The Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, India, has stirred controversy by implementing a new entry fee of ₹250 for devotees wishing to attend the evening and night aartis. This mandatory online booking requirement is seen as placing faith and devotion under a monetary model, prompting questions regarding the commercialization of spirituality. Proponents of the system, including temple management, argue that the initiative aims at creating order and transparency in temple activities. However, opponents criticize this move as inappropriate, suggesting that charging for entry to a religious ceremony diminishes the sanctity of worship.

The temple administration has established specific times for entry to ensure orderly participation during the aartis, with online bookings beginning at specified hours in the afternoon. By controlling the crowd and streamlining the process, temple authorities hope to enhance the visitor experience while preserving the reverent atmosphere. The move reflects a broader trend where religious practices are increasingly influenced by administrative frameworks that seek to modernize and organize traditional rituals.

Amidst the uproar, local politicians, particularly from the BJP, have expressed their dissatisfaction with this arrangement, viewing it as exploitation of religious sentiments for revenue generation. This debate over the fee for religious rituals has become a focal point in local politics, challenging the balance between tradition and the contemporary realities of managing large temples seen in tourist cities. The outcome of this controversy may influence how religious practices adapt to modern governance and public expectations in India.