Eight injured in stampede at Tirupati temple

Eight devotees have been injured in a stampede at the famous hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala, following heavy rush of pilgrims today on the occasion Vaikunta Ekadasi'.

The stampede occurred outside the temple, where a devotees were waiting for their turn in queues.

Injured were admitted to a hospital and later discharged, temple sources told PTI.

They said devotees from different parts of the country thronged the temple on the occasion.

After worshiping the presiding deity, they passed through the traditionally bedecked celestial Vaikunda Dwarams (gates to heaven), which was thrown open from the wee hours.

The Vaikunta Dwarams, encircling the sanctum sanctorum, was opened only once a year on the occasion of Vaikunta Ekadasi, the sources said.

About two lakh devotees were expected to have worshiped the main deity today, the sources said.