In what could be one of the worst disasters in the history of Tirumala, at least six people were found dead and several others were grievously injured after a stampede broke out at Tirupati’s Vishnu Niwasam during the distribution of tokens for the annual Vaikuntha Dwara Sarvadarshanam of Lord Venkateswara Swamy which commences on January 10th.
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam board, which manages the affairs of the largest Hindu temple, had announced that special darshan tickets will be issued at 94 places from 5 AM on Thursday. Devotees queued up in large numbers since Wednesday to secure tokens. There was heavy rush for these tickets as people consider this an auspicious season to seek darshanam.
After the gates were opened at around 8 PM on Wednesday night, devotees immediately rushed towards the counters to stand ahead of others. Unfortunately, the sudden surge of the crowd led to a stampede like situation as several of them fell on one another and resulted in the death of six devotees at three different places, leaving many injured severely.
Mallika, a devotee from Salem in Tamil Nadu, died of her injuries while being transported to Ruia Hospital in the temple town. Three others died during treatment at Ruia Hospital, and two more passed away at SVIMS. The death toll may increase as many are seriously injured.
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams Board chairperson, BR Naidu, ruled out any conspiracy and said it was an accident. “I had suspected something could go wrong and warned officials not to take it easy. There were rumours spread that not everyone may be allowed in Tirumala,” Mr Reddy said.
“The death of several devotees in a stampede near Vishnu Niwasam in Tirupati for tokens to visit Tirumala Srivari Vaikuntha Dwara has shocked me. This tragic incident, which took place at a time when devotees had gathered in large numbers for tokens, deeply disturbed me,” Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said.
Vaikuntha Dwara Sarva Darshan is a major event for devotees as offering a special darshan is believed to grant a glimpse of the divine gates of heaven (Vaikuntha). The event draws lakhs of devotees, particularly during Vaikuntha Ekadashi festival, when crowds can peak at over 2-3 lakh.
