Photo: X.com
Starting Sunday, Siddhivinayak Temple in Prabhadevi, Mumbai, has imposed a ban on coconuts and prasad due to safety concerns. As the most frequented Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesh, the temple emphasized that coconuts pose a security threat, as they could be used to hide explosives.
Sada Sarvankar, the chairman of the temple trust and former MLA, explained that the decision followed advice from the police and the Maharashtra government. “Coconuts are a nightmare in terms of security. Checking each one is time-consuming, and sweets could be laced with poison, risking the safety of pilgrims,” he said. Sarvankar also mentioned that vendors near the temple have been instructed to cease purchasing fresh supplies, with just two days to sell off existing stock.
While there is no specific terror threat, the temple’s decision to enforce these security measures is purely precautionary. During this period, worshippers will be allowed to offer smaller bundles of dhruva grass and flowers instead of coconuts, and heavy garlands will also be prohibited. A formal notice regarding the ban will be shared with visitors shortly.
The temple had enacted a similar precautionary measure back in June 2007. It has frequently appeared on terror hit lists, and after the 2006 bombings in Mumbai’s suburban rail network, a crash wall was constructed around the temple to prevent the possibility of a bomb-laden vehicle from entering the premises.
In other temple activities, special prayers were organized to thank Lord Ganesha for ‘Operation Sindoor’, a successful military strike by India on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan. Acharya Pawan Tripathi, the treasurer of the temple trust, led the prayers as the altar was adorned with the Indian tricolour.
