Sholinghur, May 3: In a tragic incident, a devotee from Bengaluru collapsed while climbing the staircases of a hill temple in Sholinghur and subsequently passed away due to a cardiac arrest. The deceased, identified as 47-year-old S Muthukumar, collapsed while ascending the Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple's granite staircase in Sholinghur town near Ranipet on Thursday, May 2. Muthukumar, a private contractor from JJ Nagar in Bengaluru, had embarked on the pilgrimage with a friend to pay homage at the revered temple.

According to a report by The Hindu, due to the temporary suspension of the rope car facility for maintenance from May 2 to 4, Muthukumar opted to climb the arduous 1,305 steps carved from granite leading to the hilltop shrine. Despite his valiant effort to ascend 1,200 steps, he tragically collapsed before reaching his destination. Fellow worshippers and temple authorities swiftly rushed him to the Government Taluk Hospital in Sholinghur, where medical professionals pronounced him dead. Karnataka Shocker: School Girl Collapses While Singing National Anthem During Morning Prayers, Dies Before Reaching Hospital.

This unfortunate incident underscores the risks faced by devotees, particularly those unaware of the temporary suspension of essential facilities like the rope car. Despite the scorching heat, some pilgrims choose to brave the arduous climb, unaware of the dangers it may entail. In such instances, elderly devotees often resort to hiring workers to carry them in slings, albeit at a significant cost of around Rs 3,500 per trip. Karnataka Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Woman Waiting in Queue Collapses at Polling Station, Doctor's Quick CPR Saves Her from Sudden Cardiac Arrest (See Pics and Video).

The Kondapalayam police have initiated an investigation into the matter, shedding light on the need for enhanced awareness and safety measures for devotees undertaking pilgrimages to hilltop temples. In a separate yet similar incident,a 46-year-old devotee from Thiruvallur district, G Punniyakodi, lost his life after falling ill while trekking the Velliangiri Hills with friends. Developing breathlessness and severe stomach pain during the ascent, Punniyakodi was rushed to the Pooluvapatti government hospital but was declared brought dead.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 03, 2024 09:23 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).