New Delhi:
In the early hours of Wednesday, just two days before the commencement of the Vaikuntha Ekadasi festival, a devastating stampede occurred at the Vishnu Nivasam in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, resulting in the loss of six lives and injuring over 40 devotees. The incident unfolded as thousands of pilgrims gathered to obtain tokens for the “sarva darshan” of Lord Venkateshwara Swamy at the Tirumala Hills.
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) had set up 94 ticket counters across various locations, including the Vishnu Nivasam, Srinivasam, and Bhudevi complexes, as well as other sites in Tirupati. These counters were intended to distribute 1,20,000 tokens for the free darshan of the deity from January 10 to 12. However, the crowds began to gather a night before the scheduled distribution time, leading to chaotic conditions.
According to TTD Chairman BR Naidu, the situation spiraled out of control when a gate was opened to assist a person who was unwell, prompting the crowd to surge forward en masse. This sudden movement led to a stampede, which proved fatal for six devotees and left many more injured.
The distribution of tokens was part of the preparations for the Vaikuntha Ekadasi festival, a significant Hindu event that attracts lakhs of devotees to the Lord Venkateswara temple. The festival, scheduled from January 10 to 19, involves the opening of the special Vaikunta Dwaram, a gate that is only accessible during this period.
Tirupati Collector S Venkateswar noted that it took approximately 15 minutes to evacuate and control the crowd after the stampede. The incident has drawn widespread condemnation and sympathy, with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressing his deep distress over the tragedy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi also extended their condolences to the families of the victims.
The TTD has apologized for the incident and announced an inquiry into the matter. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and the state Health Minister are scheduled to visit Tirupati on Thursday to meet the families of the victims and review the situation.
a post in Telugu on X.
