Fire Breaks Out At Tirupati Laddu Counter; Major Tragedy Averted

A minor fire at the Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh, was quickly extinguished on Monday, averting what could have been a major tragedy, Deccan Chronicle reported.

The fire broke out at the temple's 47th laddu counter due to a short circuit, but swift action by the temple staff ensured the blaze was contained before it could spread. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

The incident occurred during a peak time for devotees visiting the temple, with thousands gathering for the 10-day Vaikuntha Dwara Darshanam, which began on January 11. The Sri Venkateswara Temple, dedicated to Lord Venkateswara (a form of Vishnu), is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in India.

This fire comes just days after a tragic stampede at the temple on January 8. The chaos unfolded when a woman devotee, identified as Mallika, fell ill while waiting in a long queue for special darshan tokens at the Bairagi Pattida Park counter. Temple staff opened a gate to rush her to the hospital, but this led to a surge of devotees rushing forward, overwhelming the staff on duty. The resulting stampede claimed six lives and injured several others.

The twin incidents have raised concerns about safety measures at the temple, especially during peak seasons when the crowd swells to tens of thousands. Authorities are being urged to strengthen crowd management and safety protocols to prevent such mishaps in the future.

The Sri Venkateswara Temple continues to be a beacon of faith, drawing millions of devotees annually. However, recent events have underscored the need for enhanced vigilance to ensure the safety of both pilgrims and temple staff.