Tragedy at Tirupati: Six Killed in Stampede at Sacred Hindu Shrine

At least six people were killed and dozens injured in a stampede at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. 

The tragedy unfolded on Wednesday night as thousands gathered to secure free entrance tokens for the Vaikuntha Dwara Darshan, a highly auspicious 10-day Hindu festival that begins Friday.

Devotees had been queuing since early Wednesday, hoping to secure access to one of Hinduism’s most sacred shrines. 

The temple, which attracts nearly 24 million pilgrims annually, had set up more than 90 counters for ticket distribution. However, as the gates opened, chaos erupted. Visuals showed a surge of people jostling for position, overwhelming the limited police presence at the site.

An eyewitness described the scene as “chaotic,” adding that only four police personnel were on hand to manage the massive crowd. Authorities confirmed that those injured were rushed to a government-run hospital for treatment.

BR Naidu, chairman of the temple trust, attributed the tragedy to overcrowding. “It is an unfortunate incident,” he told local media, noting that such an event had never occurred in the temple’s history. 

Bhanu Prakash Reddy, another trust member, apologized for the tragedy. “I sincerely seek an apology from the devotees,” he said.

Reactions from Leaders and the Public

The incident has drawn widespread condemnation and sorrow. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed his grief and vowed to visit the site.

In a post on social media platform X, Naidu said, “The deaths grieved me intensely.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed his condolences, saying he was “pained” by the tragedy and assured affected families that the state government would provide “all possible assistance.”

Public anger has focused on the temple administration’s failure to manage the massive crowds effectively. Authorities pledged strict action against any employees found responsible.

The tragedy has reignited concerns about safety at religious events in India, where large gatherings often occur in confined spaces with minimal adherence to safety protocols. Last year, a similar crush claimed more than 120 lives at a religious event in Uttar Pradesh.

Dedicated to Lord Sri Venkateswara, also known as Balaji, the Tirupati temple is one of Hinduism’s wealthiest and most revered shrines, with assets worth billions of dollars. 

Pilgrims flock to the temple from across India and abroad, especially during the Vaikuntha Dwara Darshan, which devotees believe offers a glimpse of the divine gates to heaven.