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The revered Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai has been thrust into a controversy after a video surfaced online purportedly showing mice crawling on torn packets of prasad, the sacred offerings distributed to devotees. The video has sparked widespread outrage and concerns regarding hygiene practices and safety standards at the temple.
However, the temple trust, the Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Temple Trust (SSGT), has vehemently denied the allegations, claiming that the video was not filmed within the temple premises and might be an attempt to defame the institution. The trust maintains that the laddus, the sweet offerings, are prepared in a clean and hygienic environment, and that the video shows a dirty place that is not part of the temple.
In response to the controversy, the SSGT has initiated a formal investigation into the matter, deploying a dedicated team to review CCTV footage and analyze the video's authenticity. An officer of the Deputy Commissioner of Police rank has been appointed to oversee the inquiry. The temple trust has also reiterated its commitment to strict hygiene standards, emphasizing that the laddus are prepared in accordance with Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) norms.
The Siddhivinayak Temple controversy comes amidst a similar row surrounding the quality of prasad laddus at the Sri Venkateshwara Temple in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. This incident underscores the growing concerns about the quality and hygiene of religious offerings, particularly in prominent temples that attract large numbers of devotees. The controversies highlight the need for greater transparency, accountability, and rigorous hygiene protocols in the preparation and distribution of prasad at religious institutions.
The Mankameshwar Temple in Lucknow has taken proactive measures to ensure the purity of its prasad offerings, banning store-bought prasad and encouraging devotees to bring homemade offerings. This approach aims to maintain the sanctity and purity of the temple environment. The Mankameshwar Temple's decision reflects a growing awareness of the importance of hygiene and safety in religious practices, a trend likely to influence other temples and religious institutions across the country.
Source: Now mice on prasad packets of Mumbai's Siddhivinayak temple? What's the latest row?