Priest on ‘tapasya for climate change’ dies of heat stroke

BAREILLY: A 72-year-old priest, fasting and performing 'panch-agni tapasya (five fire austerity)' for "world peace, welfare and freedom from drug addiction", died due to excessive heat in Sambhal on Sunday.

Rajendra Prasad Tiwari, his disciple for 15 years, said, "Baba died of heat stroke. He was concerned about global warming and the rising temperature across the planet and was on a 'tapasya' for the well-being of humankind. Sadly, the weather took his life."

Sambhal SDM Vinay Kumar Mishra said, "The priest had taken prior permission for 'tapasya', which started on May 23 and was supposed to conclude today (Monday). On Sunday, he fell unconscious and was taken to hospital, where doctors declared him dead."

Emergency medical officer Dr Vishwa Nath said, "The priest was brought dead to the hospital, and we believe heat stroke killed him as he was sitting inside a circle of fire."

Known to his followers as 'Kamli wale Paagal Baba', the seer, a resident of Amethi, had performed such 'tapasya' at least 23 times in 25 years in various parts of the country. He was staying at an ashram at Benipur Chak village under Kailadevi police limits.

Locals said that despite the scorching heat, the priest was seated at a farm with few trees around. A villager said, "The maximum temperature in Sambhal is around 43°C. Govt has been sending warning messages asking people to stay indoors in the afternoon due to the heat wave, so why was the 'tapasya' allowed without adequate medical facilities?"

Another villager said. "No ambulance was available near the site, and it took more than 30 minutes for one to arrive after we called for help."

The 'panch-agni tapasya' is mentioned in ancient Hindu scriptures such as the Padma Purana and Shiv Purana. It is a ritual where seers usually meditate encircled by fire.


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