Fourteen priests, including ‘sevaks’, were injured in a fire that broke out in the Mahakal Temple in Ujjain on Monday during ‘bhasma aarti’.

The fire took place in the ‘garbha griha’ (sanctum sanctorum) of the temple at around 5.50 am, Ujjain Collector Neeraj Kumar Singh 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 was quoted as saying by PTI.

“The fire started as ‘gulal’ fell on the puja thali that contained burning ‘kapoor’ (camphor). It later spread on the floor and turned into a blaze,” he added.

“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 told the media.

In a post on X, PM Modi said, “The incident that happened in Mahakal temple of Ujjain is very painful. I wish for the speedy recovery of all the devotees injured in this incident. The local administration is engaged in every possible help to the victims under the supervision of the state government.”