President Droupadi Murmu expressed her distress and offered heartfelt condolences to the families of devotees who lost their lives in a stampede at Tirupati on Thursday. She also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and urged for better crowd management at religious places. The stampede occurred on Wednesday night as devotees were jostling for tickets at the Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple on Tirumala Hills for the Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam.
Tirupati Temple Stampede: Tragedy and Call for Improved Crowd Management
On Thursday, a tragic stampede occurred at the Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple in Tirupati, leaving 11 devotees dead and 10 others injured. The incident has sent shockwaves through the nation and prompted President Droupadi Murmu to express her condolences and call for better crowd management at religious places.
Background:
The Tirupati temple, located on the Tirumala Hills in Andhra Pradesh, is one of the most revered Hindu pilgrimage sites in India. It attracts millions of devotees every year, especially during the auspicious Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam, which allows pilgrims to enter through the special gate of the temple.
Stampede Incident:
The stampede occurred on Wednesday night as devotees jostled for tickets for the Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam. According to reports, the crowd became unruly and uncontrollable, leading to a rush towards the distribution counters. As a result, many devotees were crushed or trampled.
Emergency Response:
Authorities immediately responded to the emergency, rescuing the injured and providing medical assistance. The stampede has sparked widespread outrage and concern, with calls for better crowd management measures at religious places.
Condolences and Prayers:
President Murmu expressed her distress and offered heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. She also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and urged officials to take comprehensive steps to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Top 5 FAQs:
1. What caused the stampede? Answer: The stampede occurred due to overcrowding and poor crowd management. Devotees jostled for tickets, leading to a rush towards the distribution counters and a loss of control.
2. How many people died in the stampede? Answer: Eleven devotees lost their lives in the stampede.
3. What is Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam? Answer: It is an auspicious ritual where pilgrims enter the Tirupati temple through a special gate, known as the Vaikunta Dwara. It is believed to bring good fortune and blessings.
4. Has there been a similar stampede at Tirupati before? Answer: Yes, a stampede occurred in 2013, resulting in the death of 11 devotees.
5. What measures are being taken to improve crowd management? Answer: Authorities have assured that measures such as wider entrances, improved queuing systems, and increased security personnel will be implemented to prevent future stampedes.
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