Review of SOPs on Teertham and Prasadam: Chilkur temple priest

Hyderabad: Temples Protection Movement Convenor and Chilkur Priest C S Rangarajan requested the Union Government to review the SOP on Temple Darshan where the distribution of Teertham and Prasadam has been prohibited.

Rangarajan said that according to Agama Sastra, teertham from the feet of the Almighty makes us disease free, sinless, protects from untimely death etc.

The teertham consists of Tulasi leaves and a few special ingredients like elaichi, lavangam etc, which are herbal remedies, said Rangarajan. He said that the SOP can be amended, saying care should be taken not to touch the hand when teertham is given.

The regulation that no physical offerings like prasad /distribution or a sprinkling of holy water is to be allowed inside the religious place questions the very fundamentals of Temple worship.

Giving teertham and prasadam to devotees is a centuries-old tradition of the Sanatana or the oldest religion. The government should review its guidelines regarding this while keeping in mind the sentiments of the devotees.

Stating that they had no problems with the use of face covers/masks being made mandatory, the Chilkur Balaji Temple will remain closed with a policy of wait and watch, before opening for devotees.