Six devotees tragically lost their lives, and several others sustained injuries in a stampede that erupted during the token distribution for the Vaikuntha Dwara Darshan in Andhra Pradesh’s Tirupati. The incident occurred on Wednesday at Bairagi Pattida Park, where over 4,000 devotees had gathered, leading to overcrowding and chaos.
Massive Crowds and Overcrowding
The Vaikuntha Ekadasi and Vaikuntha Dwara Darshanam is a highly significant annual event organized by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). Scheduled from January 10 to January 19, this 10-day event attracts thousands of devotees who participate in special prayers and seek blessings. Tokens were distributed to facilitate smooth access to the darshan, but the sheer volume of devotees resulted in uncontrollable crowds, eventually leading to the fatal stampede.
Eyewitnesses reported scenes of panic and distress as people pushed and shoved to secure their tokens. In the commotion, six lives were lost, and numerous others were injured. Among the deceased, one was identified as Mallika, while the identities of the other victims are being verified.
Emergency services were immediately deployed to the scene, and the injured were rushed to Ruya Hospital for treatment. Medical teams are working tirelessly to stabilize their conditions.
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s Response
Reacting to the incident, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu expressed his shock and grief. “Deeply disturbed by the stampede in Tirupati. My thoughts are with the bereaved families and the injured,” Naidu said.
The Chief Minister has ordered officials to ensure that proper relief measures are in place and that the injured receive the best medical care available. A government representative stated, “The Chief Minister is in constant touch with district and TTD officials, monitoring the situation. Higher officials have been dispatched to the site to oversee relief operations.”
Naidu is scheduled to visit Tirupati to meet the injured and review the management of token distribution counters to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Emergency Meeting by TTD Board
In response to the incident, the Chairman of the TTD Board, BR Naidu, convened an emergency meeting with top officials to discuss the circumstances leading to the stampede and immediate safety measures to be implemented.
Senior officials, including TTD EO Shyamala Rao, TTD JEO Gauthami, and District Collector Dr. S Venkateswar, visited Ruya Hospital to assess the situation. MLA Arani Srinivasulu and TTD Board member Bhanu Prakash Reddy also reached the hospital to ensure proper medical care was being provided.
Condolences From National Leaders
The tragic incident drew condolences from across the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow in a message posted by the PMO: “Pained by the stampede in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. My thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
YSR Congress Party president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy also conveyed his condolences to the families of the deceased and urged the government to ensure top-notch medical treatment for the injured. He emphasized the need to review safety protocols for large religious gatherings.
Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal took to social media to express his grief: “This accident at the Tirupati temple is deeply saddening. May God give peace to the departed souls and strength to their families. I pray for the quick recovery of the injured devotees.”
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi also shared his sympathies: “The tragic stampede in Tirupati is deeply saddening. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Wishing a swift recovery to all those injured. I urge Congress workers to assist in any way possible.”
Political Blame Game Over Safety Measures
The tragedy has sparked a political controversy in Andhra Pradesh. The Opposition Congress Party criticized the state government, alleging negligence in planning and managing large-scale religious events.
Congress leader Manickam Tagore took a swipe at the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, accusing them of focusing on theatrics rather than governance. “This stampede could have been avoided with responsible planning and effective crowd control,” he said in a social media post.
The Significance of Vaikuntha Dwara Darshan
Vaikuntha Ekadasi is one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar, celebrated with fervor at the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati. Devotees believe that passing through the Vaikuntha Dwaram, or the celestial gateway, brings salvation. The darshan attracts lakhs of devotees every year, necessitating meticulous planning and crowd management.
The annual event is known for its spiritual and cultural importance, but it has often faced logistical challenges. With thousands of devotees visiting the temple daily during this period, ensuring safety is a monumental task for the authorities.
A Wake-Up Call for Authorities
This tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the need for better crowd control measures at large-scale religious events. Experts have repeatedly called for improved planning, including digital token distribution, dedicated entry points, and stricter monitoring of crowd movements.
The TTD and state government are now under immense pressure to prevent such incidents in the future. A thorough review of safety protocols and infrastructure at token counters and darshan entry points is expected in the coming days.
As the event continues, authorities have assured devotees of enhanced safety measures to ensure the smooth conduct of the Vaikuntha Dwara Darshan and other associated rituals.