In Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh, a powerful movement is gaining momentum to open the ancient Someshwar Dham temple, perched atop a historic fort, for daily darshan. Devotees and saints are furious over the current restrictions that keep the temple doors shut most of the year.
On Saturday, under the banner of ‘Someshwar Dham Mukti Morcha’, a massive rally kicked off from Patan Dev Hanuman Temple. Hundreds of saints, Hindu organization members, and local residents marched through the city’s main streets, culminating at the Sagar-Bhopal intersection. The air was thick with slogans targeting the government, as participants voiced their frustration.
Saints issued a stark warning: if the temple gates aren’t thrown open daily soon, the Hindu community will launch aggressive agitations. They argue that Someshwar Dham is a sacred hub for thousands of faithful, yet archaeology department rules confine access to just a few hours on Maha Shivratri.
‘This is an insult to our devotion,’ one protesting saint declared. ‘The temple’s historical and spiritual significance demands round-the-clock accessibility for devotees.’
The rally concluded with a memorandum submitted to SDM Manish Sharma in the name of the Chief Minister. It demands exemption from archaeology restrictions and daily openings. Administration officials accepted the document, promising appropriate action.
Leaders of the Mukti Morcha remain skeptical, vowing to sustain the stir until demands are met, even escalating to larger protests if needed. This issue has simmered in Raisen for years, with locals insisting the temple must be made accessible. The event passed peacefully under tight police security, with no incidents reported.
As tensions rise, the spotlight is on whether authorities will heed the devotees’ call to revive this ancient site’s daily worship traditions.