Seventeen Bol Bam devotees stranded on Gandhamardan; rescue efforts underway

Bargarh, July 24: As many as 17 Bol Bam devotees from Chhattisgarh were left stranded atop a hill in the Gandhamardan mountain range, which stretches from the sacred site of Nrusinghanath in Bargarh district to Harishankar in Bolangir. 

The group reportedly lost their way while trekking through the forested terrain at night amidst heavy rain and thunderstorms.

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Authorities traced the location of the devotees using mobile tracking after one of them contacted a toll-free emergency number. Padmapur SDPO Pandav Sabar confirmed that the caller had reported the group had unknowingly strayed off the main pilgrimage route due to poor visibility and the adverse weather conditions.

"A joint rescue operation has been launched to reach the stranded devotees," said Nrusinghanath Temple Executive Officer, Purushottam Pradhan. “Police, fire services, forest department personnel, and temple security staff are working together. All teams have proceeded towards the hilltop as per the mobile location data shared.”

The forested trail between Nrusinghanath and Harishankar is known for its steep slopes and rugged terrain. Despite its challenging nature, it is a popular pilgrimage route during the holy month of Shravan, drawing hundreds of Bol Bam devotees each year who trek barefoot in devotion to Lord Shiva.

While efforts are ongoing to bring the devotees down safely, officials noted that the continuous downpour has hampered rescue operations, making access to the site extremely difficult.

Local authorities have assured that all necessary measures are being taken and urged devotees to remain cautious while undertaking the arduous pilgrimage during the monsoon season.