A 72-year-old devotee from north Tripura tragically passed away on Sunday shortly after offering prayers at the revered Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha. The elderly pilgrim, identified as Amit Ranjan Kar, had traveled to the holy site with his family to seek blessings from Lord Jagannath.
Sudden Collapse After Darshan
After completing his darshan and prayers at the temple, Kar sat down near the temple parikrama close to the northern gate. It was at this location that he suddenly complained of severe discomfort and collapsed unexpectedly. The incident occurred in the vicinity of one of India's most sacred pilgrimage destinations.
Immediate Medical Response
Family members who were accompanying Kar immediately arranged for an ambulance and rushed him to the Puri Sadar District Headquarters Hospital for emergency medical attention. Despite their swift response and the efforts of medical professionals, doctors at the hospital declared him brought dead upon arrival.
Official Statements and Procedures
Hospital sources confirmed that the body would be handed over to the deceased's family once the post-mortem examination is completed. The medical procedure is standard protocol in such cases to determine the exact cause of death, though preliminary indications suggest the elderly devotee may have suffered from a sudden health crisis.
Family Pilgrimage Turns Tragic
The incident has cast a shadow over what was meant to be a spiritual journey for the family from Tripura. The Jagannath Temple in Puri attracts millions of devotees annually, particularly during pilgrimage seasons, with many elderly pilgrims undertaking the journey despite health challenges.
Local authorities and temple administration have been notified about the unfortunate incident. The temple, one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites, sees visitors from across India and abroad throughout the year, with special arrangements often made for elderly and infirm devotees.
