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.
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
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:
Visuals From Hospital
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.
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.