NSG Mock Drill at Mahakaleshwar Temple: Overnight Security Exercise Ahead of Simhastha 2028
A security drill at Mahakal — what it means for your darshan
If you are planning a visit to Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, here is an important update: the National Security Guard (NSG) carried out an overnight anti-terror mock drill at the temple complex on the night of Thursday, 22 October 2026, continuing into the early hours of Friday, 23 October 2026. Codenamed "Operation Mahakal", the exercise ran from 11 pm to 2 am and involved more than 100 armed NSG commandos.
The drill simulated a terrorist attack at the temple and practised the safe evacuation of devotees. As part of the exercise, the areas around the Neelkanth Gate and Nandi Gate were cleared and the lights were switched off while armed commandos took positions. Hotel Shrimmaya guests should expect stepped-up security around the temple and possible short waits at entry gates over the next few days.
Who took part and what was tested
The joint exercise brought together NSG "Black Cat" commandos, the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), Mahakal Police Station, Mahakal Lok Police Station, the district administration and the temple administration. Commandos moved from the Mansarovar area of Mahakal Lok towards the Trinetra Control Room, practising how to respond swiftly, neutralise attackers and evacuate devotees safely during an emergency.
The exercise also checked the temple's entry and exit gates, emergency routes and strategic locations, with the aim of identifying any gaps in the current security arrangement. Additional Superintendent of Police Alok Sharma said the drill was intended to strengthen security at the temple and improve coordination between the different units.
Pilgrim impact: crowd, gates and timing
Roughly 1.5 lakh to 2 lakh devotees visit Mahakal Temple every day, and the number rises during festivals and special occasions. Officials said the administration and local police remained alert during the drill so that devotees did not face inconvenience, and clarified that there was no actual threat to the temple.
Because the drill was held late at night, normal darshan timings were not disrupted for the day. However, with security now heightened ahead of Simhastha 2028, pilgrims are advised to carry a valid ID, allow extra time for entry checks, and follow the directions of temple staff and security personnel.
Why the drill matters now
Ujjain is preparing to receive a very large number of devotees for Simhastha 2028, and this mock drill is part of the security build-up for that event. The NSG had run a similar exercise at Mahakaleshwar Temple on 26 September 2023. Officials did not disclose how many "dummy terrorists" or devotees were involved in the simulated evacuation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happened at Mahakaleshwar Temple on 22–23 October 2026? A: The NSG conducted an overnight anti-terror mock drill, codenamed "Operation Mahakal", from 11 pm on Thursday, 22 October to 2 am on Friday, 23 October, simulating a terror attack and practising the evacuation of devotees.
Q: Was there a real threat to the temple? A: No. Officials clarified there was no actual threat; it was a preparedness exercise.
Q: Which agencies took part? A: NSG commandos, the ATS, Mahakal and Mahakal Lok police stations, the district administration and the temple administration.
Q: Will darshan be affected? A: Normal darshan was not disrupted, but expect tighter security and possible short waits at entry gates; carry ID and allow extra time.
Q: Why is this drill being held? A: It is part of security preparations for Simhastha 2028, when very large crowds are expected in Ujjain.
Q: Has a similar drill been done before? A: Yes — the NSG ran a comparable exercise at Mahakaleshwar Temple on 26 September 2023.
Plan your Ujjain visit with Shrimm Tours & Travels
If the overnight security exercise has you rethinking your temple plans, our travel desk can help you arrange darshan timings, local transport and stays around the Mahakal corridor. Get planning help from Shrimm Tours & Travels: http://tours.shrimmaya.com/.
Source: Free Press Journal. Cross-checked against Bhaskar English coverage of the same NSG mock drill ("Operation Mahakal", 11 pm–2 am, 22–23 October 2026).
