Koppal Temple Implements New Visiting Hours to Combat Heatwave Risks
In response to escalating temperatures and tragic incidents, the deputy commissioner of Koppal district, Suresh B Itnal, has mandated a significant adjustment to the visiting schedule at the Sri Anjaneyaswamy Temple located on Anjanadri Hill in Chikkarampur village, Gangavathi taluk. This decisive action aims to prioritize the health and safety of pilgrims who frequent this sacred site.
Recent Tragedies Prompt Urgent Safety Measures
According to an official press release issued by Deputy Commissioner Itnal, the temple attracts a substantial influx of devotees from Koppal, neighboring districts, and various states across India, with peak attendance observed on Saturdays and Sundays. Over the past two to three months, the region has witnessed several distressing fatalities linked to the arduous climb and intense heat.
- Jayesh Suresh Yadav, a 17-year-old from Hulagi, succumbed to breathing difficulties after ascending the temple's 575 steps.
- Arjun Bhai Ramajibhai, aged 54 and hailing from Padana, Gujarat, also passed away under similar circumstances following the climb.
- On April 1, around 1 pm, Krishna Rajap GS, a 57-year-old resident of Gulladalli village in Harihar taluk, Davanagere district, collapsed and died inside the temple sanctum due to heat exposure. He had climbed the steps during the afternoon and experienced severe respiratory issues within the temple premises.
Health Risks Amplified by Extreme Weather Conditions
Deputy Commissioner Itnal emphasized that during the months of April and May, the Anjanadri Temple area, characterized by its rocky and stony terrain, becomes exceptionally hazardous due to soaring temperatures. The combination of sweltering heat and the physical exertion required to climb approximately 575 steps can lead to extreme exhaustion and breathing difficulties, significantly elevating the risk of collapse among devotees.
In light of these dangers, the superintendent of police formally requested a prohibition on devotees climbing the temple steps for darshan between 11 am and 4 pm. This recommendation was strongly supported by district health and family welfare officials, who cited critical health concerns as the primary rationale for the ban.
Revised Temple Visiting Schedule Announced
Consequently, authorities have implemented a strict prohibition on devotees ascending the temple steps for darshan between 11 am and 4 pm throughout April and May. To accommodate religious practices while ensuring safety, the temple will now be accessible during two designated time slots:
- Morning Session: 6 am to 11 am
- Evening Session: 4 pm to 6 pm
This regulatory measure is intended to mitigate health risks and prevent further tragedies, allowing devotees to visit the Sri Anjaneyaswamy Temple in a safer environment during the peak heat months.
