Patna: Mahavir Mandir in Patna is facing difficulties due to an ongoing shortage of commercial LPG cylinders, with temple authorities saying only about one week of gas stock remains. Despite the situation, the temple administration has assured devotees and beneficiaries that its free food services will continue without disruption.
According to the temple management, bookings for commercial LPG cylinders have been temporarily halted, creating supply challenges for the temple’s large kitchen operations. Officials confirmed that the current stock of gas cylinders is expected to last for roughly a week.
To ensure continuity of services, the administration has prepared alternative arrangements. Once the existing stock runs out, cooking for the temple’s daily meals will shift to traditional methods using wood and coal. Officials also said that electric cooking appliances and induction-based systems may be used where feasible to maintain the regular preparation of food.
The temple’s Daridra Narayan Bhoj, a free meal programme for the needy, will continue at its usual schedule of 12 noon and 8 pm every day. Temple authorities emphasised that devotees will continue to receive Naivedyam prasad and that the service will not be interrupted despite the gas shortage.
Meanwhile, the Mahavir Mandir Trust has also ensured that the Ram Rasoi initiative in Ayodhya continues to serve pilgrims. Alternative arrangements, including electric cookers and coal-based cooking, have been put in place to maintain the community kitchen at the Amava temple premises, where thousands of devotees are served meals.
At the Patna temple, the Daridra Narayan Bhoj typically includes satvik dishes such as dal, rice, vegetables, roti, khichdi, sweets and prasad. Local devotees also take part in serving the food, making the programme a significant community-driven initiative aimed at ensuring that no one visiting the temple leaves hungry.
