Six people died and many were injured in a stampede at Vishnu Nivasam in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. The incident occurred during the token distribution for Vaikunta Dwara Sarva Darshan.

About Vaikunta Dwara Sarva Darshan

• Token Distribution: 120,000 tokens were to be issued for free ‘sarva darshan’ across 94 counters in Tirupati.
• Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam: A 10-day annual festival starting January 10, allowing special darshan of Lord Venkateswara through the northern entrance.
• Inadequate crowd management at key locations like Srinivasam led to the incident. 
  • Stampede triggered when a gate was opened to assist a distressed woman.

About Tirumala Venkateswara Temple

• Location: The Tirumala Venkateswara Temple is situated in Andhra Pradesh, positioned on Venkata Hill, which is one of the seven hills (Saptagiri) of the Tirumala Hills.
• Dedicated to: The temple is dedicated to Lord Sri Venkateswara, who is considered an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
• Tirupati Laddu: The renowned Tirupati Laddu, given as prasad at the temple, holds a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
• Historical Significance: The temple has a rich history, with significant contributions from South Indian dynasties, including the Pallavas, Cholas, and Vijayanagara rulers.
  • It was revived in the 12th century by Saint Ramanuja.

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Architecture of the Temple

• The temple is constructed in the Dravidian architectural style.
• Three entrances lead to the sanctum sanctorum, also known as “Ananda Nilayam,” which houses the main deity, Venkateswara, in a standing posture facing east.
• The temple is enclosed within a compound wall, and the front wall features an entrance gateway called a gopuram.
• The main temple tower, known as the vimana, has a stepped pyramid shape that rises geometrically.
• The crowning element at the top of the temple, known as the shikhara, is typically shaped like a small stupika or an octagonal cupola.
• The temple complex includes two circumambulation (parikrama) paths for devotees.
• A large temple tank or water reservoir is enclosed within the temple complex, adding to its spiritual and architectural significance.