In order to encourage greenery to control environmental pollution, especially atmospheric heat and water scarcity, the Gwalior temples are giving saplings as ‘prasad’ to the devotees.

The initiative for this novel way of worship was taken by the Ganapati Temple situated at Shinde Ke Chawani.

Devotees who thronged the temple on Wednesday were given saplings as prasad in place of the usual ladoos and sweets.

The original idea for this was mooted by one Deepali Srivastava, a resident of Gwalior and MBA graduate from the Punjab University, who on Wednesday offered 51 saplings at the Ganapati temple.

The temple priests accepted them without delay and the saplings were given to the devotees as prasad. Speaking to the media persons Deepali said that in our country, the worship of trees has been an age-old temple tradition; respect for nature and environment has always been part of the worship.

Also the reverence shown to trees has contributed much to the protection of environment. She added that most of the Gurudwaras and temples in Punjab offer saplings as prasad during the monsoon season.

She also said that apart from promoting interest among public to grow trees to control pollution the idea is also part of creating awareness about the dharma of our saints and sages.

Deepali also said that she was greatly encouraged by the response of the devotees on Wednesday, and very soon saplings will be offered at all temples in the city.

The saplings for this will be procured from private nurseries and social organizations.

She further said that discussions are on with the Gwalior Municipal Corporation and various social organizations to get their assistance in the procurement of sufficient saplings so that the ‘prasad’ can be given to devotees throughout the monsoon season.

She added that she is also planning to request the Nursery owners to open their counters near temples so that devotees can get the saplings without much hassle.