VARANASI, March 15 -- One of the two Annakshetras run by the Maa Annapurna Temple in Varanasi suspended operations on Saturday as the facility had not received a supply of LPG cylinders for the past three days, temple officials said. Mahant Shankar Puri of the Maa Annapurna Temple stated that alternative arrangements are being explored, and devotees will soon receive prasad (sacred food offerings) once again. Mahant Shankar Puri explained that the Annapurna Temple operates two Annakshetras (free community kitchens) at different locations. These facilities provide free meals daily to between 20,000 and 30,000 people, operating continuously from morning till evening. One of the two units already ceased operations today (Saturday), and Puri added that the second unit is also expected to shut down by this evening due to the scarcity of gas cylinders. He noted that while they were previously able to procure one or two cylinders, they have not received a single one over the past three days. Consequently, they were forced to close one unit, and the second now stands on the verge of closure as well. He emphasised that this institution holds immense significance-not only for the poor and the needy but also for the devotees who visit this sacred site....