WATCH: Cockroach Found In Srisailam Laddoo Prasadam, Devotee Files Complaint; Temple Denies Allegation After Video Goes Viral

Andhra Pradesh: A dead cockroach was reportedly found inside the popular Srisailam Laddoo Prasadam, raising alarm among devotees at the temple. The incident, which occurred on June 29, came to light after the devotee, identified as Saraschandra K, shared a video showing a dead insect lodged in the laddu.

According to a report by local publication Disha Daily, Saraschandra, who had just purchased the laddoo, was about to eat it when he discovered the insect. The incident sparked serious concern over hygiene standards at one of the most visited temples in the region.

Have a look at the video here:

Devotee Files Complain, Alleges Staff Negligence

As per reports, when the devotee questioned the temple staff about the cockroach, officials reportedly tried to snatch the laddoo from his hand rather than offering him an explanation.

The lack of accountability shocked other devotees standing at the counter as well, who were left unsettled and began speculating about the safety of the prasadam (offering). The situation escalated when bystanders forced the man to delete the video he had recorded of the contaminated laddoo.

In a written complaint addressed to the temple’s executive officer, Saraschandra alleged negligence in food preparation. “On June 29, I visited the Srisailam Devasthanam and in the laddu 'prasadam' I found an insect which is a cockroach. The Devasthanam staff is negligent while making prasadam. Kindly take a note and sort out the issue,” the letter read as quoted by NDTV.

Temple Officials Deny Allegations

Responding to the allegation, Executive Officer Srinivasa Rao dismissed the claim. Insisting that hygiene is strictly maintained, he told NDTV, “The laddoos are and will be made under the constant supervision of staff at the preparation centre. There is no possibility of a cockroach being found in it."

He appealed to devotees not to worry about the prasadam’s quality.

Regardless, the incident has cast a shadow over the sanctity of the laddoo prasadam, which many consider sacred and consume with deep faith.

Published on: Monday, June 30, 2025, 08:56 AM IST