A serious controversy has erupted at the sacred Srisailam temple following a police lathi-charge on Shiva devotees, triggering widespread anger among pilgrims and religious groups. The incident occurred amid allegations of gross mismanagement by temple authorities, resulting in chaos within the queue lines and an emotionally charged confrontation.
Hours of Waiting Turn Into Chaos
According to devotees present at the scene, thousands of pilgrims had been standing in queue lines since early morning, waiting patiently for darshan. However, temple staff reportedly delayed opening gates for extended periods, leaving devotees stranded for hours without clear communication or crowd regulation.
As frustration mounted, devotees—many of them Shiva Swamulus observing religious austerities—surged forward seeking darshan. What followed was a sudden police intervention that escalated the situation instead of calming it.
Police Lathi-Charge Sparks Outrage
Eyewitnesses allege that police resorted to lathi-charging devotees, including those wearing sacred malas and observing strict religious vows. Videos circulating on social media show chaotic scenes inside the temple premises, with devotees crying out in pain and panic as police attempted to regain control.
శ్రీశైలంలో శివ స్వాముల పై పోలీసుల దాడి
— Telugu Scribe (@TeluguScribe) February 9, 2026
ఆలయ సిబ్బంది నిర్వహణ లోపంతో శ్రీశైలంలో గందరగోళం
ఉదయం నుంచి పడిగాపులు కాస్తున్న భక్తులను గంటల కొద్ది క్యూలో నిలిపివేసిన సిబ్బంది
సిబ్బంది నిర్వహణ లోపంతో ఒక్కసారిగా దర్శనం కోసం ఎగబడ్డ భక్తులు
దీంతో భక్తులు, శివస్వాములపై లాఠీలతో… pic.twitter.com/u9IywRWsPO
Allegations of VIP Preference
Devotees alleged that while ordinary pilgrims were made to wait endlessly, temple officials focused on facilitating VIP darshans, including ministers and political leaders. Several devotees questioned whether religious sanctity was being compromised to accommodate protocol and privilege.
“Is this what temple purification means?” one devotee asked angrily, adding that the treatment meted out to Shiva Swamulus was deeply disrespectful and hurt religious sentiments.
Devotees’ Emotional Appeals
Scenes of distress unfolded inside the queue lines, with devotees pleading for gates to be opened so they could leave after hours of waiting. Many described the experience as humiliating and painful, stating that police force against devotees observing religious vows was unacceptable under any circumstances.
Chants of protest echoed through the temple complex, as devotees demanded accountability from temple administrators and questioned the absence of senior officials during the crisis.
Administrative Failure Under Scrutiny
Religious observers and activists have squarely blamed temple management for the incident, arguing that proper crowd planning, staggered darshan slots, and transparent communication could have prevented the chaos.
They stressed that policing should be a last resort, not a response to administrative negligence. Calls are growing for an independent inquiry into the incident and immediate reforms in crowd management protocols.
Demand for Accountability
The incident has reignited debate over temple governance, crowd safety, and the balance between security and devotion. Many devotees have demanded disciplinary action against those responsible for the mismanagement and a public apology to the affected Shiva Swamulus.
As outrage continues to spread, the Srisailam incident stands as a stark reminder that sacred spaces demand sensitivity, planning, and respect—especially toward devotees who arrive with faith, patience, and devotion.
