On July 27, 2025, a devastating stampede at the Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, claimed the lives of six devotees and left several others injured. The incident occurred early Sunday morning when a large crowd gathered at the revered temple, situated atop the Shivalik Hills, leading to chaos near the staircase pathway.
Details of Mansa Devi Temple Stampede
The Mansa Devi Temple, a significant pilgrimage site dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi, attracts thousands of devotees daily, especially during auspicious periods. Reports indicate that the overwhelming number of visitors, combined with narrow access routes, contributed to the tragic event. Local authorities, including police and administrative teams, swiftly responded, launching rescue operations and transporting the injured to nearby hospitals, such as the GD Hospital in Haridwar. Garhwal Division Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey confirmed the casualties and noted that a detailed investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the stampede.
Eyewitnesses described a scene of panic as devotees surged forward, possibly triggered by the dense crowd and limited space near the temple’s staircase. Social media posts on X highlighted the urgency of the situation, with visuals showing ambulances rushing the injured to medical facilities. The incident has sparked concerns about crowd management at religious sites, especially given Haridwar’s history of similar tragedies, such as a 2011 stampede that killed 20 people near the Ganga riverbank.
The Uttarakhand administration is under scrutiny, with calls for improved safety measures at popular pilgrimage destinations. Devotees and locals are urging authorities to implement better crowd control strategies, such as wider pathways and real-time monitoring, to prevent future incidents. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on supporting the affected families and ensuring the safety of pilgrims visiting this sacred site.
Southasiandesk.com extends its condolences to the families of the deceased and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured. Authorities have promised a thorough review to address safety lapses and protect devotees in the future.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, July 27th, 2025
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