A blaze broke out in Mahakal Temple’s ‘garbhagriha’ in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, during Monday morning’s bhasma aarti, resulting in injuries to 13 individuals. Four of the wounded were transferred to an Indore hospital. District collector Neeraj Kumar Singh confirmed the occurrence, stating that medical attention is being provided to the injured.
महाकाल के गर्भगृह में आग, पुजारी समेत 13 झुलसे:
भस्म आरती के दौरान गुलाल डालने से भड़की आग; जांच के आदेश#Ujjain #Mahakal #Mahakaleshwar pic.twitter.com/Iz9mRS6Irp
— कालक्रम ❁ (@kaalakram) March 25, 2024
The fire, believed to have originated from gulal scattered during the aarti, occurred as numerous devotees marked Holi with Mahakal. Reports indicate that during the aarti, someone poured gulal on priest Sanjeev from behind, causing it to land on the lamp. Suspected chemicals in the gulal may have triggered the fire.
Ujjain Collector Neeraj Singh reported 13 burns cases, with 4 referred to Indore for treatment. Investigations have been initiated, with a dedicated committee formed. The remaining injured are under treatment at the Ujjain district hospital.
Temple priest Pradeep Guru noted the routine Bhasmarti ritual at Mahakal temple during Holi, with devotees participating in celebrations. However, chemical contamination in the gulal is suspected to have caused the mishap, leading camphor to ignite the aarti. Flax was applied to protect the sanctum sanctorum’s silver lining from color, which also caught fire. Although some managed to contain the fire with extinguishers, 13 people, including aarti performers, suffered burns.
Ujjain Collector Neeraj Singh assured that the situation is managed, with an investigation team to be formed. Eight individuals have been referred for treatment thus far.
Home Minister Amit Shah conferred with Chief Minister Mohan Yadav to evaluate the situation. Local authorities are extending aid and medical care to the injured. Prayers are extended for the swift recovery of those affected by the tragic incident.
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