THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A recent devaprasnam at the Puttingal Devi Temple is said to have anticipated a tragedy, according to a section of local people.
According to them, an astrologer from Thrikunnapuzha conducted the devaprasnam about six months ago because it was said that the deity, Bhadrakali, was in a violent state, and hence prescribed some corrective measures.
“The devaprasnam was held after some adverse incidents. Even a former secretary of the temple was killed in an accident last year,” said local native Sudheesh.
Temple renovations and rituals as prescribed in the devaprasnam have been also progressing. It was said that the deity was not happy at some close constructions around the temple.
Many even had a narrow escape from the mishap. “We used to turn up for the festival every year. But this year we did not come as my mother passed away a few months back,” said Saraswathy, a local native, who is now residing in Pandalam.
Binu of Pettah and Santosh of Kottiyam are among the scores who had a narrow escape as they left the temple premises just before the mishap. “We were just behind the fireworks room that exploded. But since the fireworks were not very impressive, we returned by around 1am.,” said Binu who regularly came for the festival with family and friends.
Santosh, who went to the festival with three of his friends, also heaved a sigh of relief as they decided to return by around midnight. “I woke up with a shock on hearing about the mishap this morning,” said Santosh.
