At least nine people lost their lives and several others were injured in a stampede at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Kasibugga, Andhra Pradesh, during Ekadashi celebrations on Friday. The tragic incident occurred as thousands of devotees gathered for darshan, leading to overcrowding at the temple’s main entrance.
Police and district authorities confirmed that rescue operations were swiftly initiated, while Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed condolences and announced compensation for the victims’ families.
Chaos During Sacred Gathering
According to local officials, the stampede unfolded when large crowds surged forward following the temple’s opening for darshan early in the morning. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as devotees were trapped in the narrow approach road leading to the sanctum. Srikakulam District Collector P. Raja Babu stated that nine bodies have been recovered and several injured devotees were shifted to Palasa Government Hospital for treatment.
“Our teams responded immediately and restored order within minutes,” he said, adding that security measures are being reviewed to prevent recurrence.
Past Incidents and Safety Oversight
The Venkateswara Swamy Temple, one of the region’s most revered shrines, attracts thousands of pilgrims on auspicious days, particularly during Ekadashi. Local reports indicate that crowd management arrangements were in place, but the sudden influx of devotees from nearby districts overwhelmed the barricades.
This tragedy follows a series of similar incidents across India in recent years, raising concerns about safety planning during major religious events. Authorities have ordered a probe into the circumstances that led to the stampede and have promised strict accountability.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Moments of collective faith should never become scenes of irreversible loss. This tragedy highlights the urgent need for stronger crowd-management systems at pilgrimage sites, especially during peak festival days. Responsible governance, temple administration, and community awareness can ensure that devotion is observed in safety and dignity. How can we, as citizens and devotees, help create safer spaces for expressions of faith in the future?
