14 Priests Injured in Madhya Pradesh's Mahakaleshwar Temple Fire During Holi Ceremony

At least 14 priests were injured in a fire that broke out at the Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, during the Bhasma Aarti ceremony on Monday. The incident occurred while gulaal (coloured powder) was being thrown inside the sanctum sanctorum of the temple as part of the Holi celebrations. As per reports, the fire erupted when gulaal accidentally came into contact with an earthen lamp.

District collector Neeraj Singh stated that a probe has been initiated. The injured priests, including temple staff and the chief priest of Sanjay Guru, were promptly taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. So far, no fatalities have been reported.

The condition of nine individuals is reported to be critical, with authorities referring them to Indore for further medical care. Ujjain Superintendent of Police Pradeep Sharma noted that the fire may have been triggered by chemicals present in the gulaal. One of the injured priests recounted that gulaal was thrown on the priest performing the aarti, causing it to fall on the lamp.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav stated that has been in touch with the temple administration and that everything is under control. "The incident of fire at the 'garbha griha' of Mahakal Temple during Bhasma Aarti is unfortunate. I have been in touch with the administration since morning. Everything is under control. I pray to Baba Mahakal for the quick recovery of all injured," said the Madhya Pradesh CM.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah took stock of the situation and wished a speedy recovery for those injured. "Regarding the fire incident in Shri Mahakal Temple of Ujjain, took information from Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav. The local administration is providing assistance and treatment to the injured. I pray to Baba Mahakal for the speedy recovery of the injured," posted Shah on "X".​