A fire broke out in the 'garbha griha' (sanctum sanctorum) of the temple at 5:50am, injuring 14 priests and 'sevaks' (assistants), officials said.

In message on social media platform X, the PM said, "The accident that happened in Mahakal temple of Ujjain is very painful. I wish for the speedy recovery of all the devotees injured in the accident. Under the supervision of the state government, the local administration is engaged in every possible help to the victims."

Talking to reporters in Indore, where eight of the 14 victims are admitted, MP Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said the PM spoke to him over phone and inquired about the health of those injured.

President Droupadi Murmu also spoke to him about the incident over phone, Yadav added. 

The President and PM have been informed that the victims, who sustained 30-35 per cent burns, are stable, Yadav said.

Yadav further said gulal was being used as part of the temple's 'bhasma aarti' for "thousands of years" but it was unfortunate that the plate (thali) overturned, resulting in a fire.

"It will be investigated if the gulal contained some chemical or any other such items. I have ordered a probe into the fire. Prima facie, it looks like there is no conspiracy behind the fire. A probe will clear all aspects," the CM added.