At least 14 priests sustained injuries following a fire incident at the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh on Monday. The fire took place during the bhasma aarti ceremony inside the temple’s sanctum sanctorum on the occasion of Holi.
Witnesses reported that the fire started when coloured powder, “gulaal” was accidentally thrown into camphor. 14 priests sustained burn wounds when the fire started and it spread on the floor turning ablaze at around 5:30 in the morning. A few are currently receiving medical care at the local hospital, while 8 have opted for treatment in Indore. An investigation led by Zila Panchayat CEO Mrinal Meena and Additional Collector Anukool Jain has been initiated, and a comprehensive report will be presented within three days. CCTV cameras captured the incident. No casualties have been reported.
