Lucknow Temple Bans Market-Bought Prasad Amid Tirupati Ghee Controversy

Amid concerns over ghee adulteration in Tirupati laddoos, Mankameshwar temple in Lucknow bans market-bought prasad, urging devotees to bring homemade prasad or fruits to maintain purity. The initiative begins Monday, supported by worshippers and followed by a memorandum to the District Magistrate.

Concerns over adulterated ghee in Tirupati temple laddoos have led the Mankameshwar temple in Lucknow to ban prasad procured from the market. Devotees are now urged to bring homemade offerings or fruits to maintain the temple's purity, with the new rule coming into effect from Monday morning.

'We have taken this decision in view of the Tirupati prasadam row. We have banned the prasad purchased from the market in the 'Garbh Griha'. We have requested the devotees to bring homemade prasad,' stated Mahant Divya Giri, who emphasized the need for sanctity in offerings. The move comes in the wake of a political controversy sparked by allegations from Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.

A delegation of saints plans to present a memorandum to the District Magistrate in support of the temple's decision. Devotees at the temple have expressed their backing for this initiative. Meanwhile, former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has countered the allegations, accusing the ruling Telugu Desam Party of politicizing religious matters.

(With inputs from agencies.)