Leopard Attack Claims Pilgrim's Life During Padayatra to Male Mahadeshwara Hills
In a tragic incident that has sent shockwaves through the pilgrim community, a 30-year-old devotee was suspected to have been killed in a leopard attack near the revered Male Mahadeshwara Hill in Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka. The victim, identified as Praveen from Chiranahalli village in Mandya district, was part of a 100-member group undertaking a traditional foot pilgrimage, or padayatra, to the hill shrine.
Early Morning Attack on Forest Pathway
According to police reports, the horrifying incident occurred around 6 am on Wednesday, approximately 5 kilometers from the temple, near the first curve on the forest pathway leading to the shrine. Devotees recounted that a leopard was seen seated on a stone near the curve before it suddenly pounced on Praveen and dragged him into the dense forested area.
The sudden attack triggered immediate panic among the pilgrims, with many fleeing the spot in fear. Praveen reportedly attempted to run but was later found missing from the group. A police officer described how the animal had been seen on the roadside barrier just moments before the attack, leaving devotees in a state of shock and disbelief.
Body Found Partially Eaten, Entry Restricted
Chamarajanagar Superintendent of Police M Muththuraj confirmed to media that Praveen of Mandya was killed in the leopard attack. The incident happened around 6 am when conditions were dark due to fog, but his disappearance only came to light around 9 am. His partially eaten body was later discovered about 200 meters away from the main pathway.
Following the tragic incident, authorities have restricted entry to the hill shrine from the forest pathway as a precautionary measure. Police and forest department officials are expected to step up monitoring in the area and conduct a thorough assessment of safety measures along the forested stretch regularly used by pilgrims.
Popular Pilgrimage Destination with Inherent Risks
Male Mahadeshwara Hill stands as a major pilgrimage center in Karnataka, attracting devotees from across the state and beyond. The traditional padayatra is particularly common among devotees from Mandya and neighboring districts, with pilgrims typically walking long distances before reaching the challenging ghat section.
The journey from Mandya to MM Hills covers approximately 150 kilometers, with the final approach to the temple presenting particular challenges. Located at around 3,000 feet above sea level, devotees must navigate roughly 5 kilometers of hilly forest route where wildlife movement is known to occur regularly.
This tragic incident has highlighted the inherent risks faced by pilgrims undertaking these traditional journeys through forested areas. Authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the suspected leopard attack, with further details awaited as investigations progress. The local community and pilgrim organizations are now calling for enhanced safety measures to protect devotees while maintaining the sanctity of these traditional pilgrimage routes.
