By Matters India Reporter
Lucknow: At least nine people were killed on May 18 when a mini-truck rammed into a group of barefoot pilgrims in Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly district, police said.
The victims were part of a group of 250, who were walking to the Maa Purnagiri shrine, close to the Nepal border.
The mini-truck came from Sitarganj and ran over 30 pilgrims near the sales tax office, ndtv.com reported. The truck driver fled the scene after the accident.
As many as 21 pilgrims were admitted to nearby hospitals, where the condition of five was reportedly critical. Those with minor injuries have been sent to their homes in state roadways buses.
All nine deceased have been identified. The family members have been informed of the tragedy.
The Army also helped with the rescue and relief operations.
Millions of people visit the Maa Purnagiri Temple located 20 km from Tanakpur, a town in Champawat district of Uttarakhand state. It sits at 3,000 meters above sea level. Tanakpur is some 300 km north of Lucknow, capital of Uttar Pradesh.
the temple is considered among the 108 Siddha Peeths of India. Peeths are holy place where parts of Sati, Lord Shiva’s consort, fell during his dance of destruction.
According to Hindu mythology, Sati, the daughter of Dakha Prajapati married “Yogi” (Lord Shiva) against her father’s wishes. So to take revenge, Dakha Prajapati announced a yagna and invited all deities except Lord Shiva and Sati.
Sati persuaded Lord Shiva to go with her to the ritual. Sati’s father insulted Lord Shiva in front of the guests. Sat, who found it unbearable, committed suicide by jumping into the ritual fire.
Lord Shiva destroyed Dakha Prajapati’s Yagna and performed the dance of destruction through the universe carrying the remains of Sati’s body. The places where the parts fell were recognized as Shakti Peeths. Purnagiri received the naval part of Sati.