This is second major incident at the shrine after a ropeway car accident in 2003 killed seven persons and injured 24.

The stampede took place around 6.30 am at the most congested and steepest point of the stairway just 1.5 km away from main shrine of Goddess Kali.

Witnesses said the crowds climbing the stairs started obstructing and pushing devotees coming down and in the melee several people fell and were trampled to death.

Witnesses said the stairway was so overcrowded that people kept walking over victims for around 30 minutes without realising that there were bodies below their feet.

Chief Minister Narendra Modi has ordered a judicial inquiry into the incident. After meeting relatives of the stampede victims, Modi

declared a compensation of Rs 1 lakh to family of each victim.

Modi said his Government has already asked the Centre for permission to broaden the stairway, but was awaiting a nod from the Forest Department and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

The chief minister also visited the injured at the hospital in Halol.

Hospital Superintendent Dr R M Jitia said all 11 bodies have been handed over to their relatives.

While two people have been discharged after first aid, two other injured have been admitted at SSG hospital of Vadodara, Jitia added.

Ashok Joshi of the Shri Kali Yuvak Mandal said their volunteers made stretchers from sacks and came down to the point were transportation was available.