Four Devotees Die in Stampede for Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam Tickets in Tirupati Andhra Pradesh.

TIRUPATI (ANDHRA PRADESH):

Tragedy struck at the famous Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple on Tirumala Hills on Wednesday night, as a stampede broke out among hundreds of devotees jostling for tickets for the much-awaited Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam. Four devotees, including three women, lost their lives in the chaos, and several others were injured.

The incident occurred as devotees gathered in large numbers, eagerly awaiting their chance to receive tickets for the Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam, a special event that begins on January 10 and runs for ten days. This darshan is one of the most significant religious events at the temple, drawing people from across India to witness the ceremonial opening of the Vaikunta Dwara (gateway to heaven).

Eyewitnesses reported a desperate scramble for the limited number of tickets available, leading to a deadly crush. The stampede reportedly started when the crowd surged forward in an attempt to secure their spots for the highly sought-after darshan.

A senior police official confirmed the tragic loss of life, noting that efforts were underway to control the crowd and provide medical assistance to the injured. Authorities have yet to release specific details about the number of injured, but it is feared that the number could be significant given the size of the gathering.

The temple administration has expressed its condolences to the victims’ families and promised to investigate the incident thoroughly. In response to the growing crowd and safety concerns, security arrangements are being enhanced at the temple, with additional police personnel and volunteers deployed to manage the flow of devotees.

The Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam is a major religious occasion, with thousands of devotees participating in prayers and rituals. Authorities have urged visitors to follow the safety guidelines and cooperate with the security personnel to prevent further incidents.