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The Kasibugga Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Andhra Pradesh’s Srikakulam district is among South India’s most revered shrines, drawing thousands of devotees on every Ekadashi. This year’s pilgrimage, however, took a tragic turn on Saturday when a massive rush of worshippers led to a stampede, leaving at least nine people dead and injuring fifteen. Worshippers believe that offering prayers to Lord Venkateswara with a sincere heart at the holy temple brings happiness, prosperity, and peace. Dating back approximately 600 years, the Kasibugga Venkateswara Swamy Temple was constructed during the Vijayanagara Empire. Local lore recounts that Lord Vishnu himself appeared in this divine form at the temple’s location. The temple walls still bear beautiful inscriptions and carvings from that era, underscoring its rich history. Why Is It Known As The ‘Tirupati Of The East’? The temple follows similar worship practices and traditions as the famed Tirupati Balaji Temple. Hence, devotees often equate a visit to Kasibugga Venkateswara with visiting Tirupati Balaji. In addition to Lord Venkateswara, the temple also venerates Goddess Padmavati and other forms of Lord Vishnu. A Blend Of Architectural Brilliance And Artistic Mastery Architecturally, the temple is a marvel built in the ancient Dravidian style, featuring intricate stone carvings and towering gopurams (main gates). The sanctum sanctorum enshrines a grand and serene black stone idol of Lord Venkateswara. Surrounding pavilions and pillars are adorned with beautiful statues of deities. Why It Holds Religious Significance The Kasibugga Venkateswara Temple holds particular significance during festivals such as Ekadashi, Brahmotsavam, and Vaikuntha Ekadashi, attracting large crowds of devotees. It is believed that worshipping Lord Venkateswara on Ekadashi absolves sins and grants salvation. Devotees often take a holy dip in the nearby Nagavali River before offering prayers, a practice considered highly auspicious. The Nagavali River Beside The Temple The Nagavali River itself holds sacred status, with local myths suggesting that bathing in its waters followed by temple worship brings good fortune and positive energy. Folklore also mentions that Lord Vishnu appeared to devotees at this site. Festivals All Year Round Throughout the year, numerous religious festivals are celebrated at the temple, with Brahmotsavam and Ekadashi being particularly special. During these periods, the temple is adorned with lights, resonant with devotional music, and witnesses special aartis and prasad distribution, drawing devotees from far and wide. A Symbol Of Devotion The Kasibugga Venkateswara Swamy Temple is not just a site of worship but a symbol of faith, history, and culture. It demonstrates how centuries-old traditions remain central to people’s beliefs. Every devotee finds not only spiritual peace but also a connection to South India’s rich cultural heritage. The temple is a significant identity of Srikakulam, embodying the timeless fusion of faith and history. Here’s What Happened On Saturday A sudden surge of devotees led to a chaotic stampede at the temple. Videos accessed by CNN-News18 showed a cramped staircase overflowing with worshippers, with cries for help echoing as people were squeezed in the narrow space. Several elderly devotees, still holding flower baskets, were seen pleading for assistance. State government sources said the shrine is privately run and not overseen by the Endowments Department. Organisers had reportedly not obtained official permissions for the gathering, and the area where pilgrims had assembled was still under construction. The situation was made worse by a single route being used for both entry and exit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed their sorrow over the incident. The Prime Minister announced financial relief for the victims, while the Chief Minister extended condolences and directed officials to provide proper medical care to the injured. The Andhra Pradesh Governor’s Office expressed deep sorrow over the incident, calling it a heartbreaking moment for the state and the temple’s devotees.
