The religious congregation at the Sangam area of the Maha Kumbh turned into a nightmare for many early Wednesday as multiple casualties reportedly took place when crores of pilgrims jostled for space to take a holy dip on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya.

However, this tragic event is not unique, as stampedes resulting in numerous casualties have occurred at temples and other religious events in India over the years.

Some of the largest casualties caused by stampedes at religious congregations over the recent years include the deadly stampede that occurred last year on July 2 during a 'satsang' by self-styled godman, Bhole Baba, in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, which claimed 121 lives, most of whom were women.

Similarly, more than 340 devotees were killed at Maharashtra's Mandhardevi temple in 2005 and at least 250 were killed at Rajasthan's Chamunda Devi temple in 2008. Another stampede at a religious gathering at Naina Devi temple in Himachal Pradesh caused the loss of lives of 162 people in 2008.

Here is a list of some of such major tragedies that have taken place in the country in recent years: