Mumbai’s over 200-year-old Shri Siddhivinayak Temple, for the first time, has announced a ban on coconuts and flower offerings. This rule was implemented amid rising tensions with Pakistan. For security concerns, from May 11 onwards, devotees are prohibited from making certain types of offerings to the deity at Siddhivinayak Temple.
Siddhivinayak Temple In Mumbai Bans Coconuts & Flowers Due To Security Concerns
As per a report by Hindustan Times, Siddhivinayak Temple in Prabhadevi has announced a ban on garlands and coconut offerings to Lord Ganesha from May 11. Due to heightened security concerns, traditional offerings like coconuts, flowers, and garlands will not be permitted in the premises. Mumbai Police has officially announced this new rule. This advisory has been issued to mitigate the risk of explosives that may be concealed in coconuts and other offerings.
The report by Hindustan Times confirmed the ban, which will be formally announced and implemented starting this Sunday. A trustee of the Siddhivinayak Temple Trust, Bhaskar Shetty, threw more light on this new rule to HT. He informed that the temple trust received a security advisory from the Mumbai Police. The police recommended the Siddhivinayak Temple to put a pause on coconut, flower and garland offerings inside the temple premises.
Shetty acknowledges that these offerings come with a lot of religious significance. However, the safety of devotees at Siddhivinayak Temple is paramount. The temple trust held a meeting with local prasad and flower vendors on May 9. The temple trust permitted vendors a two-day grace period to dissolve unsold stock. A final decision on this matter will be taken at a follow-up meeting on Saturday.
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Devotees To Receive Complimentary Flower & Durvasa Instead
While devotees may not be able to make to make certain offerings to Lord Ganesha and take them as prasad, the temple has made accommodations for them. Each devotee shall receive a complimentary hibiscus flower and a bunch of durva grass. This will be done in lieu of preserving religious sentiments and maintaining the sanctity of rituals. Both can be considered as offerings to Lord Ganesha on entry.
Mumbaikars, this is the time to stay calm and pray for the safety of those protecting our borders. Have you heard about this new rule at Siddhivinayak Temple?
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikipedia
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