Mankameshwar Temple Bans Outside Prasad Amid Tirupati Laddu Controversy

In a significant move following the ongoing controversy surrounding the "adulteration" of Tirupati laddus, the Mankameshwar temple has implemented a ban on offerings of 'prasad' purchased from outside the temple. Devotees are now permitted to offer only homemade 'prasad' or fruits.

Mahant Devya Giri of the Mankameshwar temple emphasized the importance of maintaining the sanctity of the temple in light of recent allegations. She stated, “In view of the adulterated prasad being offered in the Tirupati temple in Andhra Pradesh, we have requested devotees to ensure that the prasad they offer does not contain any non-vegetarian ingredients.”

Giri acknowledged that the new directive may pose challenges for devotees but insisted that these difficulties pale in comparison to the temple's sanctity. “We never thought that non-vegetarian food would be served as prasad in a temple. This is a very big incident. There can be no bigger blow to Sanatan dharma. So, the administrators of all Hindu temples will have to make joint efforts to provide vegetarian prasad,” she added.

The controversy erupted after Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu alleged that substandard ingredients and animal fat were used in the production of Tirupati laddus during the previous YS Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government. In response, the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) accused Naidu of making “heinous allegations” for political gain.

In light of these claims, Naidu announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team to investigate the allegations of adulteration. Giri condemned the use of adulterated prasad, declaring it an "unpardonable crime" and demanded severe punishment for those responsible: “The people responsible for this should not be given any punishment less than death.”

As the investigation unfolds, the Mankameshwar temple’s ban serves as a stark reminder of the importance of purity in religious offerings and the need for accountability within temple administrations.

(With Agency Inputs)