Daijiworld Media Network- New Delhi

New Delhi, Jun 30: A controversy erupted at the Srisailam Devasthanam temple in Andhra Pradesh on Sunday after a devotee alleged that he found a cockroach in the revered laddoo prasadam. The claim, which went viral through a video shared by the devotee, Saraschandra K, has sparked concerns among pilgrims while temple authorities have firmly denied the accusation.

In the video posted by Saraschandra, a dead insect, allegedly a cockroach, is seen embedded in the middle of the laddoo. He further lodged an official complaint with the temple's executive officer, accusing the staff of negligence in prasadam preparation.

“On June 29, I visited the Srisailam Devasthanam and in the laddoo 'prasadam' I found an insect which is a cockroach. The Devasthanam staff is negligent while making prasadams. Kindly take a note and sort out the issue,” read his letter of complaint.

However, the temple administration has refuted the allegations. Srinivasa Rao, Executive Officer of Srisailam Devasthanam, maintained that strict hygiene protocols are followed during the preparation of prasadams.

“Our laddoos are prepared with utmost cleanliness under the constant supervision of trained staff. There is no possibility of a cockroach being present in the prasadam,” Rao asserted, dismissing the claim as baseless.

He also urged devotees not to panic or lose trust in the sanctity of the temple offerings. “The devotees' faith in the prasadam is paramount. We appeal to all not to believe such isolated and unverified claims,” Rao added.

The incident has triggered debate on social media, with some calling for a thorough inspection while others have stood by the temple administration’s statement. As of now, no further action has been announced, but the temple officials have assured vigilance in the preparation and distribution of prasadam.