A devastating stampede during the Ekadashi festivities at Sri Varaha Narasimha Temple in Srikakulam district has left eight devotees dead and 27 others injured, casting a shadow over what should have been a day of spiritual celebration.
Tragedy Strikes During Holy Celebrations
The incident occurred on Tuesday morning when thousands of devotees had gathered at the hilltop temple to participate in the special Ekadashi rituals. Witnesses described scenes of chaos and panic as the massive crowd surged forward during the distribution of prasadam (religious offering), leading to the fatal crush.
Immediate Response and Rescue Operations
Local authorities and temple management immediately launched rescue operations, with injured devotees being rushed to nearby government hospitals in Srikakulam and Palakonda. Medical teams worked tirelessly to provide emergency care to the victims, many of whom suffered serious injuries in the stampede.
Chief Minister Announces Compensation
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep sorrow over the incident and announced compensation of ₹5 lakh each for the families of the deceased. The Chief Minister has also ordered a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to the tragic event.
Key Developments:
- Stampede occurred during Ekadashi celebrations at Sri Varaha Narasimha Temple
- Eight confirmed fatalities, 27 injured receiving medical treatment
- CM Naidu announces ₹5 lakh compensation for families of deceased
- Investigation ordered to determine cause and responsibility
- Local authorities reviewing crowd management protocols
Questions About Crowd Management
The tragedy has raised serious questions about crowd management and safety measures at religious gatherings across the state. Despite the temple's popularity and the predictable large turnout during major festivals, adequate arrangements to handle the massive crowds appear to have been insufficient.
This incident serves as a grim reminder of the importance of proper crowd control measures during large-scale religious events, particularly at popular pilgrimage sites that regularly attract thousands of devotees.
