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Built by Ahilya Bai Holkar, Khajrana Ganesh Temple is a sacred pilgrim centre for Hindus in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. It is believed that the idol of Lord Ganesh was hidden in a well to protect it from Aurangzeb. In 1735, Ahilya Bai Holkar of the Holkar Dynasty (Maratha Empire) took it out and established the temple.
The temple houses the shrines of many Hindu lords. According to reports, the temple committee is believed to sell around 60 kgs of ladoos as prasad. Hence, the temple is making headlines as the food safety department has collected food samples for investigation.
Food Samples Collected From Khajrana Ganesh Temple, Indore
A recent report reveals that a team representing the Food Safety and District Administration visited the temple on Sunday (September 29, 2024) to collect the samples of ladoos that are sold as prasad.
Not just ladoos but samples of flour, ghee, pigeon peas, kidney beans, rice, gram flour, mung beans, and salt have been collected for testing. These samples were also taken from many eateries on the premises of the temple and sent to the State Food Testing Laboratory in Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh.
If the test results reveal adulteration, the report suggests that the food safety authorities will take legal action against the vendors. Ahead of the Tirupati Temple controversy, this step shows that the food safety department is on alert, especially because the festive season is right around the corner.
Khajrana Ganesh Temple, Indore
Khajrana Ganesh Temple in Indore is not merely a pilgrim centre for Hindus. It is a revered site and a recreational centre. The premises include a dining hall, also called Annakshetra. Run by the management committee, it serves sattvic food prepared and served by two dough-kneading machines, 26 employees, a vegetable-cutting machine, a dough-cutting machine, and four chapati-making machines.
Roti, kheer, khichdi, kadhi, sabzi, dal, rice, and other delicacies are prepared and offered to Lord Ganesh and then distributed among devotees. The temple premise also includes Thalassemia (free chelation medical centre, bhakta nivas (accommodation for pilgrims), and pravachan and khatha kendra (a hall for holy gatherings and yoga).
Apart from public holidays, the temple witnesses a footfall of pilgrims on Sundays and Wednesdays. It is believed that whoever visits the temple and seeks blessings from Lord Ganesha, their desires are always fulfilled.
