14 Priests Injured in Fire at Mahakaleshwar Temple During Holi
At least 14 priests sustained injuries after a fire broke out at the famed Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, on Monday. The incident occurred during the bhasma aarti, a holy ritual performed at dawn, within the temple’s sanctum sanctorum (inner sanctum) while celebrating Holi, the festival of colors.
According to eyewitnesses, the fire originated when gulal, the colored powder used during Holi festivities, landed on the puja thali (ritual plate) containing burning camphor. The camphor then fell onto the ground, igniting the surrounding materials and causing the fire to spread.
Thankfully, the incident was captured by CCTV cameras installed within the temple, which will aid in the investigation. Officials have ordered a magisterial probe to determine the exact cause of the fire.
The injured priests received medical treatment at a district hospital, with eight of them requiring further care in Indore. Thankfully, no fatalities were reported.
