False rumour: Andhra temple denies cockroach in laddu claim, cites hygiene checks

Andhra Pradesh’s Srisailam Temple authorities have issued a clarification after a video alleging that a cockroach was found in a laddu prasadam went viral on social media. The temple officials have categorically denied the claim, calling it false and baseless.

In a statement, the temple said that on June 29, a devotee had an argument with the prasadam sales staff, alleging that he spotted a cockroach in the laddu prasadam. However, the temple maintained that there is absolutely no chance of any contamination in the prasadam.

“All prasadams are prepared as per temple traditions with utmost cleanliness. Quality ingredients are used, and the entire process is constantly monitored,” the statement read. The temple further detailed the process, explaining that boondi is prepared in hot ghee, mixed with syrup, dried under special fans, and then made into laddus, with workers wearing gloves and head caps.

The entire preparation is monitored through CCTV surveillance, and the kitchen is cleaned regularly using appropriate disinfectants, officials said. The temple has also been certified with ISO-22000: Food Safety Management System for its hygiene standards.

Officials said such rumours hurt the sentiments of devotees and tarnish the reputation of Srisailam Kshetra. They also referred to a similar incident from February 2024, when a devotee claimed to have found a bone in pulihora prasadam, a claim that was dismissed then as well.

The temple urged devotees not to fall for misinformation and report any issues directly to the Executive Officer or temple officials.

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