Siddhivinayak Temple Bans Coconuts and Garlands Amid Rising Indo-Pak Tension

Mumbai (The Uttam Hindu): In view of the increasing tension between India and Pakistan and the possibility of possible terrorist attacks, Mumbai's prestigious Shri Siddhivinayak Ganpati temple has taken a big decision in terms of security. Now devotees will not be able to enter the temple with coconut, garland of flowers and prasad brought from outside.

Siddhivinayak temple took a big decision amid Indo-Pak tension, coconut and garlands were banned: The temple administration said that this decision has been taken on the basis of Mumbai Police's advisory and its formal announcement will be made on Sunday. This rule will be implemented from the same day.

Temple Trust Chairman Sada Swarnkar said that recently a meeting was held with a senior police officer regarding security. The officials clarified that due to the huge crowd and popularity of the temple, this place could be on the hit list of terrorists.

Bhaskar Shetty, a temple trustee, said, "The police have instructed us to ban coconuts and prasad for security reasons. The possibility of explosives in coconuts and poison in prasad cannot be ruled out."

The temple administration has also clarified that this ban is not permanent, but is being implemented for some time, so that the safety of the devotees can be ensured. The temple trust has appealed to the devotees to understand this decision and cooperate. They say that Lord Ganesha is worshipped with devotion, not with material things.