Madhya Pradesh: A fire broke out in the Garbhagriha of Ujjain Mahakal Temple, Madhya Pradesh on Monday, injuring 14 priests. The incident took place during the ‘Bhasma Aarti’ was going on.
As per reports, while the priest was performing Bhasma Aarti, someone threw gulal as part of holi celebration in the temple. The gulal fell on the puja thali containing burning camphor which caused the fire, said some devotees. Some other say, it’s the chemical in the gulal that turned into a blaze.
Fourteen priests, including the chief priest of Bhasma Aarti Sanjay Guru and some temple staff suffered burn injury. They were rushed to the nearby district hospital. Nine of them are said to be critical and referred to Indore hospital as confirmed by Ujjain Collector Neeraj Kumar Singh. Assuring fast action against the incident he said, “A magisterial probe has been ordered. It will be conducted by Zila Panchayat CEO Mrinal Meena and Additional Collector Anukool Jain and a report will be submitted in three days.”
Meanwhile, MP CM Mohan Yadav has announced assistance of Rs 1 lakh each as well as free treatment. Speaking to reporters he said, “Our first priority is to provide the best treatment to the injured. There is no casualty by the grace of Mahakal. Doctors are facing a problem in finding burn injuries due to the colour on the skin.”
Prime Minister Narednra Modi said the accident, painful and wished for the recovery of devotees. The PMO said in a post on X, “The accident that happened in Mahakal temple of Ujjain is very painful. I wish for the speedy recovery of all the devotees injured in this accident. Under the supervision of the state government, the local administration is engaged in every possible help to the victims: PM.”
Home minister Amit Shah said he is praying for the recovery of the injured. “Talked to Chief Minister Shri @DrMohanYadav51 and got information regarding the fire incident in Shri Mahakal Temple of Ujjain. The local administration is providing assistance and treatment to the injured. I pray to Baba Mahakal for the speedy recovery of the injured,” he wrote on X.
