The Vaikunta Dwaram, which remains closed throughout the year, is only open on the auspicious occasion of Vaikunta Ekadashi. Devotees consider this an auspicious occasion to get rid of their sins and seek spiritual blessings.

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Chairman BR Naidu said the DSP opened the gates and the devotees rushed, leading to the stampede. Lakhs of devotees show up from across the country for the 10-day Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam, which will commence from January 10.

At least six pilgrims, including five women, have been killed in a stampede in the southern Indian temple town of Tirupati. The devotees were waiting in queues to collect tokens from over 90 counters to offer prayers to Lord Venkateshwara Swamy on Wednesday when the incident took place,

A surge of devotees at the Lord Venkateswara temple caused chaos during token distribution for Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam, leaving six dead and many injured.

Authorities of one of India’s richest temples have apologised after at least six pilgrims were killed in a stampede in the southern temple town of Tirupati. The devotees were waiting in queues to collect tokens from over 90 counters to offer prayers to Lord Venkateshwara Swamy on Wednesday when the incident took place,

At least six people were crushed to death and more than 30 injured when large crowds gathered to get tickets for a festival in India’s Tirupati temple, one of the richest in the world. The incident occurred late on Wednesday when hundreds of devotees jostled for tickets for the 10-day Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam starting January 10 at the Venkateshwara Temple,