Srikakulam Venkateswara Temple Stampede: The stampede at Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Andhra Pradesh reminded us of the accident that took place 20 years ago at Mandhardevi Temple in Maharashtra, in which 350 people died.
Maharashtra News: 10 people died in a stampede at Venkateswara Swamy temple in Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh. This accident happened when the devotees had gone to see Lord Venkatesh on the occasion of Ekadashi. This accident reminded us of India’s biggest accident. We are talking about the accident in Maharashtra where 350 people died due to a stampede. There was a pile of dead bodies in the temple premises.
This scene of 20 years ago still shocks us
Actually, this accident took place at Mandhardevi temple near Wai in Satara district. On the occasion of Shakambhari Purnima on 25 January 2025, a large number of devotees had gathered for the annual pilgrimage. Suddenly, due to the slippery stairs, there was a scuffle among the people and a stampede broke out. Within no time people started falling on each other and there was screaming. The situation was such that people were buried for several hours. Those whose lives were saved in this accident considered themselves very lucky. This accident shook the entire country. This accident is counted among the biggest accidents in history till date. Whoever saw this horrific scene still gets scared remembering this incident.
Where is this Mandhardevi temple
This temple is situated on a hill. Which is known as Mandhardevi. Every year a large number of people visit here in the month of January. This journey lasts for about 15 days. To reach the temple one has to climb hundreds of stairs built on the hill. There are shops of puja items on both sides of the stairs. Due to narrow road and heavy crowd, people face difficulty in commuting. It is believed that every wish of the devotee who comes here on this journey is fulfilled.