New Delhi: Heart-wrenching news has emerged from the famous Ashokdham Temple in Lakhisarai, Bihar, on the third Monday of the holy month of Sawan. A stampede broke out early in the morning during the ritual offering of water (Jalabhishek) to Lord Shiva, resulting in the immediate death of seven devotees. More than 12 Shiva devotees were injured; they have been rushed to the hospital, where the condition of some remains critical.
The death toll may rise. A fallen power line during the ritual is reported to be the cause of the stampede. An administrative team has arrived at the temple and is appealing to the devotees to maintain calm. Due to the third Monday of Sawan, crowds of devotees have gathered at Shiva temples since morning, with chants of “Har-Har Mahadev” echoing all around.
Stampede Caused by Fallen Power Line
Devotees had been flocking to the famous Ashokdham Temple in Lakhisarai since early morning on this third Monday of Sawan. A unique spirit of devotion to Lord Shankar was evident among the worshippers. A stampede suddenly erupted when a power line fell on the devotees who had gathered to perform the Jalabhishek of Lord Shiva.
Seven people lost their lives in this tragic incident. Eyewitnesses reported that a massive crowd had gathered within the temple premises at the time. Devotees were standing in queues for the ritual when the power line fell, causing panic and triggering the stampede.
Several women were crushed in the crowd and died on the spot. Upon receiving news of the incident, police, administrative officials, and medical teams rushed to the site. The injured were immediately taken to Lakhisarai Sadar Hospital, where the condition of some is reported to be serious. Relief and rescue operations are proceeding rapidly.
When Did the Incident Occur?
The stampede at Ashokdham Temple occurred at 6:45 AM. Upon learning of this tragic event, administrative officials rushed to the scene to assess the situation. Providing details about the incident, Lakhisarai District Magistrate (DM) Shailendra Kumar shared significant information. He stated that, given it was the third Monday of the holy month of Sawan, the administration had made arrangements to manage the crowd within the temple premises.
An administrative team had been present at the site since the early hours, as early as 3:30 AM, and all arrangements were well-organised; however, the arrival of two trains led to a massive influx of people reaching the temple complex, which was already crowded. Amidst this situation, a stampede broke out among the devotees.
He further explained that around 6:40–6:45 AM, the surging crowd caused the barricading on one side (towards the fields) to give way, resulting in people falling over one another. He stated that 10–15 individuals were immediately rushed to the hospital by ambulance, where a team of doctors is currently treating them.
