Mumbai, India - One of India's most famous Hindu temples barred worshippers Monday from giving traditional offerings of coconuts to Ganesh, the elephant-headed god of good fortune, out of fears bombs could be hidden inside.
"As of today, we have asked people not to bring in coconuts," said Subash Mayekar, a trustee at central Mumbai's Siddhivinayak Temple.
He said worshippers are also prohibited from bringing floral garlands but added: "A few flowers in their hands are all right."
Security measures have been stepped up at many temples across India after a temple in the Hindu holy city Varanasi was targetted in an attack last year.
"Explosives could be placed inside coconuts and we have to be careful," said Mayekar, adding the process of searching all the worshippers' offerings is causing long delays.
Worshippers slammed the decision by the temple.
"It is sacrilegious not to offer coconuts. It goes against Hindu faith and custom," said S. Ganesan, who has written a book on the temple.
"They should instead update their security. If a terrorist wants to create trouble, he does not need a coconut."
Worshippers traditionally walk barefoot for many kilometres to Siddhivinayak Temple hoping their prayers to Ganesh, the god of good fortune, are answered. Thousands of people visit the temple daily.