Himachal Pradesh: 3 Pilgrims Dead During Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra in Kullu Due to Lack of Oxygen

Kullu, July 28: At least three pilgrims died during Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra in Himachal Pradesh's Kullu on Sunday. According to a tweet by ANI, the pilgrims lost their lives due to lack of oxygen. Reports inform that the bodies of the deceased pilgrims have been sent for post mortem. Earlier this month, four pilgrims were injured due to heavy rains and breakage of glacier at Nain Sarover. The movement of pilgrims towards the Shrikhand Mahadev peak was temporarily stopped.

The yatra to the holy shrine is considered to be toughest treks for pilgrims in the country as it is located at an altitude of 18,000 ft. Heavy monsoon rain, landslides and breaking of glacier ice had affected the yatra on several days. Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra 2019: Movement of Pilgrims Temporarily Stopped Due to Breakage of Glacier at Nain Sarover.

According to a  report by TOI, only 4,889 pilgrims have succeeded in completing the 32-km uphill arduous yatra this year. Reports inform that so far, 34 pilgrims have died during the yatra in the past five seasons. However, this season has been safest in the past some decades.

The Shrikhand Mahadev is revered by Hindus as one of the abodes of Lord Shiva. The Shivalingam is situated at a height of 18,750 feet above sea level. It is considered tougher than the Amarnath pilgrimage. The 10-day Shrikhand Mahadev yatra began on July 15.

The pilgrimage to 72-foot tall Shrikhand Mahadev Lingam at Nirmand sub-division of Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh has now been closed officially. According to reports, the last batch of pilgrims set off for the yatra on Thursday and is expected to reach the base camp by Monday.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 28, 2019 09:58 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).