Tirupati Board condoles the deaths of the victims due to stampede and is providing free education to the children of the victims

Last update:January 10, 2025, 10:31 PM EST

Hundreds of devotees from across the country arrived for the 10-day Vaikunta Dwara Darsanam, which began on January 10.

Six people died in a stampede in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. (Photo: X)

The board of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Foundation on Friday expressed condolences over the recent stampede and decided to provide free education to the children of deceased victims in its institutions.

It has also decided to offer ‘contractual’ jobs to the relatives of six deceased devotees, as decided by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.

Six devotees were killed and nearly 40 others injured in a stampede at Bairagi Patteda near MGM School and Vishnu Nivasam stands in Tirupati on January 8 as hundreds of them jostled for Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam tickets at the Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple in Tirumala hills.

Hundreds of devotees from across the country arrived for the 10-day Vaikunta Dwara Darsanam, which began on January 10.

“It (the panic) was a very unfortunate event. This event should not have happened. Such a large incident occurred due to the error of one or two people. The management expressed its heartfelt condolences in connection with this matter. I request all persons to follow this,” TTD chairman BR Naidu said at the special board meeting.

“We all pray for the peace of the holy souls of those who died in this unfortunate accident,” he said.

He noted that stringent action would be taken against those responsible for the disaster once a judicial inquiry ordered by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu uncovers the truth.

Apart from granting ex-gratia of Rs 25 lakh to each relative of the deceased’s families and financial assistance of Rs 2 to 5 lakh to injured pilgrims, the chairman said the board has decided to provide free education to children of deceased victims in TTD institutions.

According to BR Naidu, compensation checks are ready. They will be handed over on December 11 or on Sunday by board members and local clergy to wounded devotees and relatives of deceased pilgrims.

Apart from gratuity and financial assistance to TTD, board members V Prashanthi Reddy and Suchitra Ella announced to give Rs 10 lakh each and MS Raju Rs 3 lakh as personal financial assistance to family members of deceased devotees, the chairman said.

The board also decided to offer ‘contractual’ jobs to the relatives of the six deceased devotees, in line with the CM’s decision.

Additionally, the chairman of the temple body noted that the board had decided to ensure that a disaster like the stampede would not be repeated and stressed that no action could undo the loss suffered by the victims.

Earlier on Friday, temple authorities organized a special darshan for devotees injured in the recent stampede.

As promised by the chief minister, TTD organized Vaikunta Dwara Darsanam on Mukkoti Ekadasi, an auspicious occasion that is believed to guarantee entry into heaven.

“As per the instructions of CM, N. Chandrababu Naidu, TTD authorities organized a special darshan for those injured in the Tirupati stampede on Friday,” a TTD press release said.

Later, the district authorities arranged special vehicles to take the devotees back to their hometowns.

Tirupati District Collector S Venkateswar said 32 injured devotees have been discharged from Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences (SVIMS).

He added that five more devotees, whose condition is stable, could be released on the same day.

Meanwhile, devotees observed Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam on the occasion of the auspicious festival of Mukkoti Ekadashi.

“The dwara darshanam began early in the morning the next day after the abhishekam. The officials started the darshan half an hour earlier, much to the delight of the devotees. The entire Tirumala echoed with the divine chants of ‘Govinda…Govinda’ and religious ecstasy could be felt at all times, the presence of devotees could be felt,” the release said.

According to the temple authorities, priority was given to ordinary devotees, restricting VIP visits.

A TTD official noted that up to 4,000 devotees had darshan per hour on Friday, while BR Naidu said that 40,000 people visited the deity today.

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a news agency feed – PTI)

Location:

Tirupati, India