Cockroach Found In Srisailam Temple Laddoo? Devotee's Video Sparks Hygiene Row
A devotee who visited the Srisailam Devasthanam temple in Andhra Pradesh on Sunday alleged that he discovered a cockroach inside the temple’s revered laddoo prasadam, triggering concern among fellow worshippers and raising questions regarding food safety and hygiene standards at one of the region’s prominent religious sites.
Video Surfaces Online, Sparks Concern
The devotee, identified as Saraschandra K, posted a video online which purportedly shows a dead insect embedded in the middle of the laddoo he had received as prasadam within the temple premises. The footage rapidly spread among other devotees, sparking discussions about the sanitary practices followed during the preparation of temple offerings.
Formal Complaint Filed by Devotee
Following the incident, Saraschandra lodged a formal complaint with the executive officer of the temple. In the written complaint, he alleged negligence on the part of the temple staff involved in making and distributing the prasadam. "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," his complaint read.
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Temple Authorities Respond to Allegation
According to a report published by NDTV, the complaint and the accompanying video prompted a swift reaction from the temple administration.
In response to the claim, temple executive officer Srinivasa Rao firmly denied the allegation. Representing the Srisailam Devasthanam, Rao stated that the preparation of the laddoo prasadam is conducted with strict adherence to cleanliness protocols and remains under continuous staff supervision. "The laddoo are and will be made under the constant supervision of staff at the preparation centre. There is no possibility of a cockroach being found in it," Rao clarified in a statement.
He also urged devotees not to be alarmed about the safety or quality of the prasadam being offered.
Meanwhile, Netizens were shocked and concerned by the incident. One of the users said, "This is unacceptable in a sacred place like Srisailam. Cleanliness must be top priority where lakhs of devotees visit." Another person questioned, "How does a cockroach even end up falling into the prasadam like that!"
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