Fourteen were injured in a fire inside the sanctum of Ujjain’s Mahakal temple.
On Monday, a massive fire broke out inside the sanctum sanctorum of Ujjain’s revered Mahakal Temple in Madhya Pradesh around 5:50 am. District Collector Neeraj Kumar Singh stated that 14 priests and temple staff suffered burn injuries in the blaze during the ‘bhasma aarti’ ritual.
While some received initial medical care in the district hospital, eight others were referred to Indore for specialized treatment.
As per initial reports, the fire erupted when gulal color fell on a sacred platter containing burning camphor, spreading quickly across the floor.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed anguish at the incident and wished speedy recovery to the injured.
CM Mohan Yadav announced Rs 1 lakh assistance for each victim and free advanced care. He clarified clothes are placed on the silver inner walls during Holi to protect it from colors.
Officials launched a magisterial probe headed by the local CEO and Additional Collector to submit a report on the fire’s origin in three days.
Authorities are focused on providing the best medical services to the injured while CCTV footage is being examined for more details.
