Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh): The Laddu Prasadam vending machine installed at the Ujjain’s revered Mahakaleshwar Temple has been removed following repeated technical malfunctions that caused inconvenience to devotees, as reported on Sunday.
The vending machine was installed at Avantika Gate No. 1 so that the devotees could avail Prasadam quickly and cashless.
Devotees could scan a QR code, make a digital payment, and receive a laddu packet. The machine had a capacity to hold 130 packets at a time.
The machine was inaugurated in December 2024 by BJP National President J.P. Nadda and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav.
Machine malfunctioned
Lately, multiple complaints were reported regarding the technical glitches. In several instances, devotees were charged but did not receive Prasadam packets.
Power cuts also disrupted the machine’s functioning. Additionally, the machine would often hang during transactions or fail to offer larger-sized packets.
Machine to be replaced
According to the temple administration, the decision was made to remove the machine and replace it with a manual counter.
Currently, seven Prasadam counters are operational within the temple complex and the Mahakal Lok area. Those offering laddu packets from 100 grams to 1 kilogram, priced between ₹50 and ₹400.
Additional counters are set up during the Shravan month and festive seasons to manage the larger crowds.
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