By News Desk 
Actor Akshay Kumar has unveiled his new song ‘Mahakal Chalo,’ which has sparked mixed reactions among the audience. While some viewers are appreciating the devotional tone of the song, others have voiced their discontent, particularly regarding certain visuals in the music video. Mahesh Sharma, a respected priest from the renowned Mahakal temple in Ujjain, has strongly criticized specific scenes, labeling them as inappropriate and disrespectful towards the sacred traditions of the religious city. He also urged the film industry to refrain from misrepresenting Hinduism and Sanatan Dharma in their creative works.
Song Release Ahead of Mahashivratri
The release of ‘Mahakal Chalo’ was strategically timed just before the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri. In the video, Akshay Kumar is depicted holding a Shivling, followed by an Abhishek (ritualistic offering) scene. Additionally, there is a sequence where ashes are offered to the Shivling, resembling the rituals performed at the Mahakal temple in Ujjain. However, this particular depiction has led to strong opposition from religious leaders.
Objections from Ujjain’s Mahakal Temple Priest
Pandit Mahesh Sharma, the National President of All India Pujari Mahasangh and the priest of the Mahakal temple, expressed his dissatisfaction with the portrayal. He acknowledged that the song’s title and initial chants of ‘Mahakal Chalo’ were positive, but he took issue with the visual representation of Akshay Kumar wrapped around a Shivling and undergoing ritualistic offerings.
Misrepresentation of Rituals Condemned
According to Pandit Mahesh Sharma, creating a Shivling for a film set and performing rituals such as applying ashes and anointing an actor as though he were a deity is a grave misrepresentation. He emphasized that the world-famous Baba Mahakal temple is the only place where ashes are offered on a Shivling. Performing such rituals elsewhere, particularly in a fabricated setting for entertainment purposes, is deemed disrespectful and contrary to religious practices.
Impact on Religious Sentiments
The priest further stressed that the visuals in the song could mislead devotees and distort the sacred practices associated with Ujjain’s religious heritage. He argued that such creative liberties not only hurt the sentiments of worshippers but also undermine the principles of Sanatan Dharma. He called for a ban on the song and urged the authorities to prevent similar portrayals in the future.
Recurring Disrespect Towards Sanatan Dharma
Pandit Sharma pointed out that this is not the first instance of such insensitivity. He recalled a previous incident involving a similar misrepresentation, which had also resulted in legal action. He appealed to the film fraternity to respect religious sentiments and urged spiritual leaders to take a stand against any attempt to distort Sanatan Dharma.
He concluded by criticizing individuals who exploit the symbolism of saffron attire for personal gain without genuinely upholding the values of Sanatan Dharma. He reiterated his call for unity among religious leaders to protect and preserve the sacred traditions of Hinduism.