Ujjain Mahakal Temple Inferno: 14 Injured in Fire During Ritual; Investigation Launched

A solemn morning ritual turned chaotic at the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, as a fire broke out during the Bhasma Aarti, resulting in 14 individuals sustaining injuries. The incident caused panic and urgency among the temple staff and attendees.

Those injured, including the temple priests and servitors, were swiftly transported to the district hospital for medical attention. However, due to the delayed arrival of doctors, frustrations grew among the priests. Consequently, urgent calls were made to higher officials.

Upon receiving the report of the incident, the Collector Neeraj Singh and SP Pradeep Sharma promptly arrived at the scene. Subsequently, six priests were referred to the Arvind Hospital in Indore for further treatment.

Collector Neeraj Singh assured that all injured individuals are receiving appropriate medical care and are out of danger. A magisterial investigation into the matter has been initiated. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and Cabinet Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya visited the injured at the hospital.

Preliminary investigations have revealed that the fire ignited due to the spraying of colored powders during the ritual. The use of chemical-laden powders led to the sudden outbreak of the fire in the sanctum sanctorum.

The sanctum sanctorum is usually covered with fabrics and flax to protect the silver idols during such rituals. The rapid spread of the fire was contained using firefighting equipment. The identified individuals who suffered injuries include Satyanarayan, Chintaman, Ramesh, Ansh, Shubham, Vikas, Mahesh, Manoj, Sanjay, Anand, Sonu, and Rajkumar.

The incident has triggered an intense investigation into the safety protocols followed during religious ceremonies. The temple authorities assert that the use of chemical-laden colors during the Holi festival, a departure from the traditional herbal colors, led to the unfortunate event.