At least 14 priests were injured after a fire broke out at the Mahakaleshwar temple in Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain on Monday, officials said.
The fire occurred during the bhasma aarti inside the sanctum sanctorum of the temple on the occassion of Holi. As gulal was being thrown to celebrate Holi, some of it fell on the puja thali that contained burning camphor. The camphor fell on the floor and the fire spread, eyewitnesses said.
The incident was recorded on CCTV cameras installed in the temple, an official said.
"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," he said.
A large number of people, including some VVIPs, were present in the temple but no devotees were injured, he said. The injured including temple staff and the chief priest of Sanjay Guru were rushed to a nearby hospital.
Prime Minister Narednra Modi said the accident was painful and wished for the recovery of devotees.
"The accident that happened in Mahakal temple of Ujjain is very painful. I wish for the speedy recovery of all the devotees injured in this accident. Under the supervision of the state government, the local administration is engaged in every possible help to the victims: PM," the PMO said in a post on X.
In a post on X, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said the incident was unfortunate but the situation is under control now. He also announced a compensation assistance of Rs 1 lakh each and free treatment for the injured.
"A few priests have been injured and they have been admitted to hospitals in Indore and Ujjain. I am going there. I have ordered a magisterial investigation and will ensure that these things won't repeat. Action will be taken against those at fault," he said.
Home minister Amit Shah said he is praying for the recovery of the injured. "Talked to Chief Minister Shri @DrMohanYadav51 and got information regarding the fire incident in Shri Mahakal Temple of Ujjain. The local administration is providing assistance and treatment to the injured. I pray to Baba Mahakal for the speedy recovery of the injured," he wrote on X.
State ministers Kailash Vijayvargiya, and Tulsi Ram Silawat met the eight injured priests who were moved to an Indore hospital.