In what is being described as one of the worst such tragedies witnessed by Kerala, hundreds have died and over 300 injured, some grievously, in a devastating fire that destroyed the 100-year-old the Puttingal Devi temple near Kollam on Sunday during an unauthorised display of fireworks. This is yet another tragedy that could have been avoided and has been caused only due to the rampant disregard for safety at places of worship in India. We look at some of the deadliest tragedies to have taken place at Indian temples and religious festivals, where huge crowds gather, in recent history.

The Chamunda Devi Stampede
A stampede in September 30, 2008, at the Chamunda Devi Temple in Jodhpur claimed over 224 people and injured more than 425 lives. The 15th-century temple located within the premises of Mehrangarh Fort at the top of a hill attracts thousands of devotees celebrating the Navaratri festival. A rumour about a bomb being planted in the temple caused panic among pilgrims triggering the deadly stampede. Many people were injured when they lost their footing on the slope approaching the temple.

The Sabarimala stampede

Devotees pray at the Sabarimala temple during the Maravilakku festival marking the final of a two-month pilgrimage to the Lord Ayyappa temple in Kerala. Pic/AFP