A controversy has erupted at the Srisailam Devasthanam temple in Andhra Pradesh after a devotee claimed to have discovered a cockroach in the laddoo prasadam. The devotee, identified as Saraschandra K, shared a video showing a dead insect, allegedly a cockroach, embedded in the middle of the laddoo. This incident has sparked outrage and raised concerns among pilgrims.

Saraschandra K. lodged a formal complaint with the temple's executive officer, accusing the Devasthanam staff of negligence during the preparation of the prasadam. In his complaint letter, he stated that he found a cockroach in the laddoo prasadam during his visit to the Srisailam Devasthanam on June 29th and expressed his disappointment. He urged the authorities to address the issue and rectify the carelessness of the staff.

However, the temple administration has strongly refuted the devotee's claims. Srinivasa Rao, the Executive Officer of Srisailam Devasthanam, has denied the allegations, asserting that the laddoos are prepared with utmost cleanliness and hygiene under the constant supervision of trained staff. He stated that there is no possibility of a cockroach being present in the prasadam due to the strict protocols followed during its preparation. Rao has appealed to devotees, urging them not to panic or lose trust in the sanctity of the temple offerings and not to believe such isolated and unverified claims.

The incident has ignited debate and discussion across social media platforms. Some individuals are calling for a thorough inspection of the prasadam preparation process, while others are supporting the temple administration's statements.

This isn't the first time concerns about prasadam quality have been raised at temples in Andhra Pradesh. In 2012, a devotee at the Varasiddhivinayaka temple at Kanipakam also reported finding a cockroach in a laddu prasadam. The devotee reported the incident to the temple supervisor, who assured him that the matter would be brought to the attention of higher officials for investigation. It was also alleged that pieces of broomsticks and nails had been found in the prasadams in the past.

Currently, no further action has been officially announced regarding the Srisailam Devasthanam incident. However, temple officials have assured the public of their vigilance in the preparation and distribution of prasadam.