Amid a raging row over the alleged use of animal fat in the ‘laddoos’ given as prasad at the renowned Tirupati temple in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh, ‘Prasad Laddoos’ row erupted in the State too. Congress is up in arms over Shri Mahakaleshwar Prasad matter. Opposition party claimed that minister has first ‘tasted’ the prasad before it was being offered to God. In another incident at Salkanpur Vindhyavasni Beejasan Devi temple, devotees have been complaining that the laddoos are smelling and tasting different so a ban should be imposed on the supplier. At Shri Mahakaleshawar temple, during an inspection, Skill Development and Employment Minister Gautam Tatwal visited the temple and he took ingrediates of ‘prasad’ from the cook.

 

After tasting it, he gave him the left over that was mixed with the prasad. Congress took on X saying, temple kitchens have strict hygiene protocols. This act of minister is a blow to people’s faith. In Ujjain, Congress says it is a highly objectionable. Notably, at several places in State people, right wing organisation and opposition are raising the issue of prasad at various prominent temples of the State. Some organisations in the State even demanded that Hindu temples and places of worship should be handed over to society rather than be controlled by the governments. Notably, at famous Khajarana temple in Indore, Salkanpur temple near Bhopal, Shri Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain, Maa Sharda temple in Maihar and some others district collectors are heading the temple management committee. Some organisations’ stand came after Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Pawan Kalyan, called for the constitution of ‘Sanatana Dharma Rakshana Board’ to manage the affairs in temples, countrywide.

 

While at Salkanpur Vindhyavasni Beejasan Devi temple, trust Chairman Mahesh Upadhyay told media that devotees have been complaining that the laddoos are smelling and tasting different so a ban was sought. The trust managing a famous temple dedicated to Vindhyavasni Beejasan Devi has submitted a memorandum to the Collector of Sehore seeking a ban on the ‘laddoos’ being sold by a self-help group on the premises. “We want a ban on the sale of these laddoos on the temple premises,” Upadhyay said. On this, Sehore Collector Praveen Singh admitted that a memorandum has been received recently. A meeting was held between the trust and the self help group members.

 

The issue is almost settled. Temple is patronised by thousands of people, who climb more than 1,000 steps to reach there. A grand fair is held during Navratri. While in Indore, devotees have a sigh of relief as one doesn’t have to worry about the quality of laddoos as the Prasad here got BHOG (Blissful Hygienic Offering to God) certificate. A team of officials conducted inspection. ‘Eat right at place of worship’: BHOG (Blissful Hygienic offering to God ) encourage places of worship to adopt and maintain food safety and hygiene in preparation, serving and sale of prasad along with training of food handlers for basic food safety and hygiene. Certificate is being issued by the FSSAI.