Mysore/Mysuru: Gopal (46), a cleaning staff at Chamundeshwari Temple atop Chamundi Hill, passed away following a heart attack while on duty yesterday.

A resident of Chamundi Hill, Gopal was on duty near the special entrance of the Temple when he suffered a heart attack.

Though he was being rushed to a private hospital, he is said to have breathed his last midway.

Chamundeshwari Temple Executive Officer (EO) C.G. Krishna, speaking to Star of Mysore, said that Gopal collapsed while performing duty in the morning and was rushed to a private hospital in the ambulance donated to the temple but the doctors declared him dead.

The EO further said Rs. 10,000 was given to the family members of Gopal to perform the last rites and Rs. 35,000 will be given in a week. As Gopal’s post was a hereditary one, steps will be taken to provide his job to his wife or children, the EO added.