Udaipur Palace Feud: Clashes Erupt Over Maharana’s Temple Visit
The streets outside Udaipur Palace lay eerily empty today following violent clashes triggered by a royal family dispute. The conflict arose after BJP MLA and newly anointed Maharana of Mewar, Vishvraj Singh Mewar, was denied entry into the palace to visit a temple managed by his cousin Dr. Lakshay Raj Singh and uncle Shreeji Arvind Singh Mewar.
Vishvraj Singh, the BJP MLA from Rajsamand, sought to offer prayers at temples under the Shree Eklingji Trust, which is administered by his relatives. Tensions escalated when his entry to the Dhuni Mata Temple within the city palace was blocked, leading to anger among his supporters. The situation spiraled into stone-pelting clashes, leaving at least three people injured.
In response, the district administration has taken control of the disputed temple site and secured the road leading to the temple. District Collector Arvind Kumar Poswal stated, “The administration has assumed receivership of the Dhuni Mata Temple. If either group wishes to file a case, it will be registered.”
This morning, visuals showed police barricades sealing off roads near the palace. Authorities have established three-tier security to ensure Vishvraj Singh can perform his prayers peacefully.
Vishvraj Singh was recently crowned the 77th Maharana of Mewar in a traditional ceremony at Chittorgarh Fort following the passing of his father, Mahendra Singh Mewar. The visit to the Dhuni Mata Temple, a family shrine, and the Ekling Shiv Temple was intended to seek blessings post-coronation.
The administration had initially urged the Shree Eklingji Trust to permit access to the temples, but tensions flared when barricades and gates were breached during protests. Stones were reportedly hurled from both sides as the situation intensified.
Calling the incident “unfortunate,” Maharana Vishvraj Singh emphasized that property disputes should not interfere with sacred traditions. After hours of standing with his supporters, he left late at night following assurances from the administration that his temple visit would be facilitated the next day.
Urging calm, he appealed to his supporters to avoid violence, respect the law, and return peacefully for darshan the following morning.
