Followers of the Valmiki community in Karnataka have developed a serious concern following the news that Sri Prasannananda Puri Swamiji, the pontiff of Rajanahalli Maharshi Valmiki Gurupeetha, had a minor heart attack. Currently, the seer is being treated in a private hospital in Hyderabad with advanced medical treatment.
Emergency in Raichur
This incident took place at the end of the night of February 18, 2026 after the Swamiji arrived on a tour of Raichur district to join various community programs. The seer, after much work, stayed overnight in Hatti town in Lingsugur Taluk. After midnight, the Swamiji noticed sudden chest pain and acute physical discomfort. Seeing the seriousness of the situation, his aides and local followers rushed him right away to a private hospital in Raichur city.
Primary care and stabilization
Upon arrival at the hospital in Raichur, the medical team gave a first diagnosis and confirmed that the Swamiji had suffered a minor myocardial infarction (heart attack). He was started on treatment to stabilize his vitals. But because of his stature and the necessity of special cardiac treatment, the doctors recommended a complete transfer to a facility with a more advanced cardiac care infrastructure.
The Move to Hyderabad
Patient on the advice of the medical personnel, the Matha administrative crew worked in coordination on swift transfer. A special cardiac ambulance was used to transfer the Seer from Raichur to Apollo Hospital, Hyderabad. As per Rajanahalli Matha, Swamiji arrived in Hyderabad in the early hours on Thursday. He is currently being overseen by a cadre of senior cardiologists. "The Swamiji is conscious and responding well to his treatment. There is no sign whatsoever of panic," a representative from Matha said, trying to reassure his public.
Anxious Followers Offer Prayers
News of the Swamiji’s health blow-up circulated quickly on social media, stoking anxiety among members of the Valmiki community and state political leaders. Sri Prasannananda Puri Swamiji is an influential person in Karnataka who is very outspoken about the rights and reservations of the Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Valmiki. Thousands of devotees in different temples in Davanagere, Raichur and Ballari districts for his quick recovery began special prayers (Poojas) hoping for these things.
Several political leaders have also contacted the hospital and the Matha administration regarding his health condition. Now, while Swamiji is still in the ICU for observation alone, reports suggest that his condition is stable. Medical officials in Hyderabad are due to release a formal health bulletin later today, for any procedures that may be required, such as an angioplasty, to prevent further cardiac issues.
