Fire breaks out during 'aarti' at Ujjain's Mahakal Temple, 13 sustain burn injuries

A fire erupted during the 'bhasma aarti' ceremony at the Mahakal Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, injuring thirteen people, including priests, officials reported on Monday.

 

The incident occurred in the 'garba griha' (sanctum sanctorum) of the temple, according to Ujjain Collector Neeraj Kumar Singh. "Thirteen priests sustained burn injuries and are currently receiving treatment at the district hospital," Singh stated, further mentioning the initiation of a magisterial probe into the matter.

 

"The fire suddenly flared up during 'bhasma aarti' when 'gulal' was being offered to Mahakal. A cover was placed in the sanctum sanctorum due to 'dhulendi', which caught fire and fell on the priests and devotees," priest Aashish Pujari said.

 

Eyewitnesses recounted that the fire broke out while 'gulal' (coloured powder used in rituals and during Holi celebrations) was being dispersed as part of the religious ceremony.