X: @the_news_21
Tragedy struck Ujjain’s revered Mahakal Temple on Monday morning as a fire broke out in the sanctum sanctorum during the ‘bhasma aarti’, leaving 13 priests injured. The incident, which unfolded amidst the sacred rituals, has sent shockwaves through the community, prompting swift action from authorities and expressions of concern from political leaders.
Confirming the incident, Ujjain Collector Neeraj Kumar Singh disclosed that a magisterial probe has been initiated to ascertain the cause of the fire and prevent such occurrences in the future.
“Thirteen priests suffered burn injuries and are being treated in the district hospital here. A magisterial probe has been ordered,” he stated to ANI, underscoring the seriousness with which the local administration is addressing the situation.
Eyewitness accounts gathered by Hindustan Times shed light on the circumstances leading to the fire. Participants in the Holi celebration reportedly tossed ‘gulal’ inside the sanctum sanctorum, a colorful act gone awry when the gulal came into contact with an earthen lamp. Suspicions have been raised that chemicals within the gulal may have triggered the blaze, escalating what should have been a joyous occasion into a scene of chaos and distress.
Among the injured is Sanjay Guru, the chief priest of the Bhasma Aarti, whose presence and leadership were integral to the ritual. With nine individuals in critical condition, immediate medical attention is paramount, prompting the referral of these cases to Indore for specialized treatment.
Ujjain Superintendent of Police Pradeep Sharma provided insight into the sequence of events leading up to the fire, noting that a witness reported the throwing of gulal on priest Sanjeev during the aarti, inadvertently igniting the lamp. Speculations abound regarding the composition of the gulal and its potential role in fueling the flames.
Political figures, including Union Minister Amit Shah and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, have extended their sympathies and assurance of support to the affected community. Their messages of solidarity and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured underscore the gravity of the situation and the collective resolve to navigate through this ordeal.
Also Read: BJP President JP Nadda’s Wife’s Car Stolen in Delhi: Police Hunt Intensifies
