On Monday, a fire erupted at the Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, resulting in injuries to at least 14 priests. The incident occurred during the bhasma aarti, a ritual inside the temple’s sanctum sanctorum, as part of the Holi celebration. Eyewitnesses reported that the fire started when gulal (colored powder) being thrown as part of the Holi festivities fell onto a puja thali containing burning camphor, causing it to ignite and spread across the floor.
The unfortunate event was captured on the temple’s CCTV cameras, providing authorities with footage to investigate the cause and progression of the fire. Speaking on the matter, an official confirmed that 14 priests sustained burn injuries, with some receiving treatment at the district hospital in Ujjain, while others were transported to Indore for medical care. A magisterial probe has been initiated, led by Zila Panchayat CEO Mrinal Meena and Additional Collector Anukool Jain, with a report expected within three days.
Despite a large gathering at the temple, including several VVIPs, no devotees were harmed in the incident. Among the injured were temple staff members and the chief priest of Sanjay Guru, all of whom were promptly taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
In response to the incident, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed his condolences, labeling the event as unfortunate but assuring that the situation is now under control. He announced his visit to the affected area and ordered a thorough investigation into the matter, promising action against those found responsible for the lapse in safety protocols.
Home Minister Amit Shah also weighed in, expressing his concern and extending prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured. Taking to social media platform X, Shah shared updates on his conversation with Chief Minister Yadav, affirming that the local administration is providing necessary assistance and medical treatment to the victims.
State ministers Kailash Vijayvargiya and Tulsi Ram Silawat visited the eight priests who were transferred to a hospital in Indore for treatment. Their visit aimed to offer support and reassurance to the injured individuals and their families amidst the aftermath of the tragic incident.
As investigations continue into the fire at Mahakaleshwar temple, authorities remain vigilant in ensuring the safety and well-being of all visitors and personnel involved in religious ceremonies, pledging to implement necessary measures to prevent such incidents from recurring in the future.
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