Massive Fire Breaks Out At MP's Mahakal Temple, 14 Wounded

According to District Collector Neeraj Kumar Singh, the fire erupted while offering Bhasma Aarti, a ritual involving holy ash.

Representational Image.

The Holi celebrations at the Mahakal Temple in Ujjain took a tragic turn early on Monday, March 25, as a fire broke out in the 'garbhagriha' (sanctum sanctorum) during the Bhasma Aarti ceremony in the morning, news agency ANI reported. Fourteen priests, along with their assistants, sustained injuries in a blaze that erupted during the 'bhasma aarti' ceremony at the Mahakal Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, on Monday, according to an official. 

#WATCH | Madhya Pradesh | People admitted to District Hospital in Ujjain after a fire broke out in the 'garbhagriha' of Mahakal Temple during bhasma aarti. Holi celebrations were underway here when the incident occurred. More details awaited. pic.twitter.com/TkpAnsHLT8

— ANI (@ANI) March 25, 2024

According to District Collector Neeraj Kumar Singh, the fire erupted while offering Bhasma Aarti, a ritual involving holy ash. "The fire broke out during bhasma aarti in the 'garbhagriha'," informed Singh, adding that they are receiving medical treatment at the District Hospital.

#WATCH | District Collector Neeraj Kumar Singh says, "The fire broke out during bhasma aarti in the 'garbhagriha'. 13 people are injured in the incident...Their medical treatment is underway." https://t.co/2nj4utsepn pic.twitter.com/BxCtq89Wd8

— ANI (@ANI) March 25, 2024

Speaking about the incident, Priest Ashish Sharma said: "The traditional Holi celebrations were being held in Mahakal Temple. The fire spread in 'garbhagriha' due to 'gulaal'. Priests of the temple got injured. We have rushed them to the hospital..."

#WATCH | Priest Ashish Sharma says, "The traditional Holi celebrations were being held in Mahakal Temple. The fire spread in 'garbhagriha' due to 'gulaal'. Priests of the temple got injured. We have rushed them to the hospital..." https://t.co/2nj4utsepn pic.twitter.com/5asFJWKfsl

— ANI (@ANI) March 25, 2024

Meanwhile, a fire broke out at a godown in Delhi's Alipur. As many as 25 fire tenders are on the spot to extinguish the fire.

#WATCH | Delhi: A fire broke out at a factory in Alipur. 25 fire tenders at the spot. Further details awaited: Delhi Fire Service https://t.co/OMwitA0kuH pic.twitter.com/nzEqXDJM6s

— ANI (@ANI) March 25, 2024

Further details regarding the incident are awaited.