300 guards jump in unison to test Mahakaleshwar temple bridge before Nag Panchami

Times of India Published Aug 17, 2026 Reviewed Aug 17, 2026 ✓ Reviewed by citations.press editors

Bridge Corporation SDO Raghunath Suryavanshi recommended that no more than 300 devotees use the Mahakaleshwar temple bridge at a time.

300 devotees · Mahakaleshwar temple bridge Raghunath Suryavanshi, SDO, Bridge Corporation

The Mahakaleshwar temple bridge is 91 feet long and 10 feet wide.

91 feet · Mahakaleshwar temple bridge10 feet · Mahakaleshwar temple bridge

The Mahakaleshwar temple bridge was constructed in 2022 with assistance from a donor through the Ujjain Development Authority and was first used during Nag Panchami that year.

2022 year · Mahakaleshwar temple bridge

During the load test on August 7, more than 300 security guards walked and jumped on the Mahakaleshwar temple bridge, and no structural problems were detected.

more than 300 guards · Mahakaleshwar temple bridge Raghunath Suryavanshi, SDO, Bridge Corporation

The Mahakaleshwar temple shrine opens to devotees only once a year for 24 hours on Nag Panchami.

1 times per year · Mahakaleshwar temple shrine24 hours · Mahakaleshwar temple shrine

UJJAIN: Over 300 security guards jumping in unison for 10 minutes turned into an unusual load test at the Mahakaleshwar temple complex in Ujjain, where authorities tested a 91ft-long foot overbridge that will carry thousands of devotees to the Nagchandreshwar temple during Monday's Nag Panchami.The shrine, which houses an idol depicting Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati seated on Sheshnag, opens to devotees only once a year for 24 hours on Nag Panchami.While simulating a crowd load, bolts, joints and corrosion were inspected.

"We recommend that no more than 300 devotees use it at a time," said Bridge Corporation SDO Raghunath Suryavanshi.With heavy footfall expected Monday,Engineers subjected the bridge to a simulated crowd load before clearing it for use. As the guards were first made to walk on the bridge and then jump together rhythmically, officials of Bridge Corporation and public works department (PWD) monitored its response.

Engineers inspected bolts, joints and signs of corrosion before declaring the structure fit for movement of devotees.During the test, more than 300 guards were first made to walk on the bridge and then jump together rhythmically as officials of the Bridge Corporation and public works department monitored its response.

Engineers also inspected bolts, joints and signs of corrosion before declaring the structure fit for movement of devotees.“We made over 300 security guards walk and jump on the bridge as part of the load test. No structural problem was detected. This year, we have recommended that not more than 300 devotees should use the bridge at a time,” said Raghunath Suryavanshi, SDO, Bridge Corporation’s Simhastha subdivision.

He said the testing was carried out on August 7.The 91-foot-long and 10-foot-wide bridge links the Vitthal Pandharinath temple area with the rooftop level leading to the Nagchandreshwar shrine. Five feet of its width is earmarked for entry and the remaining five feet for exit. The bridge, supported on five pillars, was constructed in 2022 with assistance from a donor through Ujjain Development Authority and was first used during Nag Panchami that year.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Bhopal | Silver Rate in Bhopal | Bank Holidays in Bhopal | Public Holidays in Bhopal | Petrol Price in Bhopal | Diesel Price in Bhopal | CNG Price in Bhopal | LPG Price in BhopalStay updated with the latest Bhopal news.

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