‘Annaprasadam’ at major temples unlikely to be affected amid gas supply concerns

Major temples in the State are unlikely to face disruption in continuing ‘annaprasadam’ distribution and also in preparing ‘naivedyam’ even after the restrictions on supply of commercial gas cylinders in the wake of the ongoing war in West Asia.

Officials of Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy temple in Srisailam said that they were assured of enough stocks of LPG and were getting the required domestic LPG cylinders without any disruption to provide annaprasadam, prasadam and also to meet the requirement of the employees residing in the quarters.

The five-day ‘Ugadi Mahotsavams’ starting from March 16 attract lakhs of devotees and the temple administration has geared up to meet the rush. The temple serves annaprasadam to nearly 4,000 people on normal days and the numbers reach 6,000-7,000 during weekends and Mondays. During festivals like ‘Mahasivaratri’ and ‘Ugadi’, the temple offers not just annaprasadam but also snacks and food in the queue compartments.

Temple officials said that with restrictions imposed on commercial cylinders, they have sought permission from district administration for supply of domestic cylinders. After getting the nod, officials concerned have assured to supply them without any disruption. “We have booked gas for the next one month and today we received one full lorry load (342) cylinders from Kurnool. We don’t foresee any problem at least for the next one month,” an official said.

Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla temple officials have also reportedly given permission to use domestic LPG cylinders and were assured of prompt supply.