Woman devotee dies at Puri Srimandir ‘Baishi Pahacha’ moments before darshan

A pilgrimage to the holy shrine of Lord Jagannath ended in tragedy on Monday after a woman devotee died moments before she could have the darshan of the deity. The deceased has been identified as Manjulata Sahu of Khandapara in Nayagarh district.

According to reports, Manjulata had come to Puri with the intention of performing the sacred ritual of ‘pind daan’ and then visiting the Jagannath Temple for darshan. After completing the ritual at Baishi Pahacha, one of the sacred spots near the temple, she suddenly complained of uneasiness and collapsed.

Onlookers and fellow devotees rushed to her aid, and she was immediately taken to a nearby hospital. However, doctors at the facility declared her dead. The sudden demise cast a pall of gloom among other devotees and visitors present at the temple premises.

Also Read: ‘Dead’ woman wakes to life at Puri’s Swargadwar moments before final rites

Family sources said that Manjulata had been eagerly waiting for this spiritual journey. She had specifically planned to offer pind daan as part of her religious duty before seeking blessings from Lord Jagannath. Sadly, her life ended before she could fulfil the second part of her pilgrimage.

Temple authorities and local police extended support to the family, helping them with the necessary procedures. The incident has left many in shock, with devotees describing it as both tragic and deeply symbolic, as her life ended at the holy abode of the Lord she had come to worship.