File picture of women workers at Zen Linen plant in Sri City of Tirupati district.

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:

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.

Tirupati:

Two devotees were killed and three others were injured when a 108 ambulance ran amok in Tirupati district on Monday.

The vehicle ran over a group of devotees heading to Tirumala temple on feet. The accident occurred near Narasingapuram in Chandragiri mandal.

Two women died on the spot while three other devotees were injured. The deceased were identified as Pedda Reddamma (40) and Lakshmamma (45), residents of Champalapalli in Ramasamudram mandal of Annamayya district.

The devotees were walking to Sri Venkateswara temple at Tirumala from Punganur while the ambulance carried a patient from Madanapalle to Tirupati. The injured were shifted to Ruia Hospital in Tirupati.

The cause of the accident was not known. Police suspect that dense fog in the area may have led to the mishap.

Chandragiri police registered a case and took up an investigation.

Several devotees reach the famous hill shrine of Tirumala by walking from different points. Thousands of devotees from various parts of Andhra Pradesh and other states visit the temple every day.

Meanwhile, two women died in a fire in a house in Bapatladistrict late on Sunday night. The incident occurred at Turpu Bazar in Parchur past midnight. Two sisters died in the fire while their mother was injured.

The deceased were identified as Nagamani (34) and Madhavi Latha (30). The injured was admitted to a local hospital.

Police suspect that the fire broke out due to a short circuit.

In another fire accident, a physically challenged person was charred to death. The accident occurred at Kotha colony in Nallajerla mandal of East Godavari district. According to police a thatched house caught fire on the intervening night of Sunday and Monday. Namala Daneyulu (28), a physically challenged, was trapped in the fire and died. Police registered a case and took up an investigation.

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

New Delhi:

Tirupati’s ISKCON temple received a bomb threat on Sunday. Temple authorities registered a complaint with the police about receiving a threatening email, claiming ISIS terrorists would blow up the temple.

Tirupati police initiated immediate action and conducted searches. The local police got bomb squads and dog units to check for any explosives. However, no explosives or any other objectionable items were recovered from the temple premises.

Circle Inspector Srinivasulu confirmed the news and assured that appropriate and necessary efforts were underway to identify those responsible for the threats. The police is suspecting it to be yet another hoax mail.

This is the fourth hoax mail the temple town of Tirupati received in the last three days.

Earlier on Saturday, two hotels also received bomb threats, which were later confirmed as hoax threats. Before that, three other hotels in the town received bomb threats, heightening the anxiety among residents and devotees.

The threat reportedly mentioned the alleged drug trafficking network kingpin Jaffer Sadiq, who was arrested in Tamil Nadu by the Narcotics Control Bureau and the Enforcement Directorate.

A probe was launched into the matter, following an FIR.

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, who has been championing the Tirupati laddoo issue and positioning himself as a protector of the Sanatana dharma, is on a three-hour footmarch to Tirumala as part of his 11-day penance. He had started the penance to appease Lord Venkateswara for the alleged adulteration of “laddoos” with animal fat. 

The Deputy Chief Minister has reached Tirupati and took the pedestrian pathway from Alipiri to Tirumala. He will stay overnight and go for the darshan tomorrow.  

“This is not just about one prasad issue (laddu adulteration). Maybe it came out. Maybe this was a triggering point to initiate this. Prayaschitta Deeksha (penance) is (the) commitment to take forward the protection of Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism). (It) is very essential,” he had told reporters before starting the journey.  

Following allegations that the laddoos were adulterated during the tenure of former Chief Minister Jaganmohan Reddy, the Deputy Chief Minister has been on the warpath, taking on actors and others who have spoken lightly of the issue. 

Mr Kalyan’s boss, Chief Minister Chandrababu  Naidu, had announced a Special Investigation Team to probe the irregularities in the Tirupati temple body.

But after the Supreme Court asked the Solicitor General to assist the court with the opinion of the Central government on who should probe the matter, the SIT probe was stalled.

The Chief Minister had said he would “clean up” the system, alleging that the irregularities had crept in during the rule of the erstwhile YSRCP government. “Many not-so-sacred things were done at Tirumala” over the last five years, he had said.   

On September 19, a lab report from NDDB was released which said samples of the ghee from Tirupati tested positive for fish oil, beef tallow, and lard.

The matter erupted after the Chief Minister said on September 18 at a NDA Legislators meeting that animal fat had been used to make Tirupati laddoos.

The simmering feud between Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and actor Prakash Raj over the alleged adulteration of the famed Tirupati laddoos has gone on the boil again. 

Actor-politician Kalyan, who is the chief of the Jana Sena and part of the ruling coalition in Andhra Pradesh as well as the Centre, had spoken out about the traces of animal fat in the form of beef tallow, fish oil, and lard (pig fat) allegedly found in the ghee used for the laddoos under the previous state government headed by YSR Congress chief Jagan Mohan Reddy. The allegation was originally made by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. 

Reacting to Mr Kalyan’s comments, actor Prakash Raj had said that the politician is part of the ruling dispensation in the state and should focus on investigating the matter rather than stoking communal tensions. 

On Tuesday, Mr Kalyan went to the Kanaka Durga Temple in Vijayawada to perform a purification ritual as part of his 11-day ‘Prayaschitta Diksha’ (penance for atonement) over the adulteration and hit out at Mr Raj for questioning his secular credentials.

“I am addressing the sanctity of Hinduism and issues like food adulteration. Why should I not speak about these matters? I respect you Prakash Raj, and when it comes to secularism, it must be mutual. I do not understand why you are criticising me. Should I not speak out against attacks on Sanatana Dharma? Prakash should learn a lesson,” he was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.  

“The film industry and others should not make light of this issue; I am very serious about Sanatana Dharma. Many critics have targeted Ayyappa and Goddess Saraswati. Sanatana Dharma is of utmost importance. Every Hindu should take responsibility in this regard. If similar issues arose in other religions, there would be a widespread agitation,” he added.

Mr Raj posted a video on X, saying that he had been misinterpreted and would reply to Mr Kalyan’s questions when he returned to India after a shoot. 

“Dear Pawan Kalyan garu, I saw your press meet. What I have said and what you have misinterpreted is surprising. I am shooting abroad; I will come back to reply your questions. Meanwhile, I would appreciate if you could go through my tweet earlier and understand,” he wrote with the video. 

Point, Counterpoint

On September 20, Mr Kalyan had said on X that many questions needed to be answered by the board of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) – the trust that manages the Tirupati temple – constituted by the YSR Congress government. 

“We are all deeply disturbed with the findings of animal fat (fish oil,pork fat and beef fat) mixed in Tirupathi Balaji Prasad. Many questions to be answered by the TTD board constituted by YCP Govt then… May be the time has come to constitute a  ‘Sanatana Dharma Rakshana Board’ at a National level to look into all the issues related to temples in the entire Bharath… I think we all should come together to put an end to desecration of ‘Sanathana Dharma’ in any form,” he had posted on X.

Responding to the post, Mr Raj had advised Mr Kalyan to avoid “spreading apprehensions”.

“Dear @PawanKalyan…It has happened in a state where you are a DCM (deputy chief minister).. Please Investigate ..Find out the Culprits and take stringent action.  Why are you spreading apprehensions and blowing up the issue Nationally … We have enough Communal tensions in the Country,” he wrote. 

(With inputs from ANI)

Mainpuri:

Amid controversy over “adulteration” in Tirupati laddus, Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav has alleged that shops in Mathura are selling adulterated ‘khoya’ and demanded an inquiry.

Talking to reporters during an event here on Sunday, Yadav said adulteration in Tirupati Laddu prasad is a “very serious” matter and it has hurt the religious sentiments of people.

“Due to the failure of the food department, adulterated food and oil are causing very serious illness to people. Food department is negligent and silent over it,” she said.

“There are reports that ‘khoya’ being sold in Mathura is also adulterated. The BJP government should institute enquiry in both the cases,” she said without mentioning the source of the reports.

In Uttar Pradesh, the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) has collected 13 samples of ‘prasadam’ from prominent temples in Mathura for testing.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu’s claim that animal fat was used in preparing Tirupati laddus during the previous YS Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government in the southern state has triggered a massive political row.

The YSR Congress Party has accused Naidu of indulging in “heinous allegations” for political gains and the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in the state circulating a laboratory report to back its claim.

Terming “One Nation One Election” as farce, she said BJP is “killing” democracy. Elections are being held in Haryana while by-elections in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh have not been announced yet.

“All these elections could have been done altogether,” she said, adding that BJP never implemented what it said but went ahead with whatever suits them.

Attacking the government over rising unemployment, she said false claims of investments in lakhs of crores of rupees are being made but nothing is visible on ground.

“To solve this issue, infrastructure is most important so that small, medium and big industries could be set up but nothing has been done,” she alleged.

Regarding use of bulldozers, Yadav said the Supreme Court has given serious guidelines and such use of bulldozers is “unlawful and a crime”.

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