No Garlands for Gods in 'Siddhivinayak Temple'

"Siddhivinayak Temple" is Mumbai's most famous Hindu temples. Temple authorities have barred worshippers from giving traditional offerings of garlands & coconuts to Lord Ganesh, the elephant-headed god of good fortune, out of fears that bombs could be hidden inside.

"As of today we have asked people not to bring in coconuts," said Subash Mayekar, a trustee at central Mumbai's Siddhivinayak Temple. He said worshippers are also prohibited from bringing floral garlands, but added, "a few flowers in their hands are all right."

Security measures have been stepped up at many temples across India after a temple in the Hindu holy city of Varanasi was targeted in an attack last year.

"Explosives could be placed inside coconuts and we have to be careful," said Mayekar, adding that the process of searching all the worshippers' offerings was causing long delays.

Worshippers are not happy with the decision by the temple.

"It is sacrilegious not to offer coconuts. It goes against Hindu faith and custom," said S. Ganesan, who has written a book on the temple. "They should instead update their security. If a terrorist wants to create trouble, he does not need a coconut."

Worshippers traditionally walk barefoot for many miles to Siddhivinayak Temple hoping their prayers to Ganesh, the god of good fortune, are answered. Thousands of people visit the temple daily.

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