Tragedy at Venkateswara Temple: Ekadashi Stampede Claims 9 Lives in Andhra Pradesh
What was meant to be a sacred day of devotion turned into a heartbreaking tragedy on November 1, 2025, as a stampede at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Kasibugga, Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, claimed the lives of nine devotees, including women and children. The incident occurred during Dev Uthani Ekadashi, a highly auspicious day in the Hindu calendar, when thousands of pilgrims gathered to offer prayers and awaken Lord Vishnu.
The temple, recently renovated and reopened to the public, saw an overwhelming surge of devotees. Unfortunately, a combination of overcrowding, poor crowd control, and a broken railing led to chaos and panic, resulting in a deadly crush near the temple’s staircase and entrance.
Eyewitness Accounts: Panic and Overcrowding
According to eyewitnesses, the crowd began swelling early in the morning as devotees arrived from nearby towns and villages. By 8 AM, the temple premises were packed beyond capacity. A sudden push near the iron-railed pathway caused the railing to collapse, triggering panic among those climbing the stairs.
“I saw people falling over each other. There was no space to move, and screams filled the air,” said one survivor. “Some tried to help, but the crowd was too dense.”
Videos shared on social media showed hundreds of devotees jostling for space, with many trapped under the weight of others. The lack of emergency exits and medical staff worsened the situation.
Casualties and Injuries: A Grim Toll
As per official reports:
- 9 devotees lost their lives, most of them women and elderly pilgrims
- 31 others were injured, with several in critical condition
- Victims were rushed to Palasa Government Hospital and nearby private clinics
- Rescue operations continued for hours, with local volunteers assisting police and fire personnel
The temple management and local authorities have come under scrutiny for failing to anticipate the crowd and implement safety measures.
Government Response and Compensation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh for the families of the deceased. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu visited the site and ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident.
“The loss of lives is deeply saddening. We will ensure the injured receive the best medical care and hold those responsible accountable,” Naidu stated.
The temple owner has reportedly been booked for culpable homicide, and officials are reviewing crowd management protocols for future events.
Why This Incident Matters
The tragedy at Venkateswara Temple is a stark reminder of the importance of:
- Effective crowd control during religious festivals
- Proper infrastructure and emergency planning
- Accountability of temple authorities and local administration
- Public awareness and safety education for pilgrims
India has witnessed several stampedes in religious places over the years, and each incident underscores the urgent need for reform.
Final Thoughts: A Sacred Day Marred by Loss
Ekadashi is meant to be a day of spiritual awakening, prayer, and peace. But for the families of the victims, November 1, 2025, will forever be remembered as a day of sorrow. The Venkateswara Temple stampede has shaken the community and sparked nationwide conversations about safety, responsibility, and the sanctity of public gatherings.
Let this tragedy not be forgotten. Let it serve as a call to action—for better planning, stronger systems, and a collective commitment to protect lives during moments of devotion.
Disclaimer
This article is based on publicly available news as of November 1, 2025. Details may evolve as investigations continue. For official updates, refer to Andhra Pradesh government sources and verified news outlets.
