Panic briefly prevailed in the Srisailam Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple area after a leopard was spotted near the steps leading to Patalaganga on Wednesday.
Forest department officials and temple authorities immediately alerted local residents and devotees, urging them to remain cautious and avoid venturing alone, especially during
early morning hours.
The sighting comes at a time when thousands of pilgrims routinely use the Patalaganga path in the early hours for holy baths.
As a precautionary measure, surveillance has been intensified and announcements were made requesting devotees to follow safety instructions.