Tirupati:

Following the tragic stampede at the Tirupati Balaji Temple, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday announced an ex-gratia of Rs 25 lakh for the families of the deceased, along with providing contract jobs. The injured will also be granted special darshan at the temple on Friday.

The announcement came after CM Naidu visited the site of the stampede, which took place on January 8 and resulted in the loss of six lives, with nearly 40 people sustaining injuries.

“Rs 25 Lakhs ex-gratia and contract job will be provided to the families of the deceased. 35 injured victims will be provided darshan tomorrow,” said CM.

Speaking about the incident, Mr Naidu assured that a judicial inquiry would be ordered to conduct a thorough investigation and provide a detailed report.

“Judicial inquiry will be ordered into the incident to submit a detailed report. Two officials – Goshala director Arunadh Reddy and one police personnel have been suspended. SP, AEO Gautami and one more person are being transferred,” he added.

Mr Naidu further acknowledged that the security arrangements for crowd management had “failed”.

“I’m not blaming anyone. I’ve been in politics for the last 45 years. Security was deployed but more precautions should have been taken. The officials who were deployed failed. If they had released them half an hour or one hour prior, this wouldn’t have happened. Better coordination is required,” said the Chief Minister

Meanwhile, YSRCP chief and former CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy visited Tirupati to meet with the victims and offer support.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin also expressed his condolences and announced financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh to the families of the victims who died in the stampede.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

At least six people were killed and several others were injured in a stampede near Vishnu Nivasam in Tirupati last evening. The incident occurred on Wednesday during the distribution of ‘darshan’ tokens at the Tirumala Srivari Vaikuntha Dwara ticketing counter, officials from Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) confirmed. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is actively monitoring the situation and will visit Tirupati to meet the families of the victims.

The stampede occurred as pilgrims gathered in large numbers to secure tokens for Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam, a significant event during Vaikunth Ekadasi (January 10).

What is Vaikunth Ekadasi?

Vaikunth Ekadasi is one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar, celebrated on the 11th day of the waxing moon in the month of Margashirsha (December-January). Devotees believe that observing fasts and participating in prayers on this day helps them attain moksha (liberation) and gives them entry into Vaikuntha, Lord Vishnu’s celestial abode.

Vaikunta Ekadasi also holds a special meaning in Hindu tradition. The Padma Purana explains that Lord Vishnu fought a demon named Muran, who was troubling the gods. Tired, Vishnu rested in a cave, where a divine female power emerged from him and destroyed the demon. Vishnu named her ‘Ekadashi’ and granted her a boon. She requested that anyone fasting on this day be forgiven for their sins. Vishnu agreed and promised that they would gain entry to Vaikunta, his heavenly abode.

The Vishnu Purana tells another story where Vishnu opened the gates of Vaikunta for two demons who sought his blessing. This inspired the tradition of creating a Vaikunta Dwara in temples, where devotees walk through the gate on Vaikunta Ekadasi to seek salvation.

What is Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam?

The highlight of Vaikunth Ekadasi at Tirupati is the Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam. This refers to the ceremonial opening of the Vaikunta Dwaram (a sanctified entrance) in the Tirumala temple – the gateway to Lord Vishnu’s heavenly realm.

As per legend, Lord Vishnu opened this sacred gate to grant devotees entry into Vaikunta. The gate remains closed throughout the year and is opened only on the holy day of Vaikunta Ekadashi. Devotees believe passing through this gate on this auspicious day cleanses sins, and brings salvation and spiritual blessings.

The Vaikunta Dwaram is specially decorated for the occasion, and the temple witnesses an influx of lakhs of devotees from across the globe. To manage the massive crowd, the TTD issues ‘darshan’ tokens, allowing devotees a chance to participate in the Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam in an orderly manner.

On Vaikunth Ekadasi, unique pujas and sevas are performed for Lord Venkateswara, starting in the early hours of the day. The festivities extend to Vaikunth Dwadasi (the following day), with rituals continuing to draw thousands of pilgrims.

Tirupati stampede: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will visit Tirupati today after the death of six devotees in a stampede last evening during the distribution of tokens for the Vaikuntha Ekadasi festival. Temple trust officials said that the gate at one of the token counters was opened for a woman who was feeling unwell, which led to chaos and resulted in a stampede. Tirupati Collector S Venkateswar told NDTV that it took around 15 minutes to evacuate the devotees.

Here are the updates on Tirupati stampede:

Tirupati:

When Venkatesh, his wife Shanthi and their son left their Visakhapatnam home for Tirupati, they were excited about the grand ‘darshan’ at the temple on the occasion of Vaikuntha Ekadashi. Little did they know this would be their last trip together.

The family was among the hundreds who had queued near the Vishnu Niwasam to collect tokens for the special ‘darshan’. At one point, one of the women who had queued up for the token started feeling unwell. The authorities opened the door to bring her out. What followed was chaos as those in the queue thought the gates had been opened for tokens and tried to pass through the door. Five people were killed and over 40 injured in the stampede. Shanthi was among the dead.

This morning, Venkatesh stood outside Sri Venkateswara Ramnarayan Ruia Government General Hospital, crushed by the tragedy.

“The police management was very poor. My wife was ahead in the queue. We did not even realise that she had fallen. After the stampede, we desperately looked for her at hospitals, but we could not locate her. We found out about her death from a viral video,” he told NDTV.

District Collector Dr S Venkateswar told NDTV that an adequate number of cops had been deployed at the counters. “This (incident) was unfortunate. Otherwise, there was sufficient force and arrangements, food, water, toilets, everything was taken care of.”

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams Board, which manages the temple’s affairs, has ruled out any conspiracy.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is expected to visit Tirupati today to take stock of the situation and announce compensation for the victims. “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,” Mr Naidu said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, too, expressed his condolences. “Pained by the stampede in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. My thoughts are with those who have lost their near and dear ones. I pray that the injured recover soon. The AP Government is providing all possible assistance to those affected,” the Prime Minister’s Office said.

Tirupati:

Sharing their account of tragic stampede in Andhra Pradesh’s Tirupati, eyewitnesses have recalled the horrific incident that killed at least six people. 

A woman who went to Tirupati with 20 of her family members said, “As soon as the Police officials opened the gate, the pilgrims rushed to purchase tokens. There was no such system for obtaining tokens earlier.”

While speaking to the reporters, she said, “A stampede occurred due to the heavy rush. Out of twenty members of my family, six have been injured. We joined the queue at 11 o’clock. While waiting in the queue, we were provided with milk and biscuits. However, a large number of male pilgrims rushed for tokens, causing injuries to several women, who were then shifted to the hospital.”

The husband of one of the woman who died in the stamped, shared his tragic account, stating that the stampede occurred when his wife and others were attempting to obtain Vaikunta Dwara Darshan tickets, which led to her death.

He said, “While my wife and others were trying to obtain Vaikunta Dwara Darshan tickets, a stampede occurred, resulting in her death. I have informed our relatives and they are on their way…”

Six people died and many were injured after a stampede broke out near Vishnu Nivasam in Andhra Pradesh’s Tirupati on Wednesday evening, according to officials from Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD).

The incident occurred near Vishnu Niwasam close to the Tirumala Srivari Vaikuntha Dwara ticketing counter, during the distribution of ‘darshan’ tokens.

As per the statement from the office of TTD Chairman BR Naidu, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is closely monitoring the incident and will meet the families of the victims of the stampede today.

“It is an unfortunate event, 6 pilgrims lost their lives. So far, only one pilgrim has been identified, while the others are yet to be identified. N Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu is very serious about the incident and has expressed dissatisfaction with the officials’ management during a teleconference. The Chief Minister will visit the families of the deceased tomorrow at 11:45 am. CM has warned that such incidents should not be repeated and is closely monitoring updates on the issue”, the statement said.

Six people died in a stampede at Vishnu Niwasam at Tirupati during the distribution of tokens for Vaikuntha Dwara Sarvadarshanam – a special ‘darshan’ for devotees for a period of 10 days, starting Friday.

A massive rush of devotees attempting to secure tokens resulted in the stampede. One of the devotees was from Tamil Nadu’s Salem. Sixteen people were injured during the incident and were taken to the Ruia Hospital for treatment.

Visuals showed heavy police presence in the area and several people being shifted to ambulances. Witnesses said as many as 60 people fell on each other while collecting tokens at the counter. The massive rush led to the stampede. Some devotees alleged that there was negligence on the part of the police.

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.

తిరుమల శ్రీవారి వైకుంఠ ద్వార దర్శనం టోకెన్ల కోసం తిరుపతిలోని విష్ణు నివాసం దగ్గర జరిగిన తోపులాటలో పలువురు భక్తులు మృతి చెందడం దిగ్భ్రాంతిని కలిగించింది. టోకెన్ల కోసం భక్తులు పెద్ద ఎత్తున తరలివచ్చిన సందర్భంలో చోటుచేసుకున్న ఈ విషాదకర ఘటన నన్ను తీవ్రంగా కలిచివేసింది. మరి కొందరి…

— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) January 8, 2025

“In the wake of information that the condition of some of them is critical, I have directed higher officials to go to the spot and take relief measures… to provide better medical treatment to the injured and save their lives. I am talking to the district and TTD officials from time to time and am taking stock of the situation,” he added. The chief minister will visit Tirupati tomorrow.

Many devotees were at the temple to offer prayers and the cops and other people were present for crowd management. Locals have alleged that ambulance drivers were missing, causing a delay in shifting the injured to the hospital.

The tokens were to be distributed from tomorrow at 5 am and people devotees had queued up for the same.

A probe has been initiated to see if there was any police negligence during managing the crowd.

Andhra MLA and TDP General Secretary, Nara Lokesh, said, “I am deeply saddened by the stampede that took place near Vishnu Niwasam in Tirupati in the wake of the release of Vaikuntha Dwara Darshan tickets, in which four devotees died. TTD should make more elaborate arrangements to prevent such unfortunate incidents. The government stands by the families of the deceased devotees.”

“The death of 6 devotees in the stampede at the ticket counters of Tirupati Vishnu Niwasam is extremely tragic. I express my deepest condolences to the family members of the deceased. In addition to providing better medical services to the injured devotees, the government should support the family members of the deceased in every way,” Congress’s YS Sharmila said.

“The reason for the stampede is the management shortcomings in the governance system. An immediate investigation should be conducted into this incident,” she added.