Fire Incident at Mahakal: 13 Priests Injured!

In Ujjain, a distressing incident occurred on Monday morning as a fire erupted within the sanctum sanctorum of the Mahakal Temple, resulting in injuries to 13 priests during the ‘bhasma aarti’ ritual. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his profound sorrow over the accident, emphasizing the need for swift recovery of all affected devotees. He noted the active involvement of the state government and local authorities in extending assistance to the victims.

Ujjain Collector Neeraj Kumar Singh confirmed the occurrence and announced a magisterial investigation into the matter. And report that 13 priests sustained burn injuries and are under treatment. A magisterial inquiry has been initiated,” he informed ANI.

Eyewitnesses revealed that during the Holi celebrations, ‘gulal’ (coloured powder) was being thrown inside the sanctum sanctorum, and inadvertently, it came into contact with an earthen lamp, possibly triggering the fire due to the chemicals present in the ‘gulal’. Among the injured is Sanjay Guru, the chief priest overseeing the Bhasma Aarti ritual.
The condition of nine individuals is reported to be critical, prompting their transfer to Indore for further medical attention. Superintendent of Police Pradeep Sharma of Ujjain stated, “One of the injured recounted that gulal was thrown on priest Sanjeev from behind while he was conducting the aarti. The gulal landed on the lamp, and it is suspected that certain chemicals within the gulal caused the fire.”
Union Minister Amit Shah expressed his condolences and affirmed that the local administration is actively engaged in providing necessary medical treatment to the injured individuals.