In Andhra Pradesh, the Srisaialam Mallikarjuna Swamy temple, revered as one of the Dwadasa (12) Jyotirlingas and esteemed for its religious significance by millions of Hindus, became entangled in controversy due to the presence of non-vegetarian traces in the Prasadam served to devotees.
Speaking to Organiser K Venu Gopal, a devotee from Hyderabad, said,“I was shocked to discover a bone with meat in the prasadam he received at Brahmanandaraya Gopuram. This is utter negligence of the temple administration in following proper monitoring of the food being prepared and humiliation towards the temple devotees.”
He immediately complained to the temple administration, though he could not contact the endowments officer of Srishailam who said to be busy in the preparations for the upcoming Sivaratri celebrations.
Andhra Pradesh: Srisaialam Mallikarjuna Swamy temple, one of the Dwadasa (12) Jyotirlingas, a sacred place known for its religious significance and revered by millions of Hindus, found itself embroiled in controversy because the Prasadam served to devotee contains non-veg traces pic.twitter.com/BlRR9wkTHs
— arise bharat (@arisebharat) February 9, 2024
Venkateswarlu, BJP Srishailam Mandal President, said, “We demand a thorough investigation into how such a lapse could occur. This is pure negligence of the temple administration and an insult and disrespect to Hindu beliefs. The sentiments of devotees must be respected, and steps should be taken to ensure that such incidents do not happen again.”
Srisailam has great ancient significance. Among the 12 Jyotirlingas, the 2nd is the Mallikarjuna Swamy Lingam; among the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas, the 6th is Sri Bhramaramba Devi temple.
Srishailam is a temple town in the Nandyal district of Andhra Pradesh and it is 230 km away from Hyderabad.
When Shivaji Maharaj worshipped Srigiri Bhramarambika Devi at Srishailam and called out for her help by saying, “Mother! My Hindu nation is in danger with evil forces waging war against it. Please help me!” The Goddess appeared, blessed him and gifted him a powerful sword to save the nation with his valour. Even to this day, every generation of Shivaji Maharaj visit Srisailam and offer their prayers. Shivaji Maharaj appointed a special army during his time to guard the temple premises and often offered prayers here.
The Devasthanam erected a beautiful sculpture of Shivaji Maharaj accepting the sword from Bhramarambika Devi to signify the holy moment of ancient history.
As the controversy continues to unfold, the incident serves as a reminder of the incidents that happened at this Srisailam, where non-Hindus are alleged to be working at the temple premises with a huge presence of business establishments at the temple complex.
Accessed the list of 17 Non Hindu Employees (as per available data) appointed in Srisailam Temple as Regular & Non Regular basis at different levels in the Administration Department.
Taken the matter to the notice of AP Special Chief Secretary and Endowments Commissioner. pic.twitter.com/5N1PRHRrcy— Legal Rights Protection Forum (@lawinforce) August 19, 2019
In March 2022, a violent clash broke out between pilgrims from Karnataka and some non-Hindu vendors around the Mallikarjuna temple, resulting in damage to several stalls and injuring a few people.
