Haridwar Mansa Devi Temple Stampede: 6 Dead and 25 Injured During Sawan Rush

It was supposed to be a sacred morning of prayer and devotion. But for hundreds of devotees gathered at the Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar, the peaceful Sunday turned into a nightmare. The crowd had come with offerings and hopes during the auspicious Sawan month, but what followed was a horrifying stampede that left six people dead and over 25 severely injured.

The tragedy unfolded on the stairway route to the revered temple, located atop the Bilwa Parvat of the Shivalik Hills. Devotees began gathering early in the morning to seek the blessings of Goddess Mansa. However, the narrow path leading to the shrine quickly became overcrowded, and a wave of panic soon turned into chaos.

According to Bharat Details, the incident began when a sudden rumor spread among the crowd — someone allegedly screamed that there was an electric current running through a pole near the temple. “People started shouting and running. I was with my children. Suddenly, people ran over us,” said an eyewitness, still shaken by the memory. “Bodies were scattered everywhere,” he recalled with teary eyes.

While initial claims pointed towards electrocution, authorities later ruled out any electric fault. Haridwar District Magistrate Mayur Dixit confirmed, “Eyewitnesses mentioned a live wire, but we have found no sign of electrocution. It was a false alarm that caused a stampede.”

Panic Amid Devotion

Visuals captured from the scene show a packed stairway, with devotees pushing and pulling in every direction. Some are heard pleading for calm, while others try to pull injured people out of the crowd. Ambulances rushed to the scene, ferrying the injured to the hospital — five were later shifted to AIIMS for advanced treatment.

Injured devotees, still in shock, shared their harrowing experiences. One victim said, “There was no space to move. Everyone fell on each other. I couldn’t breathe.”

Another local priest associated with the Ganga Sabha, Ujjwal Pundit, added, “We heard screams around 9 am. The path to the temple is narrow and accessible only on foot. Within minutes, the situation spiraled out of control.”

Government Response and Rescue

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep sorrow. He posted on X (formerly Twitter), “The news of the stampede at Mansa Devi Temple is heartbreaking. All rescue operations are underway. I am personally monitoring the situation.”

Dhami also announced financial aid — Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for those injured. A magisterial inquiry has been ordered to investigate the incident.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi too extended his condolences: “Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to the stampede. May the injured recover soon. The local administration is actively helping those affected.”

Meanwhile, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams were dispatched immediately. SDRF Commandant Arpan Yaduvansi confirmed, “Three of our teams reached the site and began rescue work immediately.”

Helpline numbers have been released for those seeking information about loved ones: +91 94111 12973 and +91 95206 25934.

Why the Temple Was So Crowded

The stampede took place during Sawan, one of the holiest months in the Hindu calendar. Devotees from across the country visit temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Mansa. Mansa Devi Temple, a prominent Shakti Peeth, draws thousands daily, especially during Sawan.

The temple is situated about 3 km from Har Ki Pauri and is usually accessed by a steep 1.5 km trek or a ropeway. Given the massive turnout and a narrow path, crowd control became nearly impossible.

A pilgrim from Uttar Pradesh said, “After the stampede, the gates were shut, and we were asked to return. Around 20 people were visibly injured.”

Another concern raised was the design of the path — a boundary wall is said to have added to the congestion, further worsening the situation.

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The government has assured strict action based on the magisterial probe’s outcome. As Haridwar mourns this avoidable tragedy, questions are being raised about safety at religious places — especially during peak pilgrimage seasons.

Stay tuned to Bharat Details for updates on this incident and other national developments.