Madhya Pradesh: Fire Breaks Out at Mahakal Temple in Ujjain During Holi Celebrations; 13 Injured (Watch Video)

Holi celebrations at the Mahakal Temple in Ujjain took a tragic turn early on Monday, March 25. At least 13 people suffered injuries after a fire broke out in the 'garbhagriha' (sanctum sanctorum) during the Bhasma Aarti ceremony in the morning.

According to District Collector Neeraj Kumar Singh, the fire erupted while offering Bhasma Aarti, a ritual involving holy ash. "Thirteen people, including priests, sustained injuries in the incident," informed Singh, adding that they are receiving medical treatment at the District Hospital.

उज्जैन के श्री महाकाल मंदिर में आग लगने की घटना के संबंध में मुख्यमंत्री श्री @DrMohanYadav51 जी से बात कर जानकारी ली। स्थानीय प्रशासन घायलों को सहायता व उपचार उपलब्ध करवा रहा है। मैं बाबा महाकाल से घायलों के शीघ्र स्वस्थ होने की कामना करता हूँ।

— Amit Shah (Modi Ka Parivar) (@AmitShah) March 25, 2024

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that he has spoken to Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav about the incident and is assisting in all ways to help and treat the injured devotees.

"I spoke with CM Mohan Yadav and collected information regarding the incident of fire. The local administration is making all help and treatment available to the injured," said Amit Shah on X, formerly Twitter.

Visuals From the Mahakal Temple in Ujjain

#WATCH | Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh | 13 people injured in a fire that broke out in the 'garbhagriha' of Mahakal Temple during bhasma aarti today. Holi celebrations were underway here when the incident occurred. The injured have been admitted to District Hospital.

(Earlier visuals… pic.twitter.com/cIUSlRirwo

— ANI (@ANI) March 25, 2024

According to tradition, Abir-gulal was being applied to Baba today during Bhasmarti on the occasion of Dhulendi when a fire broke out in the sanctum sanctorum. The fire was also brought under control immediately. Thousands of devotees were present in the temple at that time.

Visuals from Temple  Caught on camera at the Time of Incident:

महाकाल के गर्भगृह में आग, पुजारी समेत 13 झुलसे:

भस्म आरती के दौरान गुलाल डालने से भड़की आग; जांच के आदेश#Ujjain#Mahakal#Mahakaleshwarpic.twitter.com/Iz9mRS6Irp

— कालक्रम ❁ (@kaalakram) March 25, 2024

Visuals From Hospital

#WATCH | Madhya Pradesh | People admitted to District Hospital in Ujjain after a fire broke out in the 'garbhagriha' of Mahakal Temple during bhasma aarti. Holi celebrations were underway here when the incident occurred. More details awaited. pic.twitter.com/TkpAnsHLT8

— ANI (@ANI) March 25, 2024

Priest Ashish Sharma said that the fire is suspected of having originated from the 'gulaal' (coloured powder) used during Holi festivities. "Traditional Holi celebrations were underway at the temple when the fire spread rapidly within the garbhagriha," said Sharma. "Thankfully, the fire was contained quickly, but several priests suffered burns and are currently undergoing treatment," said Ashish Sharma priest at Mahakal Temple.

#WATCH | Priest Ashish Sharma says, "The traditional Holi celebrations were being held in Mahakal Temple. The fire spread in 'garbhagriha' due to 'gulaal'. Priests of the temple got injured. We have rushed them to the hospital..." https://t.co/2nj4utsepnpic.twitter.com/5asFJWKfsl

— ANI (@ANI) March 25, 2024

 

The injured poojari said that someone poured gulal on the priest who was performing the aarti from behind. Gulal fell on the lamp. The fire probably broke out due to the presence of chemicals in the gulal.  Some people controlled the fire with fire extinguishers. But by then, 13 people present in the sanctum sanctorum, including Sanjeev Pujari, Vikas, Manoj, and Sevadhari Anand Kamal Joshi, who were performing aarti, suffered burns.