Heavy rain causes injuries to devotees at temple festivals in southern India
by Surya PrakashAt least 12 devotees suffered minor injuries while visiting the temple in southern India’s Karnataka during heavy rainfall. The annual festival, which attracts thousands of visitors, continues despite the challenging weather conditions.
The incident took place at the Deviramma temple located on Deviramma Hills in Bindiga, near Chikkamagaluru on October 31.
Visuals showed at the peak of a steep hill, the Deviramma temple stands majestically, surrounded by lush greenery. A bustling crowd of over a thousand devotees, braving the challenging trek, fills the area, their faces reflecting both devotion and determination. Amidst the excitement, some individuals have slipped and sustained minor injuries, creating a scene of concern and commotion. The atmosphere is charged with energy, as people navigate the slippery path, eager to reach the temple. Rain-soaked terrain adds to the adventure, but the devotion to Goddess Deviramma remains unwavering.
As heavy rain persisted in the region, a group of devotees visiting the Deviramma temple at Deviramma Hills experienced slips and falls, resulting in at least 12 individuals sustaining minor injuries. Fortunately, local authorities confirmed that all injured devotees were safely rescued and returned to the town of Malnad.
The annual Deviramma festival, which takes place during the Deepavali celebrations, drew hundreds of visitors to the temple located atop the hills in the Western Ghats. The temple is accessible only once a year, making it a significant event for devotees who travel through the challenging terrain to pay their respects to Goddess Deviramma.
Devotees began their journey to the temple on Wednesday, seeking darshana ahead of Naraka Chaturdashi. However, the number of visitors surged on Thursday, coinciding with heavy rain that rendered the hills treacherously slippery. Despite the district administration and police implementing safety measures, the slippery conditions led to multiple falls.
Authorities emphasized that the injured devotees received prompt assistance, and all are currently safe. The festival is set to conclude on November 3, with efforts to ensure the safety of attendees ongoing as the event continues amidst the challenging weather.