Temple Bans Outside Prasad Amid Tirupati Laddu Controversy

The Mankameshwar temple has banned outside 'prasad' offerings following the controversy over alleged adulteration in Tirupati laddus. The temple urges devotees to bring homemade 'prasad' or fruits. Mahant Devya Giri termed the distribution of adulterated 'prasad' in Tirupati as an unpardonable crime, calling for strict measures to ensure vegetarian offerings.

The Mankameshwar temple in Uttar Pradesh has prohibited devotees from offering 'prasad' bought from outside sources amidst the ongoing controversy regarding alleged adulteration in Tirupati laddus. Temple authorities are urging devotees to bring homemade 'prasad' or fruits instead.

On Monday, Mahant Devya Giri of the temple condemned the distribution of adulterated 'prasad' at the Tirupati temple as an 'unpardonable crime'. Giri emphasized the importance of maintaining the sanctity of temple offerings and ensured devotees that the new directive, although inconvenient, was crucial.

In the wake of the controversy, triggered by claims from Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu regarding the use of substandard ingredients and animal fat under the previous government, Giri insisted that only vegetarian 'prasad' should be offered in all Hindu temples. Naidu has appointed a Special Investigation Team to probe the allegations.

(With inputs from agencies.)