Post by : Rameen Ariff

Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh (Nov 1, 2025): A devastating stampede at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Srikakulam claimed nine lives, including eight women and a child, early Saturday morning. The tragedy occurred amid a heavy rush of devotees gathered to offer prayers on Ekadashi, one of the most sacred days in the Hindu calendar.

According to officials, 17 others sustained injuries when the crowd surged uncontrollably on a narrow staircase inside the newly constructed temple in Kasibugga, often referred to as “Mini Tirupati.” The injured have been rushed to nearby hospitals, where emergency teams are providing treatment.

Horrific Scenes Captured on Video

Distressing videos from the temple showed massive overcrowding and chaos, with hundreds of women holding puja baskets struggling to escape the crush. Bodies were seen lying motionless across the temple courtyard, while volunteers and police tried to pull out survivors gasping for air.

An eyewitness said, “People were chanting prayers when suddenly everyone started pushing. Women fell one over another, and children were screaming for help.”

Police and local authorities rushed to the scene to bring the situation under control.

Temple Management Under Scrutiny

Sources revealed that the temple is privately managed and does not fall under the state’s Endowments Department, which oversees thousands of temples across Andhra Pradesh. Officials said temple authorities had not informed the administration about the expected large gathering, and construction work was still ongoing in parts of the premises.

The area where the stampede occurred reportedly had only one entry and exit point, which worsened the situation.

Government Orders Probe, Offers Relief

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu called the incident “heartbreaking” and directed officials to ensure proper treatment for the injured. “The loss of devotees’ lives in this tragedy is deeply painful. I have instructed the administration to provide immediate medical assistance,” Naidu said in a statement.

Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan expressed deep distress and announced that a full inquiry would be conducted. He also urged the state’s Endowments Department to improve crowd management and safety protocols in temples, especially during the auspicious Karthik month when pilgrim turnout is high.

National Leaders Express Condolences

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow and announced ₹2 lakh ex-gratia for each of the victims’ families and ₹50,000 for those injured. “Pained by the stampede at the Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Srikakulam. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured,” he said.

Governor S. Abdul Nazeer and Union Home Minister Amit Shah also conveyed condolences and called for better safety measures at religious sites. “Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured,” Shah said.

Public Shock and Mourning

The tragedy has left the state in grief, with visuals of women crying, men carrying victims, and devotees offering prayers for the dead circulating widely on social media. Nara Lokesh, Minister in Naidu’s cabinet, called the incident “a profound shock” and assured that assistance and compensation would reach the affected families immediately.

As Andhra Pradesh mourns, the Srikakulam temple stampede serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for better crowd management and safety planning at religious sites across the country.

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