Nashik temples continue to run mass-meal services, Annachhatra operators at Kolhapur’s Mahalaxmi temple feel the pinch

Nashik/Kolhapur: Shree Saibaba Temple in Shirdi, Shree Saptashrungi Nivasini Devi Shaktipeeth and Gajanan Maharaj Mandir in Trimbakeshwar continue to run their mass-meal services uninterrupted despite the LPG supply bottlenecks. But operators of the Annachhatra at Kolhapur's Mahalaxmi temple — which serves free, fresh and simple meals to devotees — have begun to feel the strain.The Shree Saibaba Sansthan uses a solar-powered steam generator commissioned in 2009, which helps cook rice and vegetables. But LPG is still required for preparing chapatis, laddoos and puris for meals, prasad and breakfast. Trust CEO Goraksha Gadilkar said the members were taking measures to conserve fuel despite stable supply. "There is no issue about the supply but we are taking some steps on our own. Instead of two, we are now serving one vegetable in the menu, that too the one that can be cooked using steam. There is neither any change in the quantum of food served nor in the number of pilgrims (40,000 per day)," Gadilkar said.The solar-steam system helps the Sansthan reduce LPG use by up to 300kg per day. Administrative officer Sandeep Bhosale said daily LPG consumption averaged 950kg, rising to 1,350kg on cloudy days. "We serve breakfast and two meals daily. If the situation continues 20 days from now, we may cut down puris and laddoos, though boondi will still be served," he said.Raju Mevekari, who runs the Mahalaxmi Annachhatra near the temple, feeds around 5,000 devotees daily at no cost. "I need four to five LPG cylinders every day to serve 4,000 to 5,000 people. I have stock for just two more days. For the first time, I don't know how I will continue feeding so many devotees after that. I have appealed to the public to donate cylinders for this social cause. People travel from distant parts of the state and even outside it, and I have never let anyone leave hungry," Mevekari said.With their supplies dwindling, Annachhatras have appealed to local devotees from within the district to avoid visiting for a few days so they can prioritise feeding devotees coming from far away. The operators have also approached the district administration seeking relief, but officials have informed them that the matter could only be addressed by Centre, leaving them with no immediate relief.At the Shree Saptashrung Niwasini Devi Trust serves two meals a day to about 4,000 pilgrims. Executive officer Bhagwan Nerkar said the trust had not altered its meal programme. "We also have Chaitra Navratri beginning March 19, when more than 40,000 pilgrims per day will have prasad for nine days. We have requested the administration to earmark the required LPG quota," he said.At the Gajanan Maharaj Mandir in Trimbakeshwar, the prasadalay serves 900 devotees daily. The management has stocked diesel and alternative-fuel stoves as a precaution. "If any rationing decision is taken, the management will make the necessary adjustments without compromising service to the pilgrims," a temple representative said.