Ullal: A Guruswamy (Ayyaapa devotee), believed to be the reflection of Lord Ayyappa and wore a deity’s ‘maala’, passed away following a shock over the entry of women below 40 years of age into the shrine. He had carried out the pilgrimage to Sabarimala shrine for a continuous 17 years and was facilitating the same for other devotees. He died due to a cardiac arrest while preparing the ‘Irumudi’ (a bag with pooja articles to be offered at the shrine and necessary materials for the journey) here on Monday, January 7.

The devotee is Suresh (56), a resident of Ira Muloor.

Suresh was in the process of completing his 18th pilgrimage.

On the account of the holy pilgrimage, 22 of them who had followed the ‘vratha’ (a 41-day penance) had gathered to have the Irumudi placed on their head. There was also ‘Annadanam’ (serving pure veg food with rice) at the venue, but unfortunately, while he was tying the Irumudikatta, he collapsed due to cardiac arrest. He was declared dead right there.

According to his close associates, he had expressed his sadness over the instances that were happening in the Sabarimala shrine and had shared his feelings on the same with his close friend Santhosh, who is the manager of Bappanadu Mela.