Lightning Strikes Historic Karinjeshwara and Iliyooru Mahavishnu Temples; Heavy Damage Reported

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Bantwal: In a dual weather-related mishap, two prominent religious centers in Bantwal taluk were struck by lightning on Saturday, May 16, amid heavy pre-monsoon rains and thunderstorms lashing the coastal region. In the first incident at Punjalakatte, lightning struck the famous Karinja Sri Karinjeshwara Temple, located in Kavalamudooru village, around 5:00 PM. Since the historic temple is situated atop a massive rocky hill, it is highly prone to lightning strikes during severe weather.

Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were reported as no devotees or staff were present in the immediate vicinity during the incident. The lightning directly hit the ‘Gopura’ (tower) situated above the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. While the exact financial loss is yet to be evaluated, Veerendra B. Amin, the President of the Temple Management Committee, confirmed that the Revenue Department has been officially informed to assess the structural damage.

In another shocking incident in the taluk, the ancient Iliyooru Sri Mahavishnu Temple was also hit by a fierce lightning strike, causing extensive damage to the temple property. The intense impact shattered portions of the temple’s roof and damaged internal electrical wiring and electronic equipment, triggering widespread anxiety among local devotees. Authorities and revenue officials are visiting both sites to estimate the total losses, while initial reports confirm that miraculous escapes prevented any loss of life in both locations.