Global Hindu Heritage Foundation is shocked to hear about the death of six devotees and injuries to more than 40 devotees. It is painful and sad to learn that a stampede occurred at the Ticket counters where they were supposed to get Vaikunta Ekadasi tickets to have darshan of Balaji from the Northern door. This is an age-old tradition where devotees have darshan for two days. The previous administration changed it to have darshan for ten days. GHHF would like to see the proper investigation taking place to find out the cause of this stampede and see that the recommendations by the investigation are implemented to ensure that it will never happen again. TTD should make every effort to provide a safe, secure, and stress-free environment for the devotees who may be waiting for hours and days to have the darshan of Lord Venkateswara. We express our condolences to the bereaved families and wish a speedy recovery for the injured.
A stampede that broke out at the Tirupati temple premises in Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday evening killed six devotees, officials said. According to them, the incident occurred near Vishnu Niwasam at the Tirumala Srivari Vaikuntha Dwara ticketing counter during the distribution of 'darshan' tokens.
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu
He came to Tirupati on Thursday (January 9), inspected the area, questioned the officials, suspended two, and transferred three. He asked about their preparedness and demanded accountability, saying, “With the increasing rush of devotees, what were the TTD officials doing? When you take responsibility, fulfill it. Don’t take this lightly."
The chief minister specifically targeted the joint executive officer (JEO), Gautami, by questioning ticket distribution management and complaint handling. He asked, “Did you not realize that tickets should be issued based on the crowd of devotees? What actions did you take after receiving complaints from devotees?"
Naidu reprimanded the officer, asking, “Are you not aware of your responsibilities as a JEO?" He directed all officials to implement stricter measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has expressed deep shock over the devotees' deaths in the stampede. He also visited the incident spot in Tirupati.
The Chief Minister declared: "Whether the lapses are deliberate or unintentional, they are inexcusable. Those responsible will be held accountable. They must face the consequences of their actions. Ensuring accountability is non-negotiable, particularly when it concerns the safety and faith of devotees."

Pawan Kalyan visited Tirupati
Pawan Kalyan also came to Tirupati, talked to the officials, visited the families, and said the government would take full responsibility for this incident. The way Pawan Kalyan responded to the Tirupati incident is entirely responsible. The way he answered from a humane perspective, not just as a Deputy CM but as a leader admired by the people, is fantastic. It is commendable that he thinks not only from the government's perspective but also from the people's perspective and stands for righteousness and truth by breaking the mold as it is. Respect for you has increased, Sir Pawan Kalyan.
Compensation pledged
Andhra Pradesh Revenue Minister Anagani Satya Prasad says, "We cannot replace life with anything else, but we will support the families. We have announced Rs 25 lakhs.
How did this happen?
Navee Kumar Reddy is a devotee of Balaji who is actively bringing out the issues and makes regular suggestions to improve the facilities for the visiting devotees. His relentless effort to raise the issues is remarkable.
Based on his firsthand experience and his interview on ABN news, he says the "lack of coordination" between the TTD Board of Trustees, TTD senior officials, and various government departments has become a "curse" for Srivari devotees!
Although they have been making daily announcements that Srivari devotees should exercise restraint and that all necessary arrangements have been made, they did not make advance plans in coordination with all departments to prevent stampedes and fights. The devotees suddenly rushed into the queue, resulting in a stampede and the loss of devotees' lives, he said, adding that it was unfortunate!
The number of devotees from far-off places to the Vaikuntha Dwara token issuance centers from two o'clock on Wednesday afternoon has increased significantly every hour. However, if the TTD police officials had sent the devotees back through a mic announcement to come to the token issuance centers at the time announced by TTD, such a tragedy would not have happened! More police, more counters, and more training are essential to prevent these kinds of accidents. Let us pray that this kind of horrific tragedy will never be registered in history.
Om Namo Venkateshaya.