Agitation led by Hindu Janajagruti Samiti results in a major success for Hindus.
Bhagyanagar (Telangana) – The authorities of the Shri Gnana Saraswathi Devasthanam at Basar in Telangana, which is under government administration, had discontinued the distribution of free prasad and increased the price of laddus sold at the temple, citing financial losses. Following an agitation led by Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) and other Hindu organisations, under the banner of the Hindu Rashtra Samanvay Samiti, the Charitable Endowments Department has withdrawn both these decisions. This development is a big success achieved through the united efforts of Hindu organisations. Gratitude has been expressed towards Sanatan Sanstha founder Gurudev Sachchidanand Parabrahma Dr Athavale and Gnana Saraswati Devi for this outcome.
🚩 Victory for Devotees at Basar! 🚩
The government-run Sri Gnana Saraswathi Devasthanam in Telangana resumes Prasad distribution after a successful protest by the Hindu Rashtra Samanvay Samiti. 🔱
Key points:
✅ Prasad distribution restarted (previously stopped citing… https://t.co/xazzM1xtiq pic.twitter.com/P2xP7U3Xii— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) January 5, 2026
The Executive Officer of the temple had displayed a notice stating that while a fee of ₹150 would be charged for the Aksharabhyas ceremony, the free laddu earlier given as prasad during the ritual would no longer be provided, citing financial loss. At the same time, a decision was taken to increase the price of half a kilogram of laddu from ₹100 to ₹150.
After this issue came to light, Hindu Janajagruti Samiti took the initiative, following which various Hindu organisations came together under the platform of the Hindu Rashtra Samanvay Samiti. In November 2025, a delegation visited Basar, staged a protest, and submitted a memorandum. Local MLAs were also urged to seek a review of the decision. Subsequently, a representation was submitted to the Additional Commissioner of the Endowments Department in Bhagyanagar (Hyderabad), firmly demanding that the decision be withdrawn.
As a result of this sustained follow-up, the Endowments Department withdrew the notice. The distribution of laddu as prasad has been resumed, and the decision to increase the price of half a kilogram of laddu has also been revoked. Accordingly, the laddu will continue to be available at the earlier price of ₹100.
November 27, 2025
HJS submits memorandum against stopping free prasad distribution at Basar Saraswathi Temple in Telangana
Basar (Telangana) – Representatives of the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti along with other devout Hindus submitted a detailed memorandum to the Executive Officer (EO) of Shri Gnana Saraswathi Devasthanam, Basar, regarding the commercialisation of prasadam and temple services, administrative irregularities, and unjust treatment of devotees.
Decision has hurt religious sentiments of devotees
Recently, the temple administration discontinued the free laddu prasad offered under the Aksharabhyas service and increased the price from ₹100 to ₹150 — a decision that has sparked deep resentment among devotees. The committee stated that the temple’s decision has hurt religious sentiments.
The memorandum stated that previously, lakhs of devotees who came for Aksharabhyas at the feet of Shri Saraswati Devi received prasad free of charge; however, stopping this practice is unjust. The committee described the decision as thoroughly unrighteous and exploitative of the devotion of devotees.
The memorandum further mentioned that, as per Sections 30, 31, and 65 of the Telangana Endowments Act, the pricing of prasad and other services should be determined with the welfare of devotees in mind, rather than for commercial profit.
Under the banner of Hindu Rashtra Samanvay Samiti, representatives from Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, Hanuman Chalisa Group, Rashtriya Shivaji Sena, and Hindu Dharma Shiksha Sevak were present during the submission of the memorandum.
Questions over transparency of temple finances
The representatives alleged that despite the temple earning crores of rupees, the administration continues to claim that the temple is running at a loss. However, as per Sections 43, 44, and 56, annual audits and income, expenditure details must be made publicly accessible.
The memorandum also highlighted the following irregularities:
- Corruption in prasadam preparation and distribution
- Incidents of alcohol and meat consumption within the temple premises
- Poor condition of temple-run accommodation facilities
- Increasing illegal encroachments on temple land
- All these have been described as punishable under Sections 107 and 83–87.
Key demands
The memorandum included a total of eight demands, principal among which are:
- The Aksharabhyas service should be entirely free of charge.
- The laddu prasad included with the ₹150 ticket must be provided free of cost.
- The laddu previously available at ₹100 must be restored to ₹25.
- The reports of audits and development works for the past 10 years must be made public.
- The temple premises must be kept wholly sattvik and disciplined.
- All illegal encroachments on temple land must be removed.
The temple is not a commercial establishment
The representatives stated that the temple administration must respect the sentiments of devotees. A temple is not a commercial enterprise, but a sacred space of faith.
Awaiting administrative response
After receiving the memorandum, the temple administration stated that it would review the matter and take necessary measures. However, all eyes are now on whether the temple authorities will take appropriate action in response to the devotees’ demands.
November 15, 2025
HJS opposes move to stop free prasad distribution at Basar Saraswathi Temple in Telangana
Free prasad distribution discontinued at Basar Sri Gnana Saraswathi Temple in Telangana, citing financial loss
- This incident once again highlights the adverse effects of Government control over Hindu temples.
- Hindus must stand united and firmly insist that the Government handover the administration of temples to the devotees, thereby ensuring that their sanctity is fully upheld and protected. – Editor
Basar (Telangana) – The Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) has strongly opposed the move to discontinue the free distribution of laddus as prasad during the Aksharabhyas ceremony at the Sri Gnana Saraswathi Temple in Basar, Telangana. The temple, which is under the control of the Telangana government, recently issued a notice stating that the prasad laddu can no longer be given free of charge to the devotees due to ‘financial loss’ to the temple.
@hindujagrutiorg has strongly opposed the Basar Saraswati Temple’s move to stop giving the free Prasadam Laddu during Aksharabhyasam, hiding behind false “financial loss” claims, despite huge temple revenues
HJS warns of a mass protest@KondaSurekhaINC https://t.co/RyaVU7LMhY pic.twitter.com/ChSsw7gj5G
— Chethan Janardan (@GJChetan) November 14, 2025
As per the notice, the laddu which was earlier priced at ₹100 will now cost ₹150. Devotees have been asked to register objections at the temple office within 15 days. HJS has demanded the immediate withdrawal of the notice and restoration of the earlier practice of free distribution of the prasad laddu, and has warned of large-scale protests if the government fails to respond.
About Sri Gnana Saraswathi Temple
Sri Gnana Saraswathi Temple is a revered pilgrimage site where Maharshi Vyas is believed to have consecrated the idol of Saraswati Devi. It is one of only two temples of Saraswati in India, the other being in Kashmir. Thousands of families visit Basar to perform ‘Aksharabhyas’, the traditional initiation of learning where children write ‘ॐ’ (Om) on rice in the presence of Mata Saraswati.
HJS rejects false claim of financial loss
HJS has rejected the false claim of financial loss, pointing out that the temple collects ₹1,000 for Aksharabhyas, levies separate charges for kumkuma archana, laddu prasad and Chandi hom, and earns significant revenue from shops and rooms rented within the premises. Substantial donations are also received through the hundi. Such claims of financial loss by a temple that receives crores of rupees in revenue are completely baseless.
The Samiti further criticised the manner in which the notice was displayed — not inside the temple but on a board at the Executive Officer’s office nearly 500 metres away from the temple. Most devotees simply visit the temple, have darshan and leave, and therefore it is not possible for them to see the notice placed far away from the temple. This notice appears to have been placed there deliberately so that devotees would remain unaware of the decision, thereby preventing any opposition.
After learning of the issue, HJS circulated a video on social media and appealed to devotees to lodge complaints against the move.
