Laddu distribution: An initiative suggested by Dr. Rajkumar   

The practice of distributing laddu to devotees visiting the Yoga Narasimhaswamy temple in Mysuru on the day of the new year spans almost 30 years, and there is an interesting incident related to Kannada thespian late Dr. Rajkumar behind it.

Explaining the genesis of the practice, Bhashyam Swami and Srinivasan said Dr. Rajkumar had visited the temple in 1993. During an interaction with Bhashyam Swami the thespian expressed the view that laddu should be distributed at the temple as at Tirupati for the benefit of the devotees.

Bhashyam Swami agreed and wished to know when the distribution should occur. Dr. Rajkumar suggested that laddu should be distributed on the New Year day, recalled N. Srinivasan, administrative officer of the temple.

‘’The actor also handed over ₹1,000 to Bhashyam Swami and said that it should be considered as a seva from his family and it continued,” he added.

Bhashyam Swami immediately sought the assistance of specialists engaged in making laddu at Tirupati who made 1,000 laddus and it was distributed on January 1, 1994. Over the years the footfall to the temple on New Year’s Day has increased, and from 1,000 laddu the numbers grew to 2,000, which jumped to 5,000 and soon reached 10,000. But the growth in the footfall and the number of laddus distributed did not cease and it increased to 50,000, jumped to 1,00,000 and is now pegged at 2,00,000 visitors, according to the temple authorities.

‘’We also ensure that the laddu prasad is sent to the family members of Dr. Rajkumar,” the authorities added.