At Andhra Temple, Ekadashi Celebration Turns into Tragedy
The tragic incident at Andhra temple in Srikakulam district has shaken the entire state. During the auspicious occasion of Ekadashi, thousands of devotees gathered at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Kasibugga to offer prayers. What began as a peaceful spiritual event soon turned into chaos, leading to a devastating stampede that claimed nine lives and left many injured.
Eyewitness videos captured the horrifying moments women clutching puja baskets, crying for help, and trying desperately to escape through the narrow pathway. The crowd, tightly packed between metal railings, left little space to breathe. Many devotees fainted due to suffocation, and some climbed over barriers in panic as others fell beneath the rush.
At Andhra Temple, Leaders Express Grief and Promise Action
The shocking visuals from at Andhra temple sparked widespread mourning across India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow, stating he was “pained” by the loss of innocent lives. His office announced ₹2 lakh compensation to the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured, assuring that the nation stands with Andhra Pradesh in this difficult hour.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu described the tragedy as “heartbreaking” and directed officials to ensure immediate medical care for all survivors. In a heartfelt post on X, he said the incident had deeply moved him and vowed that the government would not rest until complete relief was provided to the victims. Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan added that an inquiry would be initiated to identify the lapses that led to the disaster, especially in crowd management during major religious events.
At Andhra Temple, Administration Faces Questions Over Negligence
Preliminary reports revealed that the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple, where the stampede occurred, is privately managed and not under the state’s endowments department. Sources stated that the temple authorities had not informed local officials about the large number of devotees expected on Ekadashi. Furthermore, parts of the temple premises were still under construction, making the area narrow and unsafe for heavy crowds.
Governor S. Abdul Nazeer conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families and instructed the district administration to ensure that all injured devotees receive the best possible medical treatment. Andhra Minister Nara Lokesh, son of the Chief Minister, also visited the site, describing it as “one of the most painful incidents in recent memory.” He confirmed that all necessary aid was being extended to the affected families. Also Read: Latest India vs Australia 2nd T20I Highlights: AUS Win by 4 Wickets
At Andhra Temple, Calls Grow for Better Crowd Management and Safety
Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed deep grief, calling the deaths “a tragic and avoidable loss.” He assured that the central government would fully cooperate with the state in reviewing safety measures. Opposition leader Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy criticized the state government, highlighting that similar tragedies had previously occurred at Tirupati and Simhachalam temples. He accused the administration of negligence and urged immediate reforms in temple crowd management.
Survivors described scenes of unimaginable panic people gasping for air, crying for help, and families getting separated in the chaos. Most victims were women who had come early in the morning for special prayers. Locals have demanded stricter safety regulations, especially during major festivals that attract thousands of devotees.
View this post on Instagram
Conclusion:
The devastating stampede at Andhra temple is a painful reminder of how moments of faith can turn into tragedy when safety measures fail. As investigations continue, families mourn their loved ones while the nation prays for the recovery of those injured. Authorities now face the urgent responsibility of ensuring that such a heartbreaking incident never repeats again.
