10-11-2024 (NEW DELHI) The historic Banke Bihari Temple in Uttar Pradesh has found itself at the centre of an unusual controversy after devotees mistook air conditioning condensation for sacred water, prompting temple authorities to issue a clarification.
Crowds of faithful visitors had gathered at the temple to collect water dripping from an elephant-shaped sculpture, believing it to be holy water emanating from Lord Krishna’s feet. Social media footage showed devotees queuing to collect the liquid in cups and sprinkling it on their heads in a display of religious devotion.
However, temple administrators have now confirmed that the ‘miraculous’ water was simply condensation from the building’s air conditioning system, which is channelled through the temple’s infrastructure before being discharged via decorative elephant-shaped spouts.
Serious education is needed 100%
People are drinking AC water, thinking it is ‘Charanamrit’ from the feet of God !! pic.twitter.com/bYJTwbvnNK
— ZORO (@BroominsKaBaap) November 3, 2024
The revelation has sparked disappointment among devotees, with some calling for accountability from temple management over the lack of clear information about the water’s source. Critics argue that the temple should have posted notices explaining the true nature of the water to prevent misunderstandings.
Medical experts have also weighed in on the incident, warning about potential health risks. A physician posting under the handle “TheLiver Doc” on social media platform X cautioned that drinking air conditioning condensation could be dangerous, noting that cooling systems often harbour various pathogens including fungal growth.
