Ayyappa pilgrim from Mumbai dies after darshan

Devotees at Sabarimala temple. (File Photo: IANS)


A 76-year-old Ayyappa devotee from Mumbai, who was returning after darshan, died following heart attack on Wednesday, police said.

The deceased, M V Balan, from Chembur was being taken on a ‘dolly’ when he complained of chest pain.

Though he was rushed to an emergency medical centre and later to a cardiac care centre, his life could not be saved, police said.

The dolly system at Sabarimala is a carriage system for elderly devotees and those with physical disabilities who would be unable to trek the hill shrine.

They are carried by four people on a chair tied to two poles.