13 Priests Injured in 'Gulal-Triggered' Fire at Mahakal Temple, PM Modi Reacts: Details Inside

13 Priests Injured in 'Gulal-Triggered' Fire at Mahakal Temple: The sanctum sanctorum of Ujjain's Mahakal Temple caught fire on Monday morning, injuring 13 priests. During the 'bhasma aarti', the incident occurred. Narendra Modi described the accident as "extremely painful".

“The accident that occurred at the Mahakal temple in Ujjain is extremely painful. My best wishes go out to all the devotees injured in this accident for a speedy recovery. "The local administration is engaged in providing all possible assistance to the victims under the supervision of the state government," he said.

The incident was confirmed by Ujjain Collector Neeraj Kumar Singh. A magisterial probe has been ordered into the incident, he said.

“Thirteen priests suffered burn injuries and are being treated in the district hospital here. A magisterial probe has been ordered,” he told ANI.

Holi celebrations included throwing gulal inside the sanctum sanctorum, according to eyewitnesses. A coloured gulal was thrown on an earthen lamp. The fire may have been caused by chemicals inside gulal.

Sanjay Guru, the chief priest of Bhasma Aarti, is among those injured.

Nine people are said to be in critical condition. Indore has been referred to them.

Ujjain superintendent of police Pradeep Sharma told HT: "One of the injured informed said that someone threw gulal on priest Sanjeev from behind while he was performing the aarti. The gulal fell on the lamp. It is believed that there was some chemical in the gulal which caused the fire.”

Amit Shah responded to the unfortunate incident. The local administration is treating injured people, he said.

"Regarding the fire incident in Shri Mahakal Temple of Ujjain, took information from Madhya Pradesh chief minister Mohan Yadav. 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.

Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav wrote on X: "The incident of fire at the 'garbha griha' of Mahakal Temple during bhasma aarti is unfortunate. I have been in touch with the administration since morning. Everything is under control. I pray to Baba Mahakal for the quick recovery of all injured."

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