Daijiworld Media Network - Lakhisarai
Lakhisarai, Aug 17: At least seven devotees were killed and more than a dozen others injured in a stampede-like incident at the famous Ashok Dham Temple in Bihar’s Lakhisarai district on Monday morning, as thousands gathered for prayers on the third Monday of the holy month of Shravan.
The incident occurred early in the morning when a large crowd of devotees had gathered at the temple to offer water to Lord Shiva. Preliminary reports said an electric wire or pole fell near the route leading to the temple, triggering panic among the devotees. As people began rushing to safety, a stampede broke out amid the heavy crowd.
Some reports said the fallen power line led to rumours that the pole was carrying live current, causing devotees to panic and run. Several people fell to the ground and were subsequently crushed under the crowd. Most of those killed are reported to be women.
According to reports citing Lakhisarai District Magistrate Shailendra Kumar, the crowd had become particularly heavy after around 6 am, when bamboo barricading gave way. Devotees fell over one another, leading to the deadly crush. The district administration has been overseeing the rescue and medical response, while senior officials have been present at the site and hospital.
The injured were rushed to Lakhisarai Sadar Hospital for treatment, with some reported to be in serious condition. Police, administrative officials and medical teams reached the spot soon after the incident, while rescue operations were launched to pull people trapped in the crowd to safety.
The tragedy occurred on the third Monday of Shravan, a particularly significant day for devotees of Lord Shiva. Ashok Dham attracts large numbers of pilgrims during the Shravan month, with devotees arriving to perform jalabhishek and offer prayers. Bihar Tourism describes Ashok Dham as a prominent Lord Shiva temple in Lakhisarai that sees large gatherings during Shravan and Shivratri.
There were conflicting early reports about the death toll, with initial accounts putting the number at five or six. Later reports, including a report citing the Lakhisarai district administration, raised the toll to seven. The casualty figure may change as authorities continue to verify the situation.
The incident has brought renewed attention to crowd-management arrangements at major religious gatherings, particularly on peak pilgrimage days when large numbers of devotees converge at the same time.
Ashok Dham, also known as Indradamneshwar Mahadev Temple, is located in Lakhisarai district and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to the Bihar government’s tourism portal, the temple draws large crowds during Shravan and Shivratri.