The famous Palani panchamirtham, given as ‘prasadam’ at the Murugan temple there, has been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
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This is the first time a temple ‘prasadam’ from Tamil Nadu has been bestowed with the GI tag. The application was filed by the Joint Commissioner/Executive Officer, Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Thirukkoil, North Giriveethi, Adivaram, Palani.
Chinnaraja G. Naidu, Deputy Registrar of Geographical Indications, confirmed that the GI tag had been given for the panchamirtham.
About Palani panchamirtham:
The palani panchamirtham is a Abishega prasadam for religious devotees prepared at the top of Palani Hills by labourers and the employ of the temple. This is made by combining the five natural substances like banana, cow ghee, cardamom, jaggery and honey. Dates and sugar candies are added to it for extra flavours.
The panchamirtham is made without adding any water, preservatives or artificial ingredients in the absence of any chemical processes. The Palani panchamirtham is made under the guidance of Mysuru’s Central Food Technological Research Institute. It is also certified by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
About GI Tags in Tamil Nadu:
Geographic Indication (GI) is a sign used on products that had a specific geographical origin, quality, reputation.
Tamil Nadu has 30 GI tags for various products including handicrafts such as Salem fabric and Kancheepuram silk, agricultural items like Virupakshi Hill banana, Erode turmeric and Madurai Malli.
