14 injured in fire at Ujjain's Mahakal Temple on Holi
What's the story
At least 14 people were injured after a fire broke out at the Mahakal Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh on Monday morning, reports said. The incident took place during the "bhasma aarti," a ritual integral to the Holi celebrations. According to reports, the fire originated from the innermost shrine of the temple, known as the garbhagriha (womb chamber).
Details
District official verifies incident, injured undergoing treatment
Among those injured are five priests who were present during the aarti. They have been identified as chief priest of Bhasmarti Sanjay Guru, Ansh Purohit, Vikas Pujari, Manoj Pujari, servant Mahesh Sharma, and Chintaman Gehlot. According to district official Neeraj Kumar Singh all victims were taken to the nearby district hospital for treatment.
Twitter Post
Visuals from Ujjain's Mahakal Temple
#WATCH | Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh | 13 people injured in a fire that broke out in the 'garbhagriha' of Mahakal Temple during bhasma aarti today. Holi celebrations were underway here when the incident occurred. The injured have been admitted to District Hospital.
— ANI (@ANI) March 25, 2024
(Earlier visuals… pic.twitter.com/cIUSlRirwo
Mohan Yadav's family
CM Yadav's son, daughter narrowly escape Mahakal Temple fire: Report
There are also reports that Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav's son and daughter narrowly escaped Monday morning's mishap. They were reportedly present at a short distance from the incident site when the fire broke out. At this point, no further details have been disclosed regarding the cause of the fire or the condition of those injured in the mishap.