Mahakaleshwar Mandir Fire | Rs 1 Lakh Assistance, Free Treatment: CM Yadav After Meeting Injured

Ujjain: Fire broke out inside the garbhgriha of Ujjain's Mahakal mandir during Holi celebrations at early hours on Monday, March 25. Holi celebrations were underway at the Mahakal mandir during bhasma aarti when the fire broke out at around 5.50 am. 

 Fourteen priests, including 'sevaks' (assistants), were injured in a fire that broke out in the Mahakal Temple in Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh on Monday during 'bhasma aarti'. 

CM Announces Assistance of Rs 1 Lakh Each, Free Treatment

CM Mohan Yadav said that the injured will be given assistance of Rs 1 lakh each as well as the best available treatment for free. 

“Instructions have been given to make arrangements for better treatment of the injured in the accident that took place during Bhasma Aarti at Shri Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, and an assistance amount of Rs 1 lakh each will also be provided to the injured,” said CM Yadav after meeting the injured. 

“By the grace of Baba Mahakal, there has been no major loss, but instructions have also been given to make appropriate arrangements so that such accidents do not happen again in future,” he added. 

CM Yadav Meets Victims 

CM Mohan Yadav and state cabinet minister Kailash Vijayvargiya met the injured persons undergoing treatment at Aurobindo hospital in Indore.

CM Mohan Yadav Rushes to Ujjain 

In a message on X, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said the incident was unfortunate and added he was in constant touch with the district administration. As per the latest updates, Yadav is rushing to Ujjain where he will be meeting the victims. 

Fire Caused by Gulal, say initial reports 

Initially it seems that the fire was caused by gulal, said the Ujjain collector. "The fire started as 'gulal' (coloured powder used during rituals) fell on the puja thali that contained burning 'kapoor' (camphor). It later spread on the floor and turned into a blaze,"

"The fire started after gulal was thrown as part of a ritual on the occasion of Holi. It caused burn injuries to priests, who were rushed to the district hospital," priest Ashish also told reporters.

A large number of people, including some VVIPs, were present during the incident in the Nandi Hall in front of the sanctum sanctorum, but no injuries were reported among the devotees, officials said.

Fire Broke Out During Bhasma Arti: Collector 

 “The fire broke out during bhasma aarti in the 'garbhagriha'. 13 people are injured in the incident. Their medical treatment is underway,” said Ujjain Collector Neeraj Kumar Singh. 

“Fourteen priests suffered burn injuries. Some are being treated in the district hospital here, while eight have sought treatment in Indore. A magisterial probe has been ordered. It will be conducted by Zila Panchayat CEO Mrinal Meena and Additional Collector Anukool Jain and a report will be submitted in three days,” said Singh. 

(This is a developing story)