Mice in Siddhivinayak prasad? Temple trust denies viral video | VIDEO

Maharashtra News: A viral video circulating online has caused a stir after it allegedly showed mice inside prasad packets claimed to be from Mumbai's renowned Siddhivinayak Temple. The video, which quickly gained attention, shows torn prasad packets with mice inside a blue tray, raising concerns among devotees about the hygiene and safety of the offerings at the temple. However, the Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Mandir Trust (SSGT) has firmly denied the video’s connection to the temple, asserting that the footage was shot elsewhere.

Temple trust’s response

Sada Sarvankar, the chairperson of the Siddhivinayak Trust, was quick to address the viral video and reassure devotees about the sanctity and cleanliness of the temple’s prasad. “Lakhs of laddus are distributed daily, and the place where they are prepared is clean. The video shows a dirty place, and I can see it is not from the temple but was shot somewhere outside,” Sarvankar stated in an interview with PTI. Sarvankar, who is affiliated with Maharashtra's ruling Shiv Sena party led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, reiterated that the trust follows strict protocols to ensure the highest standards of cleanliness in prasad preparation.

#WATCH | Mumbai: Sada Sarvankar, Shiv Sena leader & Chairperson of Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Temple Trust (SSGT) says, "The place where prasad of Lord Ganesh is prepared here is very neat and clean. We make all efforts to keep it very clean. Ghee, cashew and whatever else goes… pic.twitter.com/65p89KUwiL

— ANI (@ANI) September 24, 2024

Quality control and assurance to devotees

In response to the viral video, Sarvankar provided further clarity on the stringent process that the temple follows to maintain the purity of the offerings. "We ensure the quality of the laddus by subjecting all ingredients like ghee, cashew, and other materials to rigorous testing at the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) laboratory. These ingredients are only used after receiving approval from the lab. Even our water is thoroughly tested," Sarvankar explained. This thorough quality check process ensures that the prasad given to devotees is pure and of the highest standard.

After Tirupati Balaji, Siddhivinayak Temple is now facing scrutiny. Rat pups found on Laddu packets raise serious concerns about the quality of the prasad pic.twitter.com/9ScCrzEBuQ

— Shakeel Yasar Ullah (@yasarullah) September 24, 2024

Inquiry and action promised

Though the trust has dismissed the video as not originating from within the temple, Sarvankar assured that the matter will still be thoroughly investigated. He confirmed that CCTV footage from the temple would be reviewed, and the police would be asked to conduct a formal inquiry to identify those responsible for the misleading video. "Action will be taken against the guilty," he said, emphasizing that the temple authorities would leave no stone unturned in maintaining the temple’s reputation.

Video’s authenticity in question

While the viral clip has caused quite a commotion, many, including the temple trust, have questioned its authenticity. The video, which shows mice running through torn laddus packets in a visibly dirty location, is yet to be verified by independent sources. Hindustan Times reported that they could not independently verify the origin or authenticity of the clip, adding to the ambiguity surrounding the incident.

Siddhivinayak’s legacy and devotee assurance

The controversy comes at a time when faith and trust in religious institutions are paramount. Siddhivinayak Temple, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, holds a revered place in the hearts of devotees not just in Mumbai but across India. In Hindu mythology, Lord Ganesha is often associated with a mouse as his 'vahana' or vehicle, but the temple trust has made it clear that they take every precaution to ensure that the prasad remains free from contamination.

This incident also follows a recent row regarding laddus distributed at the Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati, where allegations were made about the use of substandard ingredients, including animal fat. Such claims have been firmly denied by political leaders, but these controversies highlight the growing importance of transparency and hygiene in religious offerings.