Ujjain: In the early hours of Monday, the serene atmosphere of Ujjain’s revered Mahakal Temple was disrupted by a sudden fire in the sanctum sanctorum. The incident occurred during the Bhasma Aarti, a sacred ritual performed at dawn. Collector Neeraj Singh has announced that a detailed magisterial inquiry is in progress, with a comprehensive report expected within three days.
Initial findings suggest the blaze ignited following the spraying of gulal—a traditional colored powder—during the Kapoor Aarti, a part of the morning rituals. The presence of a silver cloth adorning the walls of the sanctum sanctorum contributed to the rapid spread of the flames, leading to a harrowing experience for the temple’s priests and attendants.
The fire resulted in injuries to 14 individuals, including priests actively involved in the ceremony. In response to the severity of their injuries, nine have been transferred to medical facilities in Indore for specialized care. Despite the alarming circumstances, the Collector has reassured the public that all injured parties are stable and receiving appropriate medical attention. As a testament to the swift response and treatment, three priests have already been released from the hospital.
On the day of the incident, the temple was bustling with over two thousand devotees gathered in the Nandihal, Ganesh, and Karthikeya Mandapam areas for the Bhasma Aarti. The outbreak of the fire caused immediate panic among the crowd. However, thanks to the prompt and decisive actions of the temple staff, a potential major disaster was averted.
The community awaits the findings of the ongoing investigation, which will shed light on the exact cause of the fire and help prevent such incidents in the future. The temple authorities and local administration have expressed their commitment to ensuring the safety of worshippers and staff alike.
