
help to preserve the object for quite long time but in case of
Jyotirlinga it may not be appropriate to consider such treatment
as the treatment of the Jyotirlinga may not be acceptable to the
common people because of their great faith and religious beliefs.
Only preventive conservation methods may be helpful to keep the
Jyotirlinga in the best of its conservation state.
19. Sincere efforts should be made to preserve the originality of
the main temple and other structures of historical importance in
the premises. Modern materials should be avoided for general
maintenance.
20. The antiquarian remains of the premise including the main
temple of Mahakal can be classified mainly into four groups; a:
Some stone sculptures in loose and fixed nature assigned to 7th -
8th century AD, b: Some sculptures of 11th -12th century AD, c:
Main temple and other subsidiary shrines of 18th century and d:
Other remains viz wooden box, copper drum, seating benches
and some metal work etc of 19th -20th century. Numbers of stone
sculptures placed in the temple premise at different places like
embed in the walls, on the floors, and in the abandoned rooms
needs to be properly maintained, documented, identified and
displayed in a
proper place so that they could be preserved for
future generation and could be in use of researchers and students
of art and architecture.
21. Some unwanted restoration works have been done on the 1st
and 2nd floors of the Mahakal temple by laying of modern tiles on
the floor. This sort of flooring does not match in any way with the
ambiance and old architecture of the temple. On the north and
south sides of the temple, iron scaffoldings are placed attached to
the main temple. We were told that the scaffoldings are provided
for installing iron stairs for climbing of the visitors to the temple on
the top floor to worship Chandranageshwar. On this floor, a
sculpture of Chandranageshwar with his consort is placed inside
a niche covered with a glass window and devotees or visitors
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would be allowed to reach there. During our visit, we were informed
that earlier temporary arrangement was made there by way of
installation of iron stairs in the occasion of Nagapanchami when
lacs of visitors used to visit here. Providing of this sort of installation
is not only the eyesore in the ancient temple premise but it would
lead a new tradition in future and put an adverse effect on the old
temples when such a huge crowd of devotees will reach the top
floor. Therefore, it should be avoided for the safety of the public
and to maintain the ambiance of the temples.
22. While the campus consisting of old temples have been  reflecting
with white, cream and red colours as outer walls and shikhara of
almost all the temples are painted with these colours and flooring
with tiles and red stones. Beside that some new constructions
have Abhishek the carried out. This sort of constructions and
development in an ancient heritage place should be avoided and
proper conservation should be carried out with the help of
conservators and expert of ancient architecture.
23. The significance of Mahakal temple and Ujjain is not only for
the people of Ujjain and Madhya Pradesh, rather for the people
of the whole country too, therefore keeping this thing in mind, it is
inevitably required to develop this most religious and heritage sire
with proper care and maintenance so that its cultural and tangible
fabric could not be disturbed. Presently there are numbers of the
temples inside the temple premise probably of the same period as
the Mahakal temple but these temples are conserved in crappy
manner by adding eyesore paintings on the walls and some weird
addition to the old structures. Some new constructions are done
and some other constructions are presently going on there.
Therefore, it is suggested that no new construction may be allowed
within the temple premise and restoration and development of the
old temples and structures of the premise may be rectified and
restored with the assistance of Archaeological Conservators. Apart
from the various activities as referred above, Temple committee
can create a heritage cell for maintenance and restoration of the
old temples and structures inside the premise.
24. It is stated earlier that Ujjain is a very ancient city and there
are numbers of old structures, temples, ponds, houses, platforms
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near-infrared etc around the temple premise still in extent, these
old structures ore the valuable heritage and integral part of temple
premise, needs to be identified and restored accordingly. If it is
possible for the state government, 500 m all around the temple
premise can be preserved with old structures and removed from
the modern constructions. Wherever open space is found, that
can be landscaped and developed so that its religious ambiance
could be maintained and preserved.
B: REMEDIAL MEASURES:
1. Water quality of the temple premises may be improved; special
care should be taken to water used in Jalabhishek ritual, potable
water range in pH from 6.8 to 7.2 are ideal for jalabhishek and
cleaning of the Jyotirlingam.
2. Ash used in bhasmaarti ranges in pH from 9.07 to 10.2 in aqueous
media is one of the causes of deterioration in lingam, the ritual
can be minimized to symbolic in nature so that the deterioration
can be minimized. The lingam should be thoroughly cleaned after
bhasmaarti and ensured that no trace of ash remains over it, then
only Jalabhishek may be allowed.
3. The ambient temperature of the lingam room (Grabhgrah may
be 17-20 degree Celsius and efforts may be made to keep dryness
in most of the time of the lingam to minimize the rate of chemical
reaction, bacterial and fungal growth.
4. Use of ghee, milk, curd, honey, etc. is a regular item of offering
since ages, therefore, cannot be stopped,
but the quantity and
quality of material may be minimized in order to minimize the
deterioration.
5. Proper disposal of temple garbage may be arranged and insured
that it should not contaminate the kotiteerath pond.  Improvement
in sewer line and sanitation may also be managed to keep the
premises neat and clean.  An arrangement may be made to stop
draining off rain and used water into kotiteerath pond.
6. Periodical monitoring of all these remedial measures is also
essential to check further deterioration and to maintain garbhagriha
and Jyotirlingam and to maintain its natural ambiance.
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TIM E 
EVENT 
04:00 AM 
Opening of Temple door 
04:00 to 04: 15 AM
Temple cleaning followed 
an offer 
of 
Panchamrit (Milk, Curd, Ghee, 
Honey and Sugar) 
04: 15 to 04:40AM
Jalabhishek by Pilgrims (Katitirathpond
water), 15 to 20 minutes.  
04:40 to 05:00 AM 
Abhishek 
by 
Priest 
(Material 
list 
attached). 
05:00 to 05:15 AM 
Cleaning and Drying by dry cloths 
05:15 to 05:30 AM 
Decoration. 
05:30 to 05:35 AM
Bhasamaarti (Ash worship) by ash and 
bearing ornaments. 
06:00 to 6:45 AM
Again Jalabhishek by pilgrims, water 
offered. 
06:45 to 07:00AM
Entry closed and cleaning of the temple.
07:00 to 07:15 AM 
Worship of other deities 
07: 15 to 07:30 AM 
Chandan-Abhishek-after cleaning. 
07:30 to 07:45 AM 
Aarti 
07:45 to 09:45 AM
Again Jalabhishek by pilgrims (using 
Ujjain Municipal Supply water) 
09:45 to 10:00 AM 
Cleaning. 
Abhishek. 
Public 
with 
: 00 
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ANNEXURE II
SPECTROSCOPY STUDY OF JYOTIRLINGAM OF
MAHAKALESHWER TEMPLE, UJJAIN,
MADHYA PRADESH
By: Prem Babu, Director and Uday Kumar Ghosh, Sr. Geologist
Spectroscopy is the study of light as a function of wavelength
that has been emitted, reflected or scattered from solid, liquid or
gas (Clark, 1999). Reflectance and emittance spectroscopy of
natural surfaces are sensitive to specific chemical bonds in
materials, whether solid, liquid or gas. Moreover, spectroscopy
has the advantage of being sensitive to both crystalline and
amorphous materials, unlike some diagnostic methods, like X-ray
diffraction (Clark,1999). Spectroscopy’s other main advantage is
that it can be used for near (e.g. in the laboratory) to far away
(e.g. to look down on the Earth, or up at other planets) objects.
Laboratory and field spectroscopic studies of rocks/minerals/other
materials help in understanding the entire realm of variability in
spectral signature of particular rocks/minerals/other materials.
Reflectance spectra have been used for many years to obtain
compositional information of the Earth surface. Therefore,
spectroscopy is being used increasingly in geoscientific studies to
detect the mineralogical composition of rocks/minerals of earth
surfaces and other planets of the universe.
Different types of minerals absorb and scatter incident energy in
the different wavelength region. When we examine the maxima
and minima of spectral
reflectance curve, minima are caused by
molecular absorption and we call these as absorption features or
absorption bands. Absorption of a particular mineral rock depends
upon its atomic structure and chemical composition. Absorption
of a particular object depends upon the electronic and vibrational
process. The electronic processes are very sensitive invisible to
near infrared (VNIR) region whereas vibrational processes are
sensitive in shortwave infrared (SWIR) region. The VNIR region
is very important to detect ferric & ferrous iron, manganese,
copper, cobalt, chromium, nickel etc., whereas SWIR region is
useful in detection of hydroxyl bearing minerals, carbonate,
phosphate, borates, arsenates, vanadates, silicates etc, The
hydroxyl (OH-) is generally bound to Mg, Feor AI. The water
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molecule (H20) gives rise to overtones as seen in the reflectance
spectra of H20 bearing minerals. The first stretches of OH- occur
at 1.4 um: and the combination of H-O-H bond with the OH-
stretches are found near 1.9 um. The OH- - group commonly
occurs in multiple crystallographic sites of a specific mineral and
is attached to metalions. Thus, a combination of metal OH plus
OH stretch occurs at 2.2-2.3 um and is the diagnostic of
mineralogy. Spectroscopic study of Mahakaleshwer Lingam was
carried out using high-end portable field spectroradiometer to know
the compositional information of the surface of Lingam at Ujjain.
Madhya Pradesh. Spectroradiometer used in the present study
has a very good signal to noise ratio (SNR), with finer spectral
resolution and spectral interval suitable for detecting the subtle
absorption features characteristic of the constituent minerals of
the rock exposed on the surface under examination. It detects the
energy reflected by the surface material. Spectra Vista Corporation
(SVC HR 1024i) spectroradiometer used in the present study has
two types of detectors one 512 element Si photodiode detector
operative in 350-1000 nm and two separate, In Go As photodiodes
operative in 1000-2500 nm.
Collection of Spectral Signature using ‘SVC 1024i’
Spectroradiometer. Before taking the spectral measurement of
Mahakaleshwer Lingam the entire area was properly cleaned and
dried (using drier) to obtain maximum reflectance from the field
of
view. The rest of the area was covered with dark cloth to
avoid unwanted reflectance from the surroundings.
Measurement Procedure:
The SYC HR 1024i spectroradiometer has spectral range of 350-
2500 nanometer (nm), with finer spectral resolution of 3.5nm @
350-1000,9.5 nm @1000- 1850nm and 6.5nm @ 1850- 2500. The
instrument was optimized properly before taking a spectral
measurement. Measurement of the radiance of a white reflector
(reference panel) is also essential before initiating the
measurement, as it helps in recording the irradiance of the
illuminator for a reflectance measurement. The light source for
illuminating (using a tungsten halogen source lamp) the sample
was kept at approximately 45° angle and measurement was token
by pointing sensor (fore optics as well as fibre optics) vertically
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over the sample to make the phase angle of 45° (phase angle
corresponds to the angle between the illumination source and
measurement point) so that the measurements which speak about
the volume of reflected energy emanated from the rock
(characteristic of the internal chemistry) are collected and it would
reduce the specular reflection from the object which is dominantly
the result of surface smoothness. The 40 optical lens was used
while taking the spectral signature of the Lingam.
The following necessary steps were taken into consideration while
making the measurements.
1.   Source  of  the  illumination  is  well  calibrated  so  that
there should be minimal fluctuation in irradiance in
successive measurement.
2.    Precautions were taken so that there is no physical blockade
of light and shadow of the person who is taking
measurements does not fall over the sample.
3.   The sample should be larger in dimensions than the ground
sample diameter (GSD) of fore-optics.
4.   Data was saved in personal digital assistance (PDA) and
downloaded into the computer for further analysis.
Processing of Spectral Curve:
Spectral signatures thus collected is processed using SVC HR
1024i software to remove the overlap at the junction of visible
(VIS) & near infrared (NIR) and NIR & SWIR region and
remove higher order kinks to derive the curve with characteristic
“spectral features”. The spectral file format generated in the SVC
1024i spectroradiometer instrument is saved as sig file format
which stores wavelength and full width at half maximum (FWHM)
values (spectral resolution) and other necessary information. After
pre-processing the signature is exported to ENVI software for
generation of spectral library. The ENVI software retrieves the
wavelength data and FWHM value from the spectral reflectance
files and appends it to the header file created for each spectral
signature. ENVI has a spectral library builder tool to generate
new spectral library builder tool to generate a new spectral library
from a variety of spectra sources, including ASCll files, other
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spectral libraries, ROI means, spectral profiles and plots. The
collected spectra are automatically resampled to an input
wavelength space using FWHM information. After feeding all
the necessary information finally, the rock library is generated by
using lab spectra.
The spectral signature of Mahakaleshwer lingam, Ujjain,
MP:
The spectral signature was collected at different faces of
Mahakaleshwer Lingam like near top, back, left, right, primary
bedding plane, pitted surface etc. For each location number of
measurements using fore-optics as well as fiber optics were taken
and were later averaged to get the final spectra.
Interpretation
The spectral signature of left and right side shows absorption at
2.19 µm indicating presence of phyllosilicate minerals (AI-OH
bearing minerals) and absorption in VNIR (O.568 µm) region is
due to iron oxide stains. But the fore optic spectra show high
reflectance in NIR as compared to fiber optic spectra that is possibly
due to the presence of some organic material on the surface and
also due to the differential field of view of spectral measurement.
The combination of H-O-H bend & OH- stretches is found at
1.93 µm that indicate the presence of water molecule in the
sample. The additional overtone feature of OH- stretches has
been noticed at 1.4 µm.
     The spectra of near top & back side show absorption at 2.19
µm that indicate the presence of phyllosilicate minerals (AI-OH
bearing minerals) and absorption in VNIR (O.543
µm) region is
due to iron oxide stains. But the fore optic spectra show high
reflectance in NIR as compared to fiber optic spectra that are
again due to the presence of some organic material in the surface
and also due to the differential field of view of spectral
measurement. The combination of H-O-H bend & OH- stretches
is found at 1.93 µm that indicate the presence of water molecule
in the sample. The additional overtone feature of OH- stretches
has been noticed at 1.4 µm. The fiber optic spectra of all pitted
surface show absorption at 2.19 µm indicate the presence of
phyllosilicate minerals (AI-OH bearing minerals, and absorption
SARIKA v. ADMINISTRATOR, SHRI MAHAKALESHWAR
MANDIR COMMITTEE, UJJAIN (M.P.) [ARUN MISHRA, J.]
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SUPREME COURT REPORTS
[2018]  4 S.C.R.
in VNIR region is due to iron oxide stains. The variation of
absorption depth at VNIR has been noticed which varies from
0.565 to 0.731 µm and this is due to the presence of differential
iron oxide stains at the different pitted surface. The combination
of H-O-H bend & OHÉ stretches is found at 1.93 µm that indicate
the presence of water molecule in the sample. The additional
overtone feature of OHÉ stretches has been noticed at 1.4 µm.
From overall observation, it is found that most of the diagnostic
absorption occurs at 2.19 µm and absorption in VNIR region is
possibly due to differential iron oxide staining at different surfaces.
No other diagnostic absorption due to other alteration mineral was
noticed.
All the spectral signatures were analysed with existing rock library
of GSI as well as USGS mineral spectra and it the that the spectral
signatures fit well with quartzite based on its absorption features
in SWIR region.
Continuum removed (continuum or background is the overall
albedo of the reflectance curve) spectra of Lingam & USGS
phyllosilicate mineral shows diagnostic spectral absorption at 2.19
µm which confirms the presence of phyllosilicate mineral.
Summary: Based on the spectroscopic study of the lingam
of Mahakaleshwer temple Ujjain, MP, it can be summarised
that the spectral signatures of the surface of lingam show
presence of quartz with a minor amount of phyllosilicates.
Beside presence of some
organic matter at a few locations
could also be noticed.
References: Clark, R.N. 1999; Spectroscopy of Rocks and
Minerals, and Principles of spectroscopy(pp3), http://
speclab.cr.usgs.gov.
XRF STUDY OF JYOTIRLlNGAM OF MAHAKALESHWER
TEMPLE, UJJAIN
The XRF study of the Jyotirlingam of Mahakaleshwar temple,
Ujjain was carried out using portable Skyray-Explorer 5000 ED-
XRF instrument.
ED (Energy Dispersive) X-ray spectrometer is based on the
principle of X-ray fluorescence (XRF) which is a non-destructive
technique. The atoms, illuminated by high-energy X-ray, emit X--
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ray spectra with certain characteristics, the wavelength of which
is related to the atomic number of an element. Therefore, by
determining the wavelength, we find the composition of the sample
and start the qualitative analysis; by measuring the line intensity
and comparing with a known standard, we get to know about the
content of the element and start the quantitative analysis. The
Explorer-5OOO instrument consists of mainly three systems:
excitation, optics and detector system. The excitation system,
including a miniature X-ray source, filter, and collimator, is used to
generate X-rays. X-rays irradiating to the sample produce X-ray
fluorescence with sample characteristics, transforming into voltage
signals through the detector, the signal, after being amplified and
data acquisition, is sent for computer processing to get the required
test data. The detection system mainly includes i) AMP and digital
multi-channel data acquisition system, ii) Embedded PDA -
Equipped with dedicated X-ray fluorescence analytical software.
The detection limit is down to ppm level.
The XRF study of the lingam was carried out by directly placing
the nosepiece carefully on the Lingam surface by holding the
instrument in hand. The surface of the lingam was more or less
rough at all points scanned using the is. On each side of the lingam,
we started to analyze from the bottom position to the top position.
The total scanning time for each point was 60 seconds. For
qualitative
analysis of the elements in the sample, whether it is a
natural one or in a strange shape, this instrument can be directly
used for a test. But for accurate quantitative analysis, we need to
do some sample processing. There is some inherent limitation
which may lead to measurement error; rough surface,
inhomogeneity in composition etc.
APPROXIMATE CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF LINGAM
ROCK BY PORTABLE XRF INSTRUMENT
FRONT FACING NORTH
BACK FACING NORTH
SPEC 
NAME 
LING
AM-4 
LING
AM – 
3 
LING
AM – 
2 
LING
AM – 
1 
BOTT
OM 
LINGA
M – 6 
(CEME
NTING 
PORTIO
N OF 
THE 
BASE)
LING
AM – 
BACK
5 
LINGA
M – 
BACK4 
(TOP 
MOST) 
LING
AM – 
BACK
3 
LING
AM 
BACK
2 
LINGA
M 
BACK1 
(BOTT
OM 
MOST) 
SARIKA v. ADMINISTRATOR, SHRI MAHAKALESHWAR
MANDIR COMMITTEE, UJJAIN (M.P.) [ARUN MISHRA, J.]
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SUPREME COURT REPORTS
[2018]  4 S.C.R.
Mg O 
(%)
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.2208 
0.0000 
0.0000 
5.8768
6.1319
0.0000
0.7162
5.3121
8.0831
6.3068
5.7163
11.7319
3.4060
SiO 2 
(%)
92.627
9
89.4543 37.1480 13.3846 16.7793 
88.7300 74.7741 74.6217 
81.1862 16.0813 
P (%)
0.5668
0.7992
0.5796
0.4026
0.8395
0.3358
0.4442
0.3337
0.3435
0.2922
As (%)
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
Se (%)
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
Rb (%) 0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
Sr (%) 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
Y (%)
0.0020
0.0025
0.0014
0.0014
0.0000
0.0017
0.0010
0.0008
0.0010
0.0000
Zr (%)
0.0109
0.0328
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0095
0.0252
0.0142
0.0000
0.0000
Nb 
(%)
0.0191 
0.0195 
0.0080 
0.0100 
0.0104 
0.0186 
0.0119 
0.0144 
0.0138 
0.0096 
Mo 
(%)
0.0889 
0.0903 
0.0427 
0.0481 
0.0202 
0.0856 
0.0669 
0.0599 
0.0814 
0.0281 
Pd (%) 0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
Ad 
(%)
0.0173 
0.0178 
0.0164 
0.0165 
0.0101 
0.0174 
0.0170 
0.0175 
0.0174 
0.0155 
Cd (%) 0.0234 
0.0513 
0.0427 
0.0485 
0.0000 
0.0613 
0.0305 
0.0337 
0.0568 
0.0120 
Sn (%) 0.1047 
0.1021 
0.1033 
0.1033 
0.1021 
0.1028 
0.1029 
0.1031 
0.1027 
0.1036 
Sb (%)
0.0000
0.0080
0.0016
0.0000
0.0072
0.0111
0.0000
0.0046
0.0042
0.0000
Ba (%)
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
Hf (%)
0.0002
0.0001
0.0001
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0003
Ta (%)
0.0000
0.0000
0.0016
0.0018
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
W (%)
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
Au 
(PPm)
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
P2O3 
(%)
1.2982 
1.8303 
1.3275 
0.9220 
1.9228 
0.7690 
1.0173 
0.7643 
0.7868 
0.6691 
S (%)
0.0000
0.0211
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.2173
0.0905
0.0521
0.0000
SO4 
(%)
0.0000 
0.0634 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.6519 
0.2714 
0.1563 
0.0000 
K (%)
0.1104
0.5955
0.3539
0.4735
0.4665
0.8395
0.6304
0.3445
0.2275
0.3164
K2O 
(%) 
0.1333 
0.7190 
0.4273 
0.5717 
0.5632 
1.0136 
0.7611 
0.4160 
0.2747 
0.3821 
Ca (%)  0.4731
2.5745
1.5076
1.1806
6.1020
1.5516
1.7748
1.5767
1.5107
0.1713
CaO 
(%)
0.5441 
2.9606 
1.7337 
1.3577 
7.0172 
1.7843 
2.0410 
1.8132
0.1970 
Ti (%)
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
TiO 
(%) 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
V (%)
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
Cr (%)
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
Mn 
(%) 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0009 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
Fe (%)
0.0754
0.0991
0.0421
0.0274
0.0496
0.1522
0.1598
0.1452
0.1313
0.0277
Fe2 
O3 
(%)
0.1077 
0.1415 
0.0602 
0.0392 
0.0709 
0.2174 
0.2283 
0.2074 
0.1875 
0.0396 
Co (%) 0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
Ni (%)
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
Cu (%) 0.0031
0.0000
0.0017
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0070
0.0159
0.0101
0.0000
Zn (%) 0.
Hg (%) 0.
Pb (%) 0.
Bi (%) 0.
Peak
16
00
Cps
17
00
Count 52
00
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APPROXIMATE CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF LINGAM
ROCK BY PORTABLE XRF INSTRUMENT
LEFT FACING WEST
RIGHT FACING EAST
SPEC 
NAME 
LINGA
M- 
LEFT 5 
(TOP 
MOST) 
LING
AM – 
4 
LING
AM – 
2 
LING
AM – 
1 
BOTT
OM 
LINGA
M – 
RIGHT
5 (TOP 
MOST)
LING
AM – 
RIGH
T6 
LING
AM – 
RIGH
T4 
LING
AM – 
RIGH
T2 
LINGA
M -
RIGHT
1 
(BOTT
OM 
MOST)
Mg O 
(%)
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
3.7727 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000
3.4612
7.5109
1.9663
3.3407
1.9081
1.4415
7.2004
2.7364
SiO 2 
(%)
43.5607
68.9923 77.2504 45.9106 68.134
3
43.9697 44.8462 66.2406 16.6197
P (%)
0.3531
0.8193
0.7440
0.7290
0.2099
0.6819
0.3962
0.6041
0.5817
P2O 
3%
0.8087 
1.8766 
1.7039 
1.6697 
0.4808 
1.5617 
0.9074 
1.3836 
1.3322 
S (%)
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
SO4 
(%)
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
K (%)
0.2790
0.9832
0.6434
0.8525
0.4524
1.2142
0.0589
0.9266
0.2368
K2O 
(%)
0.3368 
1.1872 
0.7769 
1.0294 
0.5462 
1.4660 
0.0711 
1.1188 
0.2860 
Ca (%)
0.7907
1.1399
0.1493
0.0000
0.2115
0.4031
0.5622
0.2549
0.1753
CaO 
(%)
0.9093 
0.1608 
0.1717 
0.0000 
0.2115 
0.4031 
0.5622 
0.2549 
0.1753 
Ti (%)
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0083
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
TiO2 
(%) 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0139 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
V (%)
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
Cr (%)
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
Mn 
(%) 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
Fe (%)
0.0396
0.0597
0.0244
0.0740
0.0622
0.0822
0.0267
0.0583
0.0299
Fe2  
O3(%) 
0.0566 
0.0852 
0.0349 
0.1057 
0.0888 
0.1175 
0.0381 
0.0833 
0.0427 
Co(%)
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
SARIKA v. ADMINISTRATOR, SHRI MAHAKALESHWAR
MANDIR COMMITTEE, UJJAIN (M.P.) [ARUN MISHRA, J.]
Zn (%) 0.0000
0.0000
0.0229
0.0638
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0071
0.0973
0.0000
Hg (%) 0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
Pb (%) 0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0711
0.0000
0.0000
0.0011
0.0041
0.0000
Bi (%) 0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
Peak
1653.
0000 
1653.
0000 
1647.
0000 
1649.
0000
1655.
0000 
1655.
0000 
1652.
0000 
1651.
0000 
1649.
0000
1645.
0000 
Cps
17391.
0000 
18507.
0000 
15614.
0000 
15688.
0000
12188.
0000 
17754.
0000 
16378.
0000 
15787.
0000 
16737.
0000
13791.
0000 
Count 522496.
0000 
555942.
0000 
468960.
0000 
471219.
0000
366273.
0000 
533249.
0000 
491980.
0000 
474277.
0000 
502614.
0000
414329.
0000
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SUPREME COURT REPORTS
[2018]  4 S.C.R.
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF WATER SAMPLES FROM
MAHAKALESHWAR TEMPLE PREMISES, UJJAIN
S. 
No. 
Ref. 
No 
Samp
le 
locate 
on/ 
time
pH
Te
mp 
Cond
. at 
25* 
C µs/
cm
TDS SA
LI
NI
TY 
CO
3 
HCO
3 
Total 
hardn 
ess 
Ca
Mg
Cl
Na
K
No3
PO4
SO4
Unit
(*C)
ppm SPU ppm ppm ppm
pp
m 
ppm
ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm
ppm
1 
UJT/
01/w/
2017 
Pot 
above 
linga
m @ 
5.15 
PM 
7.78
28.
52 
870 
522 
0.46
NIL 274.
5 
320 
76 
15.6
170 
67 
11 
6 
02 
54 
2 
UJT/
02/w/
2017 
Pot 
below 
linga
m @ 
5.15 
PM 
8.20
27.
48 
864 
518 
046 
Nil 
317 
330 
76 
14.4
125 
70 
11 
12 
03 
50 
Co(%)
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
Ni (%)
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
Cu (%) 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
Zn (%)
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
As (%)
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
Se (%)
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
Rb (%)
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
Sr (%)
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
Y (%)  
0.0000 
0.0020 
0.0000 
0.0023 
0.0009 
0.0027 
0.0000 
0.0013 
0.0000 
Zr (%)  
0.0000 
0.0231 
0.0002 
0.0317 
0.0000 
0.0124 
0.0000 
0.0040 
0.0001 
Nb (%)
0.0136 
0.0145 
0.0121 
0.0150 
0.0113 
0.0144 
0.0125 
0.0139 
0.0073 
Mo (%)
0.0468
0.0733
0.0382
0.0820
0.0390
0.0651
0.0390
0.0818
0.0361
Pd
(%)
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
Ag (%)
0.0155
0.0169
0.0147
0.0171
0.0162
0.0173
0.0155
0.0168
0.0144
Cd (%)
0.0160
0.0415
0.0204
0.0134
0.0474
0.0471
0.0125
0.0000
0.0091
Sn (%)
0.1033
0.1010
0.1024
0.1021
0.1027
0.1041
0.1032
0.1036
0.1024
Sb (%) 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0243 
0.0136 
0.0076 
0.0000 
Ba (%)
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
Hf (%)
0.0000
0.0007
0.0000
0.0003
0.0000
0.0004
0.0001
0.0003
0.0003
Ta (%)
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
W (%)
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
Au (%)
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
Hg (%)
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
Pb (%) 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
0.0000 
Bi (%)
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
0.0000
Peak 
1657. 
0000
1650. 
0000
1651. 
0000
1644. 
0000
1653. 
0000
1655. 
0000
1652. 
0000
1650. 
0000
1650. 
0000
Cps 
14256. 
0000
16559. 
0000
13441. 
0000
17087. 
0000
15057. 
0000
17596. 
0000
13714. 
0000
16334. 
0000
13452. 
0000
Count 
428321.
0000
497363.
0000
403741.
0000
513179.
0000
452296.
0000
528369.
0000
411934.
0000
490609.
0000
404073.
0000
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
723
TRACE ELEMENT ANALYSIS IN WATER SAMPLES
FROM MAHAKALESHWER TEMPLE, PREMISE
All value in ppb
3
UJT/
03/w/
2017 
Kotite
erth@ 
1.45 
PM 
8.41
29.
88 
1736 1041 0.95
66
353.
8 
500
68
39.6
205
120
128
140
0.7
73
4
UJT/
04/w/
2017 
Rudra
sagar 
@ 
5.00 
PM 
8.70
29.
28 
849
509
0.45
18
244
270
40
20.4
150
103
19
05
4
24
5 
UJT/
05/w/
2017 
Shipra 
River 
@ 
8.45  
PM 
8.32
29.
05 
920 
533 
0.49
6 
292.
8 
340 
84
15.6
135 
73 
11 
19 
4 
48 
6
UJT/1
A/MW
/17 
Lalad
hariwa
ter@ 
3.45  
PM 
7.6
28.
06 
1739 1043 0.96
NIL
NIL
920
360 2.4
285
140
219
180
16
194
7 
UJT/2
A/MW
/17 
Nirma
lya @ 
3.45 
PM 
6.2 
28.
71 
1349 809 
0.73
NIL
NIL
660 
200 19.2
200 
92 
74 
75 
14 
101 
ISO 
10500 
standa 
rd 
value
6.5-
8.5 
500
200
300
75
30
250
200 
(WH
O) 
50
200
Samp
le 
Name
19997-I
1999 7-2
19997 -3
19997-4
19997-5
19997-6
1999 7-7
Ref 
No 
UJT/03/
W/2017
UJT/1A/
WM/200
17 
UJT/1B/W
M/2017 
UJT/4/W/
2017 
UJT/01/
W/2017 
UJT/2/W/
2017 
UJT/05/
W/2017 
Loca
tion 
KotiTir
ath 
Pond 
Mahakal
Jal adhari 
base 
Tank-
2,Offered 
Water 
RudraSag
ar Lake 
Municipa
l Water 
before 
offering 
Jaladhari 
water after 
jalavishek
Shipra 
River, 
Ramghat
Be
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
Sc
2.34
1.19
1.17
<0.7
<0.71
0.70
0.7
V
90.29
13.07
<5
10.17
11.53
11.18
11.26
Cr
<4
23.43
26.31
<4
<4
<4
<4
Mn
<0.5
90.75
237.16
2.26
268.51
269.42
37.07
Fe
519.39
1991 .71
1448.52
164.02
299.64
265.58
259..34
Co 
0.12 
0.74 
0.72 
0.34 
0.64 
0.63 
0.06 
Ni
<0.5
5.75
2.90
<0.5
<.0.5
<.0.5
0.0<
Cu
1.23
13.91
<0.5
<0.5
17.56
10.55
<0.5
Zn
<0.2
812.03
219.97
0.2
16.40
0.69
<0.2
Ga
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
As
12.98
5.96
2.93
4.78
2.69
2.66
2.64
Se
<100
<100
<100
<100
<100
<100
<100
SARIKA v. ADMINISTRATOR, SHRI MAHAKALESHWAR
MANDIR COMMITTEE, UJJAIN (M.P.) [ARUN MISHRA, J.]
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
724
SUPREME COURT REPORTS
[2018]  4 S.C.R.
Hg sample analysed by P.R. Nimje Chemist Chemical Division Central
Region Geological Survey of India Nagpur Lab on 15.9.2017 and other
samples are analysed by M.S. Dahat, Sr. Chemist, P. Vamshi Krishna,
Asst. Chemist under the supervision of Smt. Shobha Rani Suptd Chemist
on 19.9.2017 at Chemical Division Southern Region, GSI Hyderabad
Lab.
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF BHASMA OF LINGAM AND
ASH SAMPLES FROM MAHAKALESHWER TEMPLE
Rb
13.47
202.15
65.19
3.48
6.43
6.47
6.21
Sr
968.51
574.94
432.10
253.36
369.56
376.06
405.15
Y
<0.1
0.11
0.04
<0.01
<0.01
<0.01
<0.01
Cd
<0.01
0.10
0.06
<0.01
<0.01
<0.01
<0.01
Cs 
0.08 
0.59 
0.19 
<0.2 
<0.2 
0.02 
0.02 
Ba
36.11
73.69
83.91
25.74
51.77
51.51
55.32
La
<0.03
<0.03
<0.03
<0.03
<0.03
<0.03
<0.03
Ce 
<0.04 
0.40 
0.13 
<0.04 
<0.04 
<0.04 
<0.04 
Pr
<0.005
0.05
0.03
<0.005
<0.005
<0.005
<0.005
Nd
<0.03
0.22
0.11
0.01
<0.03
<0.03
<0.03
Sm
<0.03
0.05
0.04
<0.03
<0.03
<0.03
<0.03
Eu
<0.03
<0.03
<0.03
<0.03
<0.03
<0.03
<0.03
Gd
<0.02
0.05
0.03
<0.02
<0.02
<0.02
<0.02
Tb
<0.002
0.01
<0.002
<0.002
<0.002
<0.002
<0.002
Dy 
0.008 
0.05 
0.03 
<0.008 
<0.008 
<0.008 
<0.008 
Ho
0.003
0.01
0.01
<0.003
<0.003
<0.003
<0.003
Er
<0.005
<0.005
<0.005
<0.005
<0.005
<0.005
<0.005
Tm
<0.003
<0.003
<0.003
<0.003
<0.003
<0.003
<0.003
Yb
<0.006
0.02
0.01
<0.006
<0.006
<0.006
<0.006
Lu
<0.003
<0.003
<0.003
<0.003
<0.003
<0.003
<0.003
Pb
<0.05
6..03
2.61
<0.5
<0.5
<0.5
<0.5
Bi 
0.18 
0.07 
<0.03 
<0.03 
<0.03
<0.03 
0.31 
Th
<01
<0.01
<0.01
<0.01
<0.01
<0.01
<0.01
U
1.27
<0.02
<0.2
<0.2
0.62
0.64
0.76
Ti
6.97
28.15
14.12
7.61
5.77
5.73
5.12
Ge
<1
<1
<1
<1
<1
<1
<1
Zr
<0.05
<0.05
<0.05
<0.05
<0.05
<0.05
<0.05
Nb
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
<0.01
<0.1
Mo
10.36
5.23
1.38
1.37
1.54
2,21
2.06
W
<0.5
<0.5
<0.5
<0.5
<0.5
<0.5
<0.5
Re
0.01
0.01
0.01
<0.002
<0.002
0.01
0.01
Hg
<1
<1
<1
<1
<1
<1
<1
S .N O
R e f.  N o .
p H
S iO 2 %
C a o %
P %
P 2O 5 %
1
A s h  ( B h a s h a m )  fr o m  
t h e  L i n g a m  m i x  i n  
s ta n d a rd  w a t e r  m e d ia  
( 7  p H )
9 . 0 7
4 2 .0 5
1 1 .2 0
1 0 . 0 8
2 3 .0
2
A s h  f ro m  c o w  d u n g  
m i x  i n  s t a n d a rd  w a te r  
m e d ia  ( 7 p H ) U j ja in  
M a r k e t
9 . 6 6
5 1 .7 5
1 2 .3 2
4 .2 2
9 .6 7
3
A s h  f ro m  c o w  d u n g  
m i x  i n  s t a n d a rd  w a te r  
m e d ia  ( 7  p H )  B h o p al 
M a r k e t
1 0 .2
4 6 .3 1
7 .2 0
3 .2 2
7 .3 7
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
725
As aforesaid report was furnished on 13.10.2017, thereafter
suggestions and objections were invited.
RESPONSE OF THE TEMPLE COMMITTEE TO REPORT
OF EXPERT FROM ASI/ GSI :
24. Response to the report has been filed by the Temple Committee
on 13.10.2017.  The same is extracted hereunder:
“RESPONSE OF THE RESPONDENT NO.1/ MANDIR
SAMITI TO THE REPORT ON THE STUDY/ SURVEY/
ANALYSIS/ EXAMINATION OF MAHAKALESHWAR
JYOTIRLINGAM OF UJJAIN (M.P.0 DATED 02.10.2017
CONDUCTED BY THE COMMITTEE CONSTITUTED
BY THIS HON’BLE COURT.
It is submitted that this Hon’ble Court vide order dated 25.08.2017
constituted an Expert Committee consisting of two officers of
Archaeological Survey of India and two officers of Geological
Survey of India. This Hon‘ble Court directed the Committee so
constituted to study/survey/analyse/examine Mahakaleshwar
Jyotirlingam of Ujjain (M.P.) and prepare a report containing the
rate at which the deterioration in the size of Lingam is taking
place, if any, and measures/ steps/ precautions to be taken to
ensure that this deterioration/ shrinkage of the Lingam stops.  Let
the Committee also study the other structures and also the temple
and submit wheat steps are required to be taken to overall  improve
the entire premises and for its preservation. 
Further, the Committee was also directed to  make a study and
report inter alia as how much  deterioration of Lingam has taken
place during the  last three-four decades and what remedial steps 
have to be
taken. 
In compliance with the same, the Committee constituted by this
Hon’ble Court has submitted a report dated 02.10.2017 on
03.10.2017.
This Hon’ble Court vide order dated 03.10.2017  allowed the
Answering Respondent to file their  suggestions/objections with
respect to the Report. 
.15
01
01
2
32
03
04
005
03
03
03
02
002
008
003
005
003
006
003
5
01
6
2
05
6
5
O 5 %
.0
6 7
3 7
SARIKA v. ADMINISTRATOR, SHRI MAHAKALESHWAR
MANDIR COMMITTEE, UJJAIN (M.P.) [ARUN MISHRA, J.]
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
726
SUPREME COURT REPORTS
[2018]  4 S.C.R.
The Answering Respondent is submitting its pointwise response
to the suggestions, recommendations and remedial measures made
by the Committee constituted by this Hon’ble Court vide Annexure
R-1.
In view of the foregoing is the most respectfully prayed that this
Hon’ble Court may be pleased to pass appropriate order as deem
fit and proper and thus render Justice.  The Answering Respondent
undertakes to comply with all the directions, this Hon’ble Court
may render in the interest of protection of the Idol.
S. 
No.
SUGGESTIONS, 
RECOMMENDATIONS 
AND 
REMEDIAL 
MEASURES      MADE  
BY 
THE 
EXPERT 
COMMITTEE 
CONSTITUTED 
BY 
THIS 
HON’BLE 
COURT
RESPONSE 
OF 
THE 
MANDIR 
SAMITI 
TO 
THE 
SUGGESTIONS, 
RECOMMENDATIONS 
AND 
REMEDIAL 
MEASURES MADE BY 
THE 
COMMITTEE 
CONSTITUTED BY THIS 
HON’BLE COURT
1.
The Jyotirlingam rock 
has been identified as 
orthoquartzite which is 
hard and compact and 
highly siliceous in nature 
in 
which 
the 
silica 
content caries from 75-
92% 
analyzed 
by 
portable 
XRF 
studies. 
Apart 
from 
visual 
observation 
spectral 
signature 
by 
spectroradiometer 
were 
collected, matched with 
the standard signature of 
orthoquartzite available 
in GSI, spectral lab.
Agree with the observation.
2.
The 
deterioration 
of 
lingam has been noticed 
and increased in last 40-
50 years as depicted   in 
That the report is based on 
photographs taken in the 
year viz: photo No.1 to 8.  
The Mandir
Samiti is ready 
3.
4.
5.
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
727
HE 
O 
S, 
L 
BY 
EE 
IS 
n.
on 
he 
8.  
y 
photos no 1-4 and 5-8; 
the 
deterioration 
is 
continuous in nature can 
be 
managed 
with 
remedial measures.
and willing to take all 
necessary 
remedial 
measures as recommended 
by the expert committee 
constituted by this Hon'ble 
Court 
to 
conserve 
the 
lingam namely; minimizing 
and regulating the water, 
flowers, 
and 
offerings 
immediately.
3.
The 
water 
of 
temple 
premises 
used 
in 
Jalabhishek 
is 
highly 
alkaline in nature the pH 
value ranges from 8.4 to 
8.7 which is reactive with 
the 
cryptocrystalline 
siliceous 
cementing 
material of orthoquartzite 
at room temperature and 
causing deterioration in 
Jyotirlingam.
The Mandir Samiti shall 
install an R.O. plant to 
maintain the pH value of 
the water at around 7. The 
devotees shall be allowed to 
use on 500 ml of water in a 
copper vessel onl y.
4.
The 
tradition 
of 
Bhasmaarti using ash of 
cow dung (as per temple 
pujaris) has pH value 
ranges from 9.07 to 10.20 
in aqueous medium.
The Mandir Samiti submits 
that before pouring of ash 
over 
the 
Lingam 
the 
Committee is ready to cover 
the Lingam with a cotton 
cloth and after pouring of 
ash 
idol 
would 
be 
completely 
cleaned 
by 
superfine cotton cloth.
5.
The 
age-old 
practices 
cannot be stopped but the 
amount of material can 
be restricted / minimized 
Use of ghee, milk, curd, 
honey 
etc. 
shall 
be 
restricted to not more than 
1.25 litres per devotee.  
SARIKA v.
ADMINISTRATOR, SHRI MAHAKALESHWAR
MANDIR COMMITTEE, UJJAIN (M.P.) [ARUN MISHRA, J.]
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
728
SUPREME COURT REPORTS
[2018]  4 S.C.R.
in 
order 
to 
reduce 
deterioration.  The quantity 
of 
offering 
as 
listed 
in 
Annexure I contain milk, 
curd, ghee, honey, sugar, 
leaves, petals, and flowers, 
accumulate in pits promote 
the growth of bacteria at 
room 
temperature 
in pH 
variation is also a cause of 
deterioration. 
Further, this material shall 
be of ISI standard and a 
random check of these puja 
materials shall be insured by 
the Committee. 
6.
Presence of major and minor 
oxide and trace elements of 
rock enhance the electrical 
conductivity of the water to a 
high level which can cause 
deposition of salt in pores/ 
pits and chipping of material 
by chemical weathering.
After 
Jalabhishek by the 
Lingam which concluded by 
5 p.m. every day.  The 
Lingam shall be properly 
cleaned 
and 
dried 
to 
minimize the water content 
and thereafter only dry pooja 
shall be permitted every day.
7
Poor drainage sanitation and 
water spillage 
were also 
spotted 
in the 
temple 
premises. 
The Mandir Samiti submits 
that the process of expansion 
of drainage system is under 
the process and shall be 
completed at the earliest.
8
The 
use 
of 
water 
(jal/Gangajal) 
throughout 
the day for Abhishekas of the 
Jyotirlinga by the devotees 
should be restricted to a 
minimum.
The Mandir 
Samiti shall 
install an R.O. Plant to 
maintain the pH value of the 
water 
at around 7. The 
devotees shall be allowed to 
use only 500 ml of water in a 
copper vessel
only.
9
Use of milk and other milk 
products ghee and honey 
should be minimized to a 
small quantity and made 
symbolic in nature to satisfy 
the religious requirement.
Use of ghee, milk, curd, 
honey etc. shall be restricted 
to not more than 1.25 litres 
per devotee. Further, these 
materials shall be of ISI 
standard 
and 
a 
random 
check 
of 
these 
pooja 
materials shall be insured 
and used.
10
11
12
13
14.
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
729
shall 
d a 
puja 
d by 
the 
d by 
The 
perly 
to 
ntent 
ooja 
day.
mits 
sion 
nder 
be 
shall 
to 
f the 
The 
d to 
in a 
curd, 
cted 
itres 
hese 
ISI 
dom 
ooja 
ured 
10
Rubbing of Jaggary/Sugar 
powder and other powdery 
on the Jyotirlinga may be 
restricted/minimized.
Rubbing of Sugar powder 
shall be banned.
11
Use of lost of flowers/Bel 
Patra etc. may also be made 
symbolic as the use of such 
huge 
materials 
keep 
the 
Jyotirlinga wet all the time 
and 
hinders 
natural 
breathing of the stone which 
is essential for the good state 
of the Jyotirlinga.
Dryers and fans will be used 
to avoid moisture. Belpatra 
and flowers are used on the 
upper part of shivling and do 
not at all hinder natural 
breathing 
of 
the 
stone. 
12
Use 
of 
metal 
buckets, 
offerings posts, and other 
utensils should be replaced 
with wooden/Good Plastic 
materials in order to avoid 
mechanical abrasions.
There are no mechanical 
abrasions 
since 
metallic 
utensils used for jalabhishek 
do not touch or abrase the 
jyotirlinga. 
13
If possible, entry of devotees 
in the Grabhgriha may be 
limited 
by 
making 
a 
management plan. Devotees 
may be permitted for short 
duration at a time to avoid 
the crowd in grabhgraha. 
This is important as there is 
long single entry door which 
is also used as an exit door.
Offering by devotees cannot 
be avoided as it relates to the 
religious 
faith 
of 
the 
devotees. 
However, 
a 
management plan is already 
made 
and
implemented 
wherein 
only 
limited 
devotees are permitted at a 
time.
14.
Every effort should be made 
to keep the Garbhgriha dry 
and 
clean 
including 
the 
passage and surroundings
To maintain 
the ambient 
temperature of the lingam 
room (Grabhgarh) at 17-20 
degree Celsius, more air 
conditioners 
shall 
be 
installed. Further, all efforts 
shall be made to keep the 
Grabhagarh 
and 
its 
surroundings dry and clean.
SARIKA v. ADMINISTRATOR, SHRI MAHAKALESHWAR
MANDIR COMMITTEE, UJJAIN (M.P.) [ARUN MISHRA, J.]
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
730
SUPREME COURT REPORTS
[2018]  4 S.C.R.
15.
All the damaged area of 
marble floorings and sealing 
of joints etc. should be 
repaired to 
avoid water 
percolation 
through 
the 
damaged area.
Accepted
16.
If possible provision may be 
made for air circulation in 
the Garbhyagriha
Accepted
17.
Arrangements for disposal of 
waste may be improved and 
should 
be 
made 
more 
effective.
Accepted.  It is submitted 
that 
Shri 
Mahakaleshwar 
temple is ranked in top 10 
most clean Iconic places by 
Government 
of 
India 
in 
Swwach Bharat Abhiyan.
18.
Scientific/Chemical 
treatment of any stone object 
with periodical inspection 
and preventive conservation 
may, 
however, 
help 
to 
preserve the object for quite 
long time but in case of 
Jyotirlinga it may not be 
appropriate to consider such 
treatment as the treatment of 
the 
Jyotirlinga 
may 
be 
acceptable to the common 
people because of their the  
faith and religious beliefs. 
Only preventive conservation 
methods may be helpful to 
keep the Jyotirlinga in the 
best of its conservation state.
Accepted
19.
Sincere efforts should be 
made 
to 
preserve 
the 
originality 
of 
the 
main 
temple and other structures 
of historical importance   in 
Offering by devotees cannot 
be avoided as it relates to the 
religious 
faith 
of 
the 
devotees.

However, 
a 
management plan is  already 
20.
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
731
itted 
hwar 
p 10 
s by 
in 
nnot 
o the 
the 
a 
eady 
the 
premises. 
Modern 
materials should be avoided 
for general maintenance.
made wherein only limited 
devotees are permitted at a 
time.  Crowd management 
and lives of devotees will be 
of 
utmost 
priority 
forth 
temple committee. 
20.
The antiquarian remains of 
the premise including main 
temple of Mahakal can be 
classified mainly into four 
groups; 
a: 
some 
stone 
sculptures in loose and fixed 
nature assigned to 7th -8th 
century 
AD, 
b: 
some 
sculptures 
of 
11th 
12th 
century AD, c: Main temple 
and other subsidiary shrines 
of 18th century and d: Other 
remains viz. wooden box, 
copper 
drum, 
seating 
benches and some metal 
work etc of 19th - 20th 
century. Numbers of stone 
sculptures 
placed in the 
temple premises at different 
placed like embed in the 
walls, on the floors, and in 
the abandoned rooms needs 
to the properly maintained, 
documented, identified and 
displayed in a proper place 
so 
that 
they 
could 
be 
preserved 
for 
future 
generation and could be in 
use 
of 
researchers 
and 
students 
of 
art 
and 
architecture. 
Accepted.
SARIKA v. ADMINISTRATOR, SHRI MAHAKALESHWAR
MANDIR COMMITTEE, UJJAIN (M.P.) [ARUN MISHRA, J.]
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
732
SUPREME COURT REPORTS
[2018]  4 S.C.R.
22.
23. 
21.
Some unwanted restoration 
works have been done on the 
1st and 2nd floors of the 
Mahakal temple by laying of 
modern tiles on the floor. 
This sort of flooring does not 
match in any way with the 
ambience 
and 
old 
architecture of the temple. 
On the north and south sides 
of 
the 
temple, 
iron 
scaffoldings 
are 
placed 
attached to the main temple. 
We 
were 
told 
that 
the 
scaffoldings are provided for 
installing iron stairs for 
climbing of the visitors to the 
temple on the top floor to 
worship Chandranageshwar. 
On this floor, a sculpture of 
Chandranageshwar with his 
consort is placed inside a 
niche covered with a glass 
window and devotees or 
visitors would be allowed to 
reach there. During our visit, 
we 
were 
informed 
that 
earlier 
temporary 
arrangement was made there 
by way of installation of iron 
stairs in the occasion of 
nagapanchami when lacs of 
visitors used to visit here. 
Providing of this sort of 
installation is not only the 
eyesore in the ancient temple 
premise but it would lead a 
new tradition in future and 
put an adverse effect on the 
old   temples   when   such  a 
The Mandir Samiti submits 
that the constructions work 
being carried out for best 
and convenient passage for 
devotees. 
Necessary 
and 
precautionary works will be 
done as lakhs of devotees 
throng the temple during 
Nagpanchmi.
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huge crowd of devotees 
will reach Abhishek the 
top floor.  Therefore, it 
should be avoided for the 
safety of the public and to 
maintain the ambiance of 
the temples.  
22.
While 
the 
campus 
consisting of old temples 
have been reflecting with 
white, 
cream 
and red 
colors as outer walls and 
shikhara of almost all the 
temples are painted with 
these colors and flooring 
with tiles and red stones. 
Besides that, some new 
constructions 
have 
the 
carried out. This sort of 
constructions 
and 
development in an ancient 
heritage place should be 
avoided 
and 
proper 
conservation should 
be 
carried out with the help 
of conservators and expert 
of ancient architecture. 
Accepted
Mandir Samiti is carrying 
out works to restore the 
heritage 
look 
of 
the 
temple. 
23. 
The 
significance 
of 
Mahakal 
temple 
and 
Ujjain is not only for the 
people 
of 
Ujjain 
and 
Madhya Pradesh, rather 
for the people of the whole 
country 
too, 
therefore 
keeping this thing in mind, 
it  is inevitably required to 
Accepted
Shree 
Mahakaleshwar 
temple 
management 
committee has plans to 
create a heritage cell for 
maintenance 
and 
restoration of 
the old 
temple 
and 
structures 
inside the premise. 
ubmits 
work 
best 
ge for 
and 
will be 
votees 
during 
SARIKA v. ADMINISTRATOR, SHRI MAHAKALESHWAR
MANDIR COMMITTEE, UJJAIN (M.P.) [ARUN MISHRA, J.]
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SUPREME COURT REPORTS
[2018]  4 S.C.R.
develop this most religious 
and heritage site with proper 
care and maintenance so 
that its cultural and tangible 
fabric 
could 
not 
be 
disturbed. Presently there 
are numbers of the temples 
inside the temple premise 
probably of the same period 
as the Mahakal temple but 
these temples are conserved 
in crappy manner by adding 
eyesore paintings on the 
walls 
and 
some 
weird 
addition 
to 
the 
old 
structures. 
Some 
new 
constructions are done and 
some other constructions are 
presently going on there. 
Therefore, it is suggested 
that no new construction 
may be allowed within the 
temple 
premise 
and 
restoration and development 
of the old temples and 
structures of the premise 
may 
be 
rectified 
and 
restored with the assistance 
of 
Archaeological 
Conservators. Apart from 
the various activities as 
referred 
above, 
Temple 
committee 
can 
create a 
heritage 
cell 
for 
maintenance and restoration 
of the old temples and 
structures 
inside 
the 
premise.
24.
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25. On 13.10.2017, following order was passed by this Court:
   “Heard learned counsel for the parties.
     This Court had constituted a Committee on 25.08.2017
consisting of Shri Madan Singh Chauhan, Regional Director
(Archaeologist), ASI, Central Region, Bhopal; (ii) Dr. V. K.
Saxena, Director (Science), (Archaeological Chemist), ASI,
Science Branch, Dehradun; (iii) Shri Hemraj Suryavanshi, Dy.
Director, General, State Unit, Madhya Pradesh, GSI, Bopal; and
(iv) Shri L.L. Vishwakarma, Director, Su: MP, GSI, Bhopal. They
have submitted their reports which are exhaustive. Respondent
24.
It is stated earlier that 
Ujjain is a very ancient 
city and there are numbers 
of old structures, temples, 
ponds, houses, platforms 
etc around the temple 
premise still in extant, 
these old structures are 
the valuable heritage and 
integral part of temple 
premise 
needs 
to 
be 
identified 
and 
restored 
accordingly. 
If 
it 
is 
possible 
for 
the 
state 
government, 500 m all 
around the temple premise 
can be preserved with old 
structures and removed 
from 
the 
modern 
construction. 
Wherever 
open space is found, that 
can be landscaped and 
developed 
so 
that 
its 
religious ambiance could 
be 
maintained 
and 
preserved.  
Accepted
Subject 
to 
necessary 
repairs and maintenances 
for the preservation of the 
heritage building to be 
carried out from time to 
time by temple committee. 
SARIKA v. ADMINISTRATOR, SHRI MAHAKALESHWAR
MANDIR COMMITTEE, UJJAIN
(M.P.) [ARUN MISHRA, J.]
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[2018]  4 S.C.R.
No.1 Temple Committee has filed its response to various proposals
made by the Expert Committee. They have filed point-wise
response contained in Annexure R1. The Temple Committee has
suggested certain remedial measures. In the circumstances, it is
appropriate to request the Temple Committee to consider the
various recommendations. It was also stated that let the Committee
take a decision for implementation of the recommendations which
are to be accepted as it is a primary responsibility for the
Committee to manage the affairs. Let a considered firm decision
The opening regarding implementation.
     We appreciate the gesture of the counsel for the parties as it
is not adversarial litigation but in order to improve the overall
situation and to protect and preserve the Lingam of
Mahakaleshwar. It was also stated that the Committee has decided
to regulate the timings etc. and various suggestions were made
during the course of hearing. Let Committee take a decision
considering the overall interest and rise to the occasion by doing
the needful. Let the Committee consider the report of the experts
and its stand taken in the annexure R/1 filed by them and pass
appropriate resolutions as prayed by counsel for respondent No.1.
      Be listed on 27.10.2017.”
RESOLUTION DATED 26.10.2017 PASSED BY TEMPLE
COMMITTEE:
26. Pursuant to the order dated 13.10.2017, resolution has been
passed by the Committee on 26.10.2017 filed as