From Himalayan Basil to Amaranth Laddu, know diverse Prasad of Uttarakhand’s shrines

Dehradun: In the wake of Tirupati Balaji Laddu controversy in Andhra Pradesh, where adulteration of animal fat in the temple’s famous prasad ‘Laddus’ sparked an uproar among the devotees, it is important to know the diverse range of prasad offered in revered temples of Uttarakhand.

Uttarakhand, popularly known as ‘Land of God’, has numerous religious sites along with Char Dham shrines where lakhs of devotees pay their obeisance every year. In these temples, they receive a variety of prasad according to the available food ingredients in that particular geographical region.

Numerous religious sites in the state

Apart from Char Dham shrines-Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath, people have tremendous faith in many temples situated in Uttarakhand. In temples like Neem Karoli Baba in Kainchi Dham, Har Ki Pauri and Mansa Devi temple in Haridwar, devotees have immense faith and they offer a variety of prasad to deities.

Devotees offer Himalayan Tulsi (Basil), raw gram lentils in Badrinath shrine

Known as ‘Abode of Lord Vishnu on earth’ Badrinath shrine in Uttarakhand is one among the Char Dham shrines across the country which draws lakhs of pilgrims from far and wide every year. The Bhog-Prasad tradition in this temple has its own significance. In Badrinath shrine, garland of Himalayan basil (Origanum Vulgare), raw gram lentils, dry fruits and Mishri are offered to the Lord Vishnu. This prasad is specifically prepared by the local people. Along with this, the water with which Lord Badrinath is anointed is also given to the devotees.

Amaranth Laddu and Mishri is offered to Lord Kedarnath

In Kedarnath, the revered shrine devoted to Lord Shiva and one among the 12 Jyotirlingas across the country, a special prasad is offered to the presiding deity. The state government has assigned the women help groups for making the prasad in Kedarnath. According to Badri-Kedar temple committee president, Ajendra Ajay, “Amarnath laddus, sugar-candy, dry fruits, Bel patras (leaves) and Mishri are the integral part of prasad offered in Kedarnath shrine. Moreover, pure cow milk is also used for anointing the Lord Shiva. We have included these things in the prasad which we sent to the devotees online.”

Dried apples, sugar-candy and Mishri are offered in Gangotri

Being compared to Badrinath and Kedarnath shrines, there is a very subtle arrangement of Prasad in Gangotri shrine. People offer so many things according to their wishes but dried apples, sugar-candy and Mishri have special significance in Gangotri shrine.

Cooked rice is offered in Yamunotri shrine

Yamunotri shrine has a unique tradition of offering cooked rice to the presiding deity in the temple. Here, people bring raw rice grains from their home and get them cooked in the hot spring close to the shrine. Later, they offer it to Ma Yamuna to take her blessings.

Gram flour laddu and blanket is offered in Kainchi Dham

At Baba Neem Karoli’s revered Kainchi Dham in Nainital, many devotees offer Besan ladoos, while others bring blankets, as it is believed that Baba used to keep a blanket with him. Additionally, devotees receive prasad of chana at the ashram.

Prasad in Har Ki Pauri and Mansa Devi temple

The Prasad at the Mansa Devi Temple can include dry fruits, raksha dhaga, sindoor, chunri, and a photo of Mata Mansa Devi. If we talk about Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar, then no specific prasad is given to the devotees, nor is there any practice of offering prasad in the Ganga. Devotees offer sweet candy in the temple as per their wish.

BKTC to prepare a SOP to ensure purity and sanctity of prasad

The Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) is set to prepare a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the distribution of prasad in the Char Dham shrines. This move aims to ensure the purity and quality of the prasad offered to devotees, maintaining the sanctity and trust associated with these holy sites.

Row over adulteration of animal fat in Tirupati temple prasad

There is currently a controversy over the laddus given as prasad at the Tirupati Balaji temple in Andhra Pradesh, with CM Chandrababu Naidu claiming that animal fat was found in them. The Union Health Ministry has requested a report from the Andhra Pradesh government. This has raised questions about the temple’s management and sparked protests and political debate.

Despite the long history of Tirupati’s Laddu Prasadam, the news of adulteration has caused nationwide concern. Devotees offer bhog to God with great love, and the purity of prasad is of utmost importance.