New Delhi, January 9, 2025: At least six devotees lost their lives, and dozens were injured in a stampede at the Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple on Tirumala Hills in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, late Wednesday night. The tragedy occurred as hundreds of devotees jostled for tickets for the Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam, leading to chaos.
President Droupadi Murmu expressed her deep sorrow over the incident, offering condolences to the bereaved families and wishing a speedy recovery for the injured. “Distressed to know that a stampede in Tirupati led to the loss of many lives. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured,” she wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his grief, stating, “Pained by the stampede in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. My thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.” He added that the Andhra Pradesh government is extending all possible assistance to those affected.
The stampede occurred during the rush for the highly sought-after Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam tickets, offered during a special period at the temple. Efforts are underway to treat the injured and ensure the safety of other devotees.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also extended condolences to the victims’ families and urged party workers to assist those affected.
The Andhra Pradesh government has called for strict measures to manage crowds as the temple anticipates an influx of devotees during the upcoming Sankranti festival.
Authorities and the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) are taking steps to prevent further incidents as preparations continue for the 10-day Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam starting January 10.
