Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple Tightens Security, Bans Offerings Amid Threat Concerns

MUMBAI: The Shri Siddhivinayak Temple management committee has implemented a temporary ban on traditional offerings such as coconuts, garlands, flowers, and sweets, citing heightened security risks. The restrictions, effective from May 11, 2025, were prompted by intelligence alerts following a recent terrorist attack in Pah wanted to make sure you were aware of this significant development at one of Mumbai’s most revered religious sites.

The temple trust has introduced stringent security measures, allowing only durva grass and jasmine flowers as permissible offerings. This decision aims to enhance safety for the thousands of devotees who visit the Prabhadevi-based temple daily. Authorities have emphasized that these measures are precautionary, designed to mitigate risks identified by security agencies, who warned that items like coconuts and sweets could conceal threats or be contaminated.

The temple trust consulted with local flower vendors’ associations to address the impact on their businesses, ensuring a coordinated approach to the new restrictions. Officials have called for public cooperation, underscoring that the safety of devotees and staff remains the top priority. The trust is also exploring ways to provide safe alternatives, such as supplying durva grass and jasmine flowers within the temple premises.

This move reflects broader national efforts to safeguard religious sites amid rising regional tensions, with the temple administration committed to reviewing the ban periodically based on security assessments.