India, Nov. 12 -- A fire broke out in the prasadam preparation centre of the Sri Kalahasteeswara temple in Srikalahasti, Tirupati district, reportedly after a gas leak at the facility, which stands beside the southern tower of the shrine. It came while laddus, vadas and anna prasadam were being readied for the deity; the centre handles the temple's food offerings and the sanctified meals served to devotees.

Fire personnel rushed to the spot on receiving information and launched operations to bring the blaze under control. Fire safety tools and a fire engine were pressed into service to douse the flames. The temple was sealed off for the time being while officials began looking into what caused the leak and the fire that followed.

As a p...