A stampede occurred at the Tirupati Temple on January 8, causing the deaths of at least six people and injuring many others. The incident happened near Vishnu Niwasam, close to the Tirumala Srivari Vaikuntha Dwara ticketing counter, during the distribution of 'darshan' tokens. Large crowds of devotees had gathered to collect tokens, and by the end of the day, overcrowding led to the tragic stampede. The Chairman of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) confirmed that overcrowding was the cause. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu visited the site on January 9. The families of the victims are mourning their loss, while authorities are investigating the incident
09 January,2025 04:11 PM IST
Tirupati Collector Dr. S. Venkateswar spoke about the stampede at Vishnu Nivasam during ticket collection for prayers. He explained that there were elaborate arrangements made for Vaikunth Ekadasi by TTD and the District Administration. A sufficient number of police were deployed at nine ticket counters in Tirupati and one in Tirumala, along with holding areas. However, there was a miscommunication about opening a gate, which led to the unfortunate incident. The Chief Minister has been in contact and will visit to review the situation. The stampede was controlled by 9:30 pm, and ticket distribution was completed by 1 am. Sadly, five people died in the stampede, and one person died from illness. Post-mortem is in progress.
09 January,2025 01:50 PM IST
A stampede broke out at the Tirupati Temple on January 8, causing the deaths of at least six people and leaving several others injured. The incident occurred near Vishnu Niwasam, close to the Tirumala Srivari Vaikuntha Dwara ticketing counter, during the distribution of 'darshan' tokens. The stampede was triggered by overcrowding, according to the Chairman of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). Devotees from across the country had gathered in large numbers since January 8 to collect tokens. By the end of the day, the crowds grew so large that congestion occurred, leading to the tragic incident. The families of those who died are deeply grieving the loss.
09 January,2025 11:51 AM IST
A stampede near Vishnu Nivasam in Tirupati on January 8 resulted in at least six people being killed and several others injured. The incident occurred during the distribution of Vaikunta Dwara Sarva Darshan tokens for the 10-day Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam, which begins on January 10. Hundreds of devotees were trying to get tickets when the situation became chaotic. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep shock over the deaths and instructed senior officials to go to the scene. He also directed that relief measures be taken and proper medical treatment be provided to the injured. Naidu planned to visit the SVR Ruia Government General Hospital and SVIMS Hospital, where the injured were being treated, between noon and 3 pm. Witnesses at the scene described a massive crowd of people struggling to find space, while police tried to manage the situation. The stampede occurred at around 8 pm when Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) began distributing tokens at various centers, including Vishnu Nivasam, Srinivasam, and Padmavati Park. The crowd grew uncontrollable when the gates were opened to allow an unwell devotee to exit the queue. This led to a rush, causing overcrowding and triggering stampedes at two locations. The TTD had announced that 1.2 lakh tokens for Vaikunthadwara Darshan on January 10 would be distributed across nine centers with 94 counters. However, the sudden surge of people overwhelmed the distribution process, leading to the tragic incident. Watch video for more.
09 January,2025 11:41 AM IST
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam Board (TTD) has decided that non-Hindu employees will no longer be allowed to work at the Tirupati temple. The board has asked these employees, around 300 people, to retire voluntarily. This decision has sparked a political debate. BJP leader Madhavi Latha supported the move, stating that only Hindus should be employed in temples. This has led to various reactions, with some agreeing with the decision and others opposing it. The change is seen as a significant shift in how the temple operates, and it has raised questions about religious identity and employment policies in religious institutions.
20 November,2024 02:32 PM IST
AAP Convener Arvind Kejriwal, along with his wife Sunita Kejriwal, visited the famous Tirupati Temple in Andhra Pradesh on November 14. The temple is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites for Hindus and holds great historical and spiritual importance. It is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who is believed to reside there in the current age of Kali Yuga. The temple attracts millions of devotees every year due to its significance in Hindu mythology. During their visit, Kejriwal and his wife offered prayers and participated in the temple's rituals. The Tirupati Temple is known for its rich tradition, cultural heritage, and devotion that draws people from across India and beyond.
14 November,2024 11:15 AM IST
On October 4, the Supreme Court established an independent Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the Tirupati Laddoo Row, which erupted after Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu accused the YSRCP government of using substandard ingredients in the famous Tirupati Laddoos. The new SIT comprises two members from the CBI, two from the state police, and one from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. The Supreme Court emphasized its intent to prevent the situation from devolving into a political spectacle, stating it remains open to being approached during the investigation but will not serve as a platform for political disputes. The controversy intensified after a lab report revealed the presence of “animal fat” in the prasad, sparking heated exchanges among political leaders. Amid this turmoil, Andhra Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan has called for the creation of robust legislation to protect Sanatana Dharma, adding another layer to the ongoing debate.
04 October,2024 04:45 PM IST
Pawan Kalyan, Andhra Pradesh's deputy chief minister and Jana Sena chief, has publicly declared himself an "unapologetic Sanatani Hindu" during an event in Tirupati. He introduced the 'Varahi Declaration,' which calls for a Sanatan Dharma Parirakshana law and the establishment of a dedicated board at both national and state levels to protect Sanatana Dharma. Kalyan criticized the judiciary, alleging that it offers protection to those who insult Hinduism while remaining unresponsive to similar offenses against Islam. He referenced Tamil Nadu's deputy chief minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, who had previously likened Sanatan Dharma to a virus, emphasizing the need for stronger legal measures to safeguard Hindu beliefs. Kalyan's statements reflect a growing concern among some political leaders regarding the perceived injustices faced by Hinduism in the current socio-political landscape
04 October,2024 11:54 AM IST
The Tirupati Laddoo Row has sparked widespread outrage across India, drawing significant attention to the issue. The controversy intensified after a heated exchange on social media between actor Prakash Raj and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan. Pawan responded vehemently to Prakash’s criticisms, asserting, “Don’t make a mockery of our sentiments,” in defense of the sacred prasadam. This public dispute highlights the deep emotional ties many have to religious offerings. In a symbolic gesture, Pawan also performed a purification ritual at Kanaka Durga as part of his 11-day ‘Prayaschitta Diksha,’ aiming to reaffirm his commitment to the spiritual and cultural integrity of the prasadam. The exchanges between the two have captivated social media users and dominated news cycles, illustrating the potent intersection of faith, politics, and public sentiment in contemporary India.
25 September,2024 12:21 PM IST
In response to Tirupati Laddoo row, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) organized a Maha Shanti Homam to restore sanctity to the temple. TTD Executive Officer Shamala Rao, along with board officials and priests, participated in the rituals. To further uphold the temple's sanctity, an annual Pavitrotsavam will be conducted during Sravana Masam, aimed at seeking forgiveness for any errors by officials, priests, or devotees. Guided by Agama Shastra advisors, including Pedda Jiyangar, and upon the recommendation of Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu, the Homam will take place at three key locations: the Yagasala, Bangaru Bavi, and near the Garbhagudi. The culmination of the ritual will feature a ‘Panchagavya Prokshana’ ceremony, designed to purify significant areas of the temple, reinforcing the spiritual integrity of this revered site. This initiative reflects TTD’s commitment to maintaining the temple’s sanctity and addressing concerns from the community.
23 September,2024 01:18 PM ISTADVERTISEMENT
