Lakhisarai Temple Stampede: 7 Killed, Over 12 Injured During Sawan Prayers

A stampede outside Ashok Dham Temple in Bihar’s Lakhisarai killed at least seven people and injured more than 12 on Monday.

Thousands had gathered for Sawan prayers and Jalabhishek when a fallen electric wire reportedly sparked panic.

As devotees rushed to escape, the crowd surged and caused the stampede.

Locals and fellow devotees immediately began rescue efforts, while police and administrative officials rushed to the site after receiving information about the incident.

Authorities launched rescue operations and arranged transportation for the injured to nearby hospitals.

Lakhisarai District Magistrate Shailendra Kumar said an unprecedented surge in the number of devotees, intensified by the arrival of two trains between 06:30 AM and 06:45 AM, led to a barricade collapsing outside the temple.

Officials reached the spot and began managing the crowd and overseeing rescue operations.

The Ashok Dham Temple, known as Shri Indradamaneshwar Mahadev Temple, houses a large Shivalinga and attracts thousands of devotees, particularly during Sawan.

The holy month holds special significance for devotees of Lord Shiva, who observe fasts, perform prayers and participate in religious rituals during the period.

Sawan, known as Shravan, generally falls during July and August and coincides with the monsoon season.

Devotees consider the month particularly auspicious for worshipping Lord Shiva and seeking blessings for prosperity and well-being.

The period carries wider cultural and religious significance, with festivals such as Raksha Bandhan and Janmashtami observed during Sawan.

Other festivals, including Ganesh Chaturthi, may fall during this period depending on the lunar calendar.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation at the temple and oversee crowd management measures following the tragic incident.

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