Snake Bite Incident at Tirumala Triggers Brief Panic Among Devotees
A sudden incident at the sacred Tirumala temple complex caused a moment of alarm on Sunday when a devotee was reportedly bitten by a snake near the queue area. The devotee, identified as Mounika from Warangal, had arrived for the darshan of Lord Venkateswara Swamy and was preparing for the ₹300 special entry darshan when the event unfolded.
Immediate Response and Medical Care
Mounika experienced a sharp sensation near the Sri Venkateswara Museum, prompting her to scream for assistance. Local staff and fellow devotees quickly rushed to the scene, where they noticed a snake nearby and promptly killed it. She was initially shifted to Aswini Hospital in Tirumala for first aid and then referred to the Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences (SVIMS) in Tirupati for more advanced medical evaluation.
Doctors at SVIMS kept Mounika under close observation for an entire day to monitor her condition. After conducting a thorough examination, medical professionals confirmed that the snake involved was non-venomous. They found no clear signs of a poisonous bite, and she was subsequently discharged once declared out of danger.
Family Clarification and Public Reaction
Sharath Babu, Mounika's husband, provided clarification on the incident, stating that the snake was not poisonous and emphasizing that the doctors took all necessary precautionary measures to ensure her safety. "She is perfectly fine now," he said, expressing gratitude towards the medical staff for their prompt and efficient response.
As news of the snake bite spread, anxiety briefly mounted among devotees waiting in queues on Monday morning. Many expressed concern over safety in the temple premises, leading to heightened vigilance.
TTD's Official Statement and Safety Advisory
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) issued an official statement to address the situation, assuring the public that the devotee was safe and had returned to Warangal. In their communication, TTD highlighted the importance of safety protocols for pilgrims.
TTD advised all pilgrims to strictly use designated pathways and avoid venturing into forested or restricted areas. The authority cautioned that straying from authorized routes could pose risks from snakes or other wild animals, emphasizing the need for adherence to guidelines to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This incident serves as a reminder of the natural hazards present in forested regions like Tirumala and underscores the critical role of prompt medical response and public awareness in ensuring devotee safety.
