Garlands of flowers offered by devotees are being thrown into the garbage depot

Shocking incident at the Shri Vitthal-Rukmini Temple in Pandharpur

Garlands being taken away in the garbage truck of Shri Vitthal-Rukmini Temple Committee

Pandharpur – The Shri Vitthal-Rukmini Temple in Pandharpur, a revered pilgrimage site for millions of devotees, sees thousands of visitors daily. Nearly 2 tons of flower garlands and Tulsi malas offered with devotion by the devotees are collected in the temple every day. However, instead of being disposed of respectfully, they are being thrown away at the garbage depot by the municipal council. This has sparked outrage as it is seen as an insult to the devotees’ faith. (This is the result of handing over the management to faithless people (the administration) – Editor) There is a growing demand that the temple committee and municipal council must urgently take appropriate steps to honour the sentiments of the devotees.

Valmiki Organisation warns of an intense protest against the temple committee

Ganesh Ankushrao, President of the Valmiki Organisation, has demanded that the garlands be used to create incense sticks or similar products. “If that’s not possible,” he said, ” then ban garlands in the Vitthal Temple like in Shirdi, or alternatively, return the garlands as Prasad to devotees to respect their devotion.” He warned that if these demands are not met, they will launch an intense protest against the temple committee.