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Today in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, a fire erupted in the renowned Mahakal Temple, injuring 14 priests during the morning ‘bhasma aarti’. According to Ujjain Collector Neeraj Kumar Singh, the blaze ignited in the temple’s inner sanctum around 5:50 am.
“The fire resulted in burn injuries to 14 priests. Some are receiving treatment at the local district hospital, while eight others have been taken to Indore. A thorough investigation has been initiated, led by Zila Panchayat CEO Mrinal Meena and Additional Collector Anukool Jain. A report is expected within three days,” stated Singh.
उज्जैन में भस्म आरती के दौरान महाकाल मंदिर के गर्भगृह में आग लग गई जिससे कई पुजारी झुलस गये. घायल लोगों को जिला अस्पताल में भर्ती कराया गया है. #ujjain #mahakal #mahakaltemple #mahakaltemplefire #ujjainmandirfire #fireaccident #holi #ottindia pic.twitter.com/JyTAsgsGBE
— Hind First (@Hindfirstnews) March 25, 2024
Preliminary reports suggest that the fire began when colored powder, known as ‘gulal’, accidentally fell onto a plate containing burning camphor during a ritual. The flames quickly spread across the floor of the temple’s inner sanctum.
CCTV cameras within the temple premises recorded the incident. Priest Ashish informed reporters that the fire erupted due to the Holi ritual involving gulal. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the devotees, including some VVIPs, who were present in the nearby Nandi Hall.
Every year the Mohotsav is celebrated in the temple and to carry forward the tradition, ‘Bhasm aarti’ was undertaken like every year. During Aarti, someone from behind threw ‘Gulal’ at the priest which fell on the Burning Flame of the Aarti and then the fire spread causing burn to many priests. According to media reports, the chemicals in the Gulal caused the fire to spread so fast.
आज प्रातः बाबा महाकाल मंदिर के गर्भगृह में भस्म आरती के दौरान हुई दुर्घटना दुखद है।
मैं सुबह से ही प्रशासन के संपर्क में हूँ। सब नियंत्रण में है। बाबा महाकाल से प्रार्थना है कि सभी घायल शीघ्र ही पूर्णतः स्वस्थ हों।
— Dr Mohan Yadav (@DrMohanYadav51) March 25, 2024
In response to the incident, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed his sorrow, assuring the public that the situation is under control. He also mentioned his continuous coordination with the district administration regarding the matter.
Mahakal Temple in Madhya Pradesh’s Ujjain is holds a very high position for Hindus across the country. Millions of people visit the temple every year.
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