In a tragic incident at the revered Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Simhachalam, Visakhapatnam, at least seven devotees lost their lives and four others sustained injuries after a wall collapsed early Wednesday morning. The incident occurred around 2:30 am during the temple’s annual Chandanotsavam festival, one of the most significant religious events in the region.
According to officials, the wall—situated next to a shopping complex and adjacent to the special darshan queue line—gave way while hundreds of devotees were waiting to witness the rare Nijaroopa Darshanam of the deity, where the idol is revealed without its usual sandalwood paste covering.
Rescue Efforts and Official Response
Following the collapse, rescue teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), along with local authorities, rushed to the scene and began emergency operations. One more person, initially feared dead, was rescued alive and is currently battling for life in a hospital.
Andhra Pradesh Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha, who promptly arrived at the site, said preliminary findings suggest the wall collapsed due to soil loosening caused by heavy rainfall the previous night. The pressure from the crowd further contributed to the incident.
“They were standing in line for ₹300 special darshan tickets when the wall—soaked from rain—suddenly gave way,” she explained.
District Collector Harendhira Prasad and Commissioner of Police Shankha Brata Bagchi also reached the site to supervise the rescue and relief measures. The deceased reportedly include three women, and all victims were transported to King George Hospital in Visakhapatnam.
Government Action and Condolences
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep grief over the tragedy and announced an ex gratia of ₹25 lakh to the families of the deceased and ₹3 lakh to those injured. He also appointed a three-member committee to investigate the causes of the collapse and recommend safety measures.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed his condolences on X (formerly Twitter), stating: “Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to the collapse of a wall in Visakhapatnam. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon.” He announced an ex gratia of ₹2 lakh each from the PMNRF for the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured.
Chandanotsavam Festival Continues Amid Mourning
Despite the tragedy, the temple’s religious proceedings continued earlier in the night. The deity was ceremoniously awakened at 1:00 am with Suprabhata Seva, after which priests removed the sandalwood paste from the idol using silver scrapers to allow devotees a glimpse of the Nijaroopa Darshanam.
Prominent temple trustee Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju and his family were given the first darshan. Later, Revenue Minister Anagani Satya Prasad offered traditional silk garments to the deity on behalf of the state government.
Sources By Agencies
