A fire broke out in the sanctum sanctorum of Ujjain’s Mahakal Temple on Monday morning, injuring 13 priests. The incident took place during the ‘bhasma aarti.’ “The district hospital here is treating thirteen priests who sustained burn injuries. There has been an order for a magisterial probe,” he informed ANI.
‘Gulal’ was being hurled inside the sanctum sanctorum as part of the Holi celebration, according to witnesses. Someone threw the colourful gulal at an earthen lamp. They speculate that chemicals in the gulal may have started the fire.
Among those hurt is Sanjay Guru, the head priest of Bhasma Aarti.
Nine individuals are reported to be in critical condition. Indore has been recommended to them.
“One of the injured informed said that someone threw gulal on priest Sanjeev from behind while he was performing the aarti,” Ujjain superintendent of police Pradeep Sharma told TNG Times. The gull hit the lamp. A chemical in the gulal is believed to have started the fire.
Amit Shah, a union minister, responded to the regrettable event. He claimed that the injured were receiving care from the local government.
“I received information about the fire incident at the Shri Mahakal Temple in Ujjain from Chief Minister Mohan Yadav of Madhya Pradesh. The injured are receiving care and support from the local government. He commented on X, “I pray to Baba Mahakal for the injured people’s quick recovery.”
“Regrettably, there was a fire at the Mahakal Temple’s ‘garbha griha’ during the bhasma aarti,” Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav posted on X. Since this morning, I have been in communication with the administration. Everything is managed. I offer prayers to Baba Mahakal so that everyone who is hurt can heal quickly.”
