Thu Jan 09 06:36:24 UTC 2025: ## Tirupati Temple Stampede Kills Six During Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam
**Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh –** At least six pilgrims died and several others were injured in a stampede Wednesday evening near the Tirumala Srivari Vaikuntha Dwara ticketing counter in Tirupati. The incident occurred during the distribution of darshan tokens for the annual Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam, a highly significant religious event held on Vaikunta Ekadasi.
The stampede resulted from the overwhelming number of devotees gathered to secure tokens for entry through the Vaikunta Dwaram, a sacred gate in the Tirumala temple believed to lead to Lord Vishnu’s heavenly abode. Vaikunta Ekadasi, falling on January 10th this year, is considered one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is closely monitoring the situation and will visit Tirupati to offer condolences to the victims’ families. Authorities from the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) are investigating the incident. The Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam, traditionally a time of spiritual celebration, was marred by this tragic event highlighting the need for improved crowd management strategies during future religious festivals.
First Piper 