Archive · 3 Nov 2025
Andhra Temple Founder Blames Devotees for Deadly Stampede
A temple founder in India is saying it wasn't his fault that a big crowd caused a stampede, killing nine people.
He said too many people came to the temple for a special day, and it was impossible to control them.
However, people who were there said there weren't enough safety rules, like a single gate for people going in and out.
This caused a dangerous bottleneck when the crowd got too big.
The founder also admitted he didn't tell the police about the large gathering.
This incident highlights concerns about safety at crowded religious events.
Nine devotees, including a child, died and many others were injured in a stampede at Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Andhra Pradesh.
The stampede occurred during Ekadashi celebrations due to a large, unexpected turnout of devotees.
Temple founder Harimukund Panda blamed the devotees and the large crowd for the incident, denying management negligence.
Eyewitnesses, however, cited poor management, a lack of safety measures, and a single entry/exit gate as causes.
Temple authorities did not inform the police or local administration about the event.
- Who
- Harimukund Panda, founder and head priest of Venkateswara Swamy Temple, and devotees.
- What
- A stampede occurred during Ekadashi celebrations at a private temple, resulting in the deaths of nine people and injuries to many others.
- When
- Saturday, November 1
- Where
- Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Kasibugga, Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh.
- Why
- The founder blames the large, unexpected turnout of devotees, while eyewitnesses point to poor management and lack of safety measures.
Temple Founder's Stance
Eyewitnesses' Stance
Cause of Stampede
Temple Founder's Stance
Harimukund Panda attributes the stampede to an unexpectedly large turnout of devotees on Ekadashi, stating it was an uncontrollable situation and not due to management negligence.
Eyewitnesses' Stance
Eyewitnesses and survivors blame poor management and a lack of basic safety measures, highlighting a single narrow gate used for both entry and exit, which created a bottleneck.
Notification to Authorities
Temple Founder's Stance
Panda stated that the temple did not inform the police or local administration about the event, believing it was unnecessary for routine crowd management.
Eyewitnesses' Stance
The lack of police or official presence, due to not being informed, contributed to the uncontrolled situation and panic among devotees.
- Number of Deceased
- 9
- Number of Injured
- Many
- Temple Founder/Head Priest
- Harimukund Panda
- Event
- Ekadashi celebrations
- Temple Location
- Kasibugga, Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh
Sources
Five Ayyappa Devotees Injured In Van Mishap In AP
Srikakulam Temple Barricaded After Stampede
15 injured devotees discharged from hospital
MyVoice: Views of our readers 3rd November 2025