Tragic Stampede at Puri's Gundicha Temple: Three Dead, 50 Injured

A tragic incident unfolded at Puri's Gundicha Temple during the Rath Yatra, leading to three deaths and around 50 injuries. Despite the chaos, thousands of devotees gathered to pay homage to Lord Jagannath and participate in rituals. Enhanced security measures have been implemented to ensure the safety of attendees. The temple administration has made adjustments to rituals, including the postponement of certain ceremonies. As the festival continues, local authorities are working diligently to maintain order and restore faith among the community. Read on for more details about this unfolding situation.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 30, 2025, 12:05 IST

Devotees Gather Amidst Tragedy

In the aftermath of a tragic stampede near the Gundicha Temple in Puri, which resulted in three fatalities and left around 50 individuals injured, thousands of devotees flocked to pay their respects to Lord Balabhadra, Goddess Subhadra, and Lord Jagannath on Monday.

A senior police official reported that barriers have been erected in front of the Gundicha Temple following the incident on Sunday, and separate queues have been established within the temple's 'Adapa Mandap' to facilitate smooth darshan of the deities.

According to temple authorities, due to several scheduled rituals following the deities' entrance into the Gundicha Temple, the 'Pahuda' (closing of the temple doors for the deities' rest) was not conducted on Monday night.

Smooth Rituals Amid Security Measures

The morning ritual, Mangala Aarti, took place at 7:40 AM, with thousands of devotees participating without any issues.

It was noted that the offering of cooked prasad, prepared over a fire after approximately 20 days, will be made to the deities. The cooked food offered at the Gundicha Temple is referred to as 'Adapa Mandap Prasad.'

Police Vigilance and Community Assurance

Soumendra Priyadarshi, an Additional Director General (ADG) level officer of the Indian Police Service (IPS), stated, 'We are on high alert... With the blessings of the Lord, everything is proceeding smoothly. Devotees are entering the Gundicha Temple without any trouble.'

Priyadarshi has been assigned the responsibility of overseeing police arrangements during the Rath Yatra, a task given to him by Chief Minister Mohan Chandra Majhi following the stampede.

Temple Operations and Rituals

Devotees believe that visiting Lord Jagannath in the 'Adapa Mandap' cleanses them of their sins.

A statement from the Shri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) indicated that the temple doors will be closed from 9 PM until 2 AM for a ritual known as 'Bankalagi,' which involves decorating the face using natural colors. This ritual is also referred to as 'Shrimukh Singar Niti.'

Investigation and Administrative Changes

The stampede occurred around 4:20 AM on Sunday during the Rath Yatra festivities, as thousands gathered near the temple.

Majhi has apologized to the devotees of Lord Jagannath and has implemented significant administrative changes to restore public confidence and ensure the smooth conduct of the remaining rituals of the Rath Yatra.

Meanwhile, the newly appointed District Collector of Puri, Chanchal Rana, and Superintendent of Police, Pinak Mishra, have taken charge and are overseeing the arrangements for the Rath Yatra festival, which commenced on June 27 and will continue until July 8.