Following the tragic fire incident at the sanctum sanctorum of Ujjain’s Mahakal Temple on Monday, the Madhya Pradesh government swiftly announced a magisterial probe into the incident.
Confirming the action, Ujjain Collector Neeraj Kumar Singh stated that a ‘magisterial inquiry’ has been ordered, with the investigation committee set to submit its report within 3 days.
कलेक्टर श्री नीरज कुमार सिंह ने बताया कि आज भस्म आरती में कपूर आरती के दौरान गुलाल से थाली में आग लगने से आग गर्भगृह में फैली। जिसे त्वरित रूप से काबू भी पा लिया गया था जिसमें 14 पुजारी व अन्य लोग घायल हो गए थे। pic.twitter.com/nqGiOIRKlR
— Collector Ujjain (@collectorUJN) March 25, 2024
Amidst the unfolding events, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, accompanied by Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya, personally visited the injured at hospitals in Indore, expressing concern for their well-being. They are slated to travel to Ujjain to meet other victims of the unfortunate accident.
Speaking to ANI, the Madhya Pradesh CM emphasized, “…A few priests have been injured and they have been admitted to hospitals in Indore and Ujjain. I am going there. It is a blessing that the incident did not escalate further, but I have ordered a thorough investigation to prevent such occurrences in the future. Those found responsible will face appropriate action.”
Tragically, a total of fifteen individuals, including the head priest of the Mahakal temple, sustained injuries. According to the Collector’s Office statement, the fire erupted during the Bhasma Aarti ritual at the ‘garba griha’ of the temple. The accident occurred as ‘gulal’ fell on the puja thali containing burning ‘kapoor’ (camphor), subsequently spreading across the floor and igniting a blaze.
“All fifteen injured individuals were promptly admitted to the district hospital and are receiving adequate medical care,” the Office added.
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his wishes for the speedy recovery of the injured. He stated, “Talked to Chief Minister Shri Dr. Mohan Yadav and received 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 swift recovery of the injured.”
