Bengaluru: LPG shortage hits prasada preparation in some temples

Amid the ongoing shortage of commercial LPG cylinders, Karnataka Transport and Muzrai Minister Ramalinga Reddy on Wednesday said that around 15 major Muzrai temples in the State are facing difficulties in preparing prasada for devotees.

Speaking to reporters, Mr. Reddy said the issue was discussed and steps have been taken to ensure devotees are not inconvenienced. “We discussed the problems related to preparing and distributing prasada in temples. I have instructed temple management committees and officials to ensure that devotees do not face inconvenience. Devotees feel satisfied only when they receive prasada in the temple,” he said.

The Minister added that the government is closely monitoring the situation and will take appropriate action depending on further developments. “For now, no decision has been taken on reducing fuel consumption while preparing prasada. We will review the situation and discuss it further before taking any step,” he said.

Meanwhile, several temples in Bengaluru have been affected by the shortage of commercial LPG cylinders used for cooking.

At the well-known Banashankari temple, which serves meals and prasada to thousands of devotees daily, the shortage has created operational challenges. The temple typically serves food to around 3,000 to 5,000 devotees every day, with the number rising to nearly 10,000 on Fridays and Tuesdays, according to temple officials.

Devraj, manager of the temple kitchen, said that the temple usually consumes one to two commercial LPG cylinders daily for preparing prasada. “Due to the shortage, we are facing some difficulty in preparing prasada. However, we are making sure that devotees are served and will make arrangements somehow,” he said.