LPG Cylinder Shortage Stops Free Meals at Bengaluru Banashankari Temple

Free temple meals are stopped in Bengaluru because there are not enough gas cylinders, unlike in Srisailam where they are getting domestic ones.
By Newsroom | Food Supply, Religion |

Disruptions loom as commercial cylinders become scarce, impacting distribution of 'Annaprasadam' at prominent religious sites.

Several major temples across India are grappling with an LPG cylinder shortage, a situation that could impact the continued provision of 'Annaprasadam,' the sacred meal offered to devotees. While officials in Andhra Pradesh are reportedly securing domestic cylinders to circumvent restrictions on commercial supplies, a prominent temple in Bengaluru has already suspended its free meal service due to an acute scarcity of commercial LPG cylinders. The implications of these supply chain issues, purportedly linked to geopolitical tensions involving the US, Israel, and Iran, are now extending beyond global conflicts to the daily operations of religious institutions.

‘Annaprasadam’ at major temples unlikely to be affected amid gas supply concerns - 1

Officials at the Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla temple and the Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy temple in Srisailam have indicated they are seeking permission to utilize domestic LPG cylinders. Assurances have been given regarding prompt supply and continued service, with temple authorities confirming they were informed of sufficient LPG stock and received domestic cylinders without interruption. The Srisailam temple, for instance, caters to an estimated 4,000 individuals on regular days, with numbers escalating to 6,000-7,000 on weekends and Mondays.

Read More: Bengaluru Temples Stop Food Offerings Due to LPG Gas Shortage Since March 9

‘Annaprasadam’ at major temples unlikely to be affected amid gas supply concerns - 2

In stark contrast, the Banashankari Temple in Bengaluru has temporarily halted its 'Anna Prasada' distribution, citing the daily need for one to two commercial LPG cylinders that are no longer readily available. Authorities from the Chamundeshwari Development Authority also acknowledged concerns, though they stated their temple currently possesses adequate gas for its 'dasoha' (free meal service). The decision to suspend the Prasadam distribution was described as unavoidable due to the limited availability of gas cylinders, making the preparation of meals for devotees increasingly challenging.

‘Annaprasadam’ at major temples unlikely to be affected amid gas supply concerns - 3

BACKGROUND: EXPANSION AND TRADITION

The 'Annaprasadam' initiative, aimed at extending free meal services, has been a significant focus for the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). Plans were in motion by March 2026 to implement this service across all affiliated temples. The TTD has been actively expanding its 'Annaprasadam' distribution to 60 temples across Andhra Pradesh, with 12 already serving devotees. Discussions were also underway for potential Memorandums of Understanding with religious organizations and mutts, such as ISKCON, to manage the preparation and distribution of these meals.

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‘Annaprasadam’ at major temples unlikely to be affected amid gas supply concerns - 4

Furthermore, the TTD Executive Officer, Anil Kumar Singhal, has repeatedly emphasized maintaining high standards for 'Annaprasadam' across all its temples, mirroring the quality observed at the Tirumala temple. This includes ensuring the meals are tasty, hygienic, and of superior quality. Efforts were being made to train staff responsible for food preparation and to report on daily meal services at each temple.

Historical records also show that temple services, including 'Annaprasadam,' are subject to traditional observances. For example, during lunar eclipses, such as the one on March 3, 2026, the TTD adheres to 'Agama' prescriptions, temporarily halting food services. This aligns with customary practices where 'Sutak' (a period of impurity) begins hours before an eclipse, leading to the closure of temple doors and cessation of services like 'Annaprasadam' and employee canteens. Following such events, purification rituals are conducted before temples and their services, including 'Annaprasadam,' are resumed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did the Banashankari Temple in Bengaluru stop its free meal service?
The Banashankari Temple stopped serving free meals because it cannot get enough commercial LPG cylinders. They need one to two cylinders every day to cook.
Q: Are other temples in India also facing this gas cylinder problem?
Yes, some major temples in India are facing LPG cylinder shortages. This could affect their 'Annaprasadam' (free meal) service for devotees.
Q: What are temples in Srisailam doing about the gas shortage?
Temples in Srisailam are trying to use domestic LPG cylinders instead of commercial ones. Officials have assured that they have enough gas and the service will continue.
Q: How many people eat at the Srisailam temple?
The Srisailam temple feeds about 4,000 people each day. This number goes up to 6,000 or 7,000 on weekends and Mondays.
Q: Is the gas shortage related to world events?
Officials think the shortage might be linked to global issues like tensions between the US, Israel, and Iran. This is affecting supplies even for temples.