TV
A devotee sustained grievous injuries after falling from Radhaballav Math near Singhadwara of Jagannath Temple in Puri pilgrimage town during Suna Besha rituals on Sunday. In the unfortunate incident, the devotee allegedly fell from the Radhaballav Math located near Singhadwar (Lion’s Gate) of the 12th-century Vaishnavite shrine.
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The elderly devotee has been identified as Babaji Behera from Pateligaon of Jagatsinghpur district. Sources said, Behera was seated at the Math when a monkey suddenly disrupted his balance. As a result, he fell to the ground from a height and sustained severe injuries.
“The fatal mishap occurred when a monkey chased the elderly man (Babaji), causing him to lose his balance while he was seated on the Math premises,” an eyewitness stated.
Immediately after the fall, Babaji was rushed to the district headquarters hospital (DHH) in Puri. However, due to the seriousness of his condition, he was later referred to SCB Medical College and Hospital (SCBMCH) in Cuttack for advanced treatment.
Devotees and onlookers expressed concern over the safety measures during such important rituals, especially with a large number of people gathering at the Math premises.
No comments were received from the local administration or the victim’s family.
Worth mentioning, lakhs of devotees are visiting the Puri pilgrimage town to witness the 'Suna Besha' (golden attire) of Lord Jagannath and His siblings in the chariots.
Odisha Police have been using drones and AI cameras to control the crowd and cautioned people to make plans accordingly and abide by the traffic advisory issued.
According to the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) schedule, devotees can witness the Suna Besha rituals of the deities from 6.30 PM to 11.00 PM tonight.
