Ancient Hanuman Statue in Ujjain Sparks Historical Debate

The iconic Hanuman statue in Ujjain is under scrutiny as preparations for the 2028 Simhastha festival unfold. Experts believe the statue could be around 1000 years old, but its relocation efforts have faced challenges. With a strong base and a layer of vermilion obscuring its original craftsmanship, scientific investigations are underway to uncover its true age and historical context. The temple housing the statue is relatively newer, leading to questions about their separate histories. As the administration prioritizes the statue's safety, the potential discovery could have significant implications for both religious beliefs and the historical narrative of the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 10, 2026, 12:38 IST

Ujjain's Iconic Hanuman Statue Under Scrutiny

In Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, the renowned statue of Hanuman is currently at the center of attention. As preparations for the 2028 Simhastha festival are underway, efforts to relocate the statue due to road widening have proven unsuccessful. Despite the use of modern machinery and technical methods, the statue remains firmly in place, prompting discussions about its potential historical significance.

Potential Age of 1000 Years

Archaeologists suggest that the statue could be approximately 1000 years old. They have identified the stone used in its construction as a robust basalt found in the Malwa region. Given its design and the historical context of the area, experts believe it may date back to the Parmar dynasty and the reign of King Bhoj. However, a definitive conclusion regarding its actual age has yet to be reached.

Scientific Investigation to Reveal True History

The statue's long-standing layer of vermilion has complicated the study of its original craftsmanship and construction style. Consequently, experts are conducting scientific and archaeological investigations to ascertain the statue's age, the type of stone used, and other related details. Only after these analyses will it be possible to determine its true age and historical connections.

Depth of the Base Under Scrutiny

One significant reason for the statue's immobility is believed to be its sturdy base. Experts speculate that the statue may be anchored deep underground, with its base constructed using ancient techniques. This complexity has made it challenging to remove the statue without causing damage. In light of this, the administration is cautious and is not rushing into any decisions.

Assistance from IIT Experts

To safely assess the statue and understand the technical aspects of its base, specialists are being consulted. Reports indicate that experts from IIT Indore have already visited the site to evaluate the situation. The administration aims to determine the next steps without compromising the statue's integrity.

Temple and Statue May Have Different Histories

It is believed that the current standing Hanuman temple is around 170 years old, while the statue itself may be nearly 1000 years old. This suggests that the temple's structure and the statue were constructed at different times. Consequently, historians and archaeologists are now focused on uncovering the statue's true historical background.

Awaiting Expert Reports

Devotees hold deep faith in the statue, and various claims are circulating on social media. However, experts and the administration have not attributed the statue's immobility to any miraculous phenomenon. The current priority is to ensure the statue's protection and accurately assess its historical significance. The administration has stated that any decisions will be made only after thorough investigations and consultations with relevant parties.

Significance of the Discovery

Should the investigation confirm that the Ujjain Hanuman statue is indeed around 1000 years old, it could represent a significant discovery for both religious faith and the historical narrative of Malwa and Ujjain.