The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Mata Mansa Devi Shrine Board and its officers to decide a representation demanding free parsad by a local resident within four weeks. A public interest litigation (PIL) demanding directions to the shrine board and its officers was filed today in the High Court by one Ravinder Kumar Garg. The petitioner had sought directions to the authorities to offer parsad free of cost and stop charging for it. No parsad is being given to devotees free of cost. Buying parsad leads to discrimination amongst devotees as only a devotee who has the financial capacity to buy parsad can have it. Those who want to have parsad are supposed to buy sweets,fruits or similar items and bring the same as offerings, the petition reads. The court did not issue notices to the authorities,but asked the petitioner to file a representation before them,which shall be decided by the authorities within four weeks. 5 lakh devotees visit Mansa DeviOver five lakh devotees visited Mansa Devi temple on the eighth day of Navratra on Tuesday. The eighth day,which is also known as ashtami,saw devotees worshipping young girls in the temple. Meanwhile,the Mansa Devi Shrine Board has received over Rs 83 lakhs as part of donation from devotees. Some devotees also donated foreign currency,according to temple management. The shrine has received over 120 American dollars,75 Australian dollars and 65 Euros. Gold and silver ornaments also formed part of the donation.
