NALANDA, March 31 -- At least eight devotees, mostly women, were killed and eight injured in a stampede triggered by overcrowding at the Sheetla Mata Temple in Bihar's Nalanda on Tuesday, officials said.

Seven people were injured in the melee and they are reported to be stable and under treatment.

The Bihar government announced an ex gratia of Rs.6 lakh for the victims' families. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also announced Rs.2 lakh compensation for the families of the deceased and Rs.50,000 for the injured from the PM Relief Fund.

Police said a large number of devotees had gathered at the temple to offer prayers, as the last Tuesday of Chaitra month traditionally draws heavy crowds. The rush somehow led to a stampede, resulting in dea...