Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh: A tragic incident unfolded on Saturday at the Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, when a massive crowd surge led to a stampede that claimed at least ten lives and left several others injured. The incident occurred during the observance of Ekadashi, a spiritually significant day in the Hindu calendar that typically draws large numbers of devotees to temples across the state.

Distressing visuals from the temple, widely circulated on social media and captured by on-site cameras, depict the chaos that ensued during the stampede. People were seen struggling to move through narrow passages, with many trapped against the railings as the crowd surged forward. Several women carrying puja baskets were captured in the footage, crying for help and attempting to navigate through the throngs of devotees. Other visuals showed injured individuals being carefully lifted from the crowd and rushed to waiting ambulances for immediate medical attention.

According to local reports, the temple had a single entry and exit point, which became a chokepoint as devotees gathered in large numbers for the Ekadashi celebrations. This overcrowding, coupled with inadequate crowd management measures, contributed to the sudden stampede that overwhelmed the pilgrims present. Witnesses described the scene as one of panic and confusion, with many devotees unable to escape the crush, leading to the tragic fatalities.

Immediate Response and Rescue Efforts

Temple authorities, local volunteers, and first responders rushed to assist those caught in the stampede. Devotees themselves were seen administering first aid and helping carry the injured out of the crowded areas to ambulances. Local hospitals were quickly mobilized to receive the injured, with officials ensuring that emergency medical care was provided without delay. Despite these efforts, the rapid influx of casualties and the severity of injuries strained resources, underscoring the challenges posed by managing large gatherings in the absence of adequate safety infrastructure.

The Andhra Pradesh state government moved swiftly in response to the tragedy. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naiduissued a statement expressing deep condolences to the families of those who had lost their lives. He acknowledged the shock and grief caused by the incident and directed officials to ensure that injured devotees received speedy and proper medical treatment. Naidu also requested local officials and public representatives to visit the site personally to oversee relief measures and provide support to the affected families.

“The stampede incident at the Venkateswara Temple in Kasibugga in Srikakulam district has caused a shock. The death of devotees in this tragic incident is extremely heartbreaking. I have instructed officials to provide speedy and proper treatment to those who have been injured,” Naidu said in a statement posted on X.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also reacted to the incident, expressing his profound shock and condolences. In a statement, Shah said he was “deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives” at the temple and offered prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured.

“My condolences to the families of the devotees who lost their lives. Praying that the injured may recover at the earliest,” he stated.

State ministers also responded promptly to the tragedy. Nara Lokesh, Andhra Pradesh’s minister, described the stampede as deeply shocking and stated that the government was providing better medical treatment to those injured. He personally coordinated with local officials, including Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu and local MLA Gauthu Shirish, to ensure immediate assistance was extended to those affected. Lokesh visited hospitals and relief centers, overseeing the treatment and rehabilitation of injured devotees and providing assurances to the bereaved families that the government would stand by them.

“The stampede at the Kasibugga Venkateswara Temple has caused the deaths of several devotees, plunging us into profound shock. The government is providing better medical treatment to those injured in the stampede. Immediate assistance has been provided to the affected individuals,” Lokesh said.

Prime Minister Modi’s Statement and Compensation Announcements

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his grief over the incident, stating that he was “pained” by the stampede and offering his condolences to the families of the deceased. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) confirmed that Modi prayed for the recovery of those injured in the incident.

In a compassionate move to support the affected families, Modi announced an ex-gratia compensation from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF). Families of those who lost their lives would receive ₹2 lakh each, while the injured would be provided ₹50,000 to cover medical expenses.

“Pained by the stampede in Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh. My thoughts are with those who have lost their near and dear ones. I pray that the injured recover soon. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh each from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of those who lost their lives. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000,” the PMO statement read.

Public Reaction and Social Media Coverage

The stampede was widely covered on social media, with videos from devotees and bystanders highlighting the intensity of the crowd crush. Many users expressed their shock and grief, while others criticized the lack of effective crowd management at the temple. The footage, showing individuals trapped and panicked in narrow passageways, evoked strong emotional responses from the public and sparked discussions on the need for improved safety protocols during large religious gatherings.

Local residents and devotees emphasized that the Venkateswara Swamy Temple is a popular religious site, attracting thousands of pilgrims, especially during festivals and spiritually significant days like Ekadashi. Concerns have been raised regarding the temple’s infrastructure, which includes a singular entry and exit point, and whether proper permissions and safety measures were in place for managing such a massive gathering.

Lessons and Preventive Measures

Following the tragedy, state officials and temple authorities have been urged to implement stricter crowd management protocols and ensure that emergency measures are in place for future gatherings. The Andhra Pradesh government has indicated that investigations will be conducted to identify lapses in planning, safety, and management that contributed to the stampede. Recommendations are expected to focus on structural improvements, better crowd regulation, trained personnel on-site, and ensuring adequate medical facilities to handle emergencies during large festivals.

The incident has also prompted discussions on the regulation of private temples, particularly those not registered under the state’s endowment department, highlighting the need for oversight in managing religious sites that attract significant crowds. Authorities have acknowledged that strict compliance with safety standards and prior approvals for large gatherings are essential to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Wider Impact

The Srikakulam temple stampede has left a profound impact on the local community and the state at large. While emergency services and hospital staff continue to care for the injured, the loss of life has cast a shadow over the spiritual celebrations of Ekadashi. Religious leaders, social organizations, and government officials are working together to provide relief, support, and counseling to those affected by the tragedy.

The collective response by the central and state governments, alongside the local administration, underscores the critical importance of preparedness and rapid response in managing mass gatherings. The ex-gratia compensation announced by the Prime Minister, alongside the directives of state ministers, aims to provide immediate relief to the victims and their families while also signaling accountability and governance oversight.

Conclusion

The Srikakulam temple stampede stands as a sobering reminder of the risks associated with large public gatherings, particularly in locations with limited infrastructure and narrow access points. While the immediate focus remains on rescuing and treating the injured and supporting bereaved families, the incident highlights the urgent need for long-term preventive strategies.

The Andhra Pradesh government has pledged to strengthen safety measures across all temples in the state, especially during spiritually significant days, to ensure that tragedies like the one at Venkateswara Swamy Temple do not recur. In the wake of the stampede, leaders from the central and state governments, as well as local authorities, continue to coordinate relief, assess safety protocols, and provide solace to grieving families, emphasizing the importance of vigilance, preparedness, and public safety in the management of religious events.