Lion spotted on Shatrunjay Hill walkway, sparks panic among pilgrims

A rare sighting of a lion near the temple of Adinath Dada on Shatrunjay Hill in Palitana, Bhavnagar created panic among pilgrims on Thursday morning. The big cat, which appeared on the pilgrimage route around 7.30 am, was spotted roughly 1,500 steps from the temple.

According to reports, lions have been frequenting the Palitana hill region for some time, drawn by its suitable environment, abundant water, and food sources. The lion’s sudden appearance startled devotees climbing the steps, but no harm was reported as the animal soon retreated into the nearby forest.

Within hours, videos of the lion roaming the pathway went viral on social media. Following the sighting, forest department officials and guards rushed to the site, temporarily halted the movement of pilgrims, and began intensive patrolling of the hill area.

“Around 20 to 25 lions are believed to inhabit the wider Palitana region, with nearly seven reportedly settled in the foothills and surrounding shrublands of Shatrunjay Hill,” said an official.

Lions are frequently seen in nearby areas such as Adpur, Anida, Gheti, Rohishala, and the Shatrunjay foothills, particularly during the evening hours.

The forest department has urged pilgrims to remain alert and avoid venturing close to forested patches, while ensuring the safety of both visitors and wildlife.