Ayyappa pilgrim from Mumbai dies after darshan

A 76-year-old man named M V Balan who was from Mumbai died due to a heart attack after his darshan to Lord Ayyappa in Sabarimala.

Sabarimala (Kerala): A 76-year-old Ayyappa devotee from Mumbai, who was returning after darshan (visit the god), died following a heart attack on Wednesday, police said.

The deceased, M V Balan, from Chembur was being taken on a sling, 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 (sling) 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.