📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Prateek Priyadeep
Religion
Ujjain's Mahakal Lok to Install Grand Stone Statues of Saptarishis, Shiva and Guru Brihaspati
✍️ Amar Ujala · Ujjain
🗓 31 Aug 2026, 08:47 AM
👁 25
Mahakal Lok in Ujjain will replace its old fiber idols with large red‑sandstone statues of the seven sages, Lord Shiva and Guru Brihaspati, most of which are already completed.
Mahakal Lok, a cultural complex in Ujjain, is set to replace its aging fiber idols with new statues carved from red sandstone sourced from Bansi, Paharpur in Rajasthan. The project includes monumental figures of the seven revered sages (Saptarishis), Lord Shiva and the planetary deity Guru Brihaspati.
According to the organizers, the shift to stone aims to enhance durability and aesthetic appeal, aligning the sculptures with traditional Indian craftsmanship. The red‑balua stone is known for its fine grain and bright hue, making it suitable for detailed carving.
Most of the statues have already been sculpted and are awaiting installation at the Mahakal Lok premises. The site plans to unveil the new idols in a ceremony later this year, though an exact date has not been announced.
The initiative reflects a broader effort to preserve religious heritage while employing locally sourced materials. It also underscores Ujjain's status as a major pilgrimage centre, attracting devotees who will now witness the newly minted stone icons.
Local officials have expressed confidence that the upgraded statues will draw additional visitors and reinforce the city's cultural significance in the heart of Madhya Pradesh.
According to the organizers, the shift to stone aims to enhance durability and aesthetic appeal, aligning the sculptures with traditional Indian craftsmanship. The red‑balua stone is known for its fine grain and bright hue, making it suitable for detailed carving.
Most of the statues have already been sculpted and are awaiting installation at the Mahakal Lok premises. The site plans to unveil the new idols in a ceremony later this year, though an exact date has not been announced.
The initiative reflects a broader effort to preserve religious heritage while employing locally sourced materials. It also underscores Ujjain's status as a major pilgrimage centre, attracting devotees who will now witness the newly minted stone icons.
Local officials have expressed confidence that the upgraded statues will draw additional visitors and reinforce the city's cultural significance in the heart of Madhya Pradesh.