Context:
A stampede during token distribution for Vaikunta Dwara Sarva Darshan at Vishnu Nivasam in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, resulted in six deaths and many injuries.
Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam is a 10-day annual festival beginning on January 10, offering special darshan of Lord Venkateswara through the northern entrance.
About Tirumala Venkateswara Temple:
- Location: Andhra Pradesh on Venkata Hill, one of the seven hills (Saptagiri) of the Tirumala Hills.
- Dedicated to: Lord Sri Venkateswara, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
- Tirupati Laddu: Given as prasad, holds a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
- Historical Significance:
- Rich history with contributions from South Indian dynasties: Pallavas, Cholas, and Vijayanagara rulers.
- Revived in the 12th century by Saint Ramanuja.
Architecture of the Temple:
- Constructed in the Dravidian architectural style.
- Three entrances lead to the sanctum sanctorum, known as “Ananda Nilayam,” housing Venkateswara in a standing posture facing east.
- Enclosed within a compound wall with an entrance gateway called a gopuram.
- The main temple tower, known as the vimana, has a stepped pyramid shape.
- The shikhara at the top of the temple is typically shaped like a small stupika or an octagonal cupola.
- The temple complex includes two circumambulation (parikrama) paths for devotees.
- A large temple tank or water reservoir is enclosed within the temple complex, adding to its spiritual and architectural significance.
Stampede and Crowd Management:
- Stampede:
- Defined as an “impulsive mass movement of a crowd often resulting in injuries and deaths” due to Traumatic asphyxia (cessation of respiration) or other injuries.
- Crowd Management:
- National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Guidelines:
- Capacity Planning: Infrastructure development.
- Understanding Crowd Behaviour: Restrict or limit group behaviour.
- Crowd Control: Restrict or limit group behaviour.
- Risk Assessment & Mitigation: Identify and address potential hazards.
- Information Management: Clear communication with visitors and stakeholders.
- Safety & Security: CCTV surveillance and emergency exits.
- Medical Services: Equipped facilities and trained personnel.
- Traffic Management: Efficient transportation and clear route marking.
- National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Guidelines:
- Best Practices in Crowd Management:
- Japan and Singapore: Use advanced technology like AI-powered crowd monitoring systems, real-time data analysis, mobile applications.
- Saudi Arabia – Hajj Pilgrimage Management: Combines crowd flow modeling and designated time slots for rituals.
Source: LM
Previous Year Question
The Nagara, the Dravida and the Vesara are the:
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2012 Prelims]
(a) three main racial groups of the Indian subcontinent
(b) three main linguistic divisions into which the languages of Indian can be classified
(c) three main styles of Indian temple architecture
(d) three main musical Gharanas prevalent in India
Answer: (c)