In January, during the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, 300 kilograms of prasad from Tirupati temple were distributed to devotees, confirmed Acharya Satyendra Das, the chief priest of the Ram Temple. His statement comes amidst a heated controversy surrounding the alleged use of animal fat in the preparation of laddoos at the Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh.
Chief Priest’s Concern and Call for Action
“If animal fat was mixed in the prasad, it is unforgivable. Strict action should be taken against those responsible,” said Acharya Satyendra Das. The controversy intensified after a lab report revealed the presence of lard and other impurities in the ghee used by a contractor for making the laddoos. Following this, the contractor was blacklisted, and legal proceedings were initiated by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD).
Allegations by N Chandrababu Naidu
The row began when Andhra Pradesh’s former Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu raised concerns over the quality of Tirupati prasad. He accused the previous YSRCP government, led by YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, of compromising the purity of the laddoos by purchasing substandard ghee at cheaper rates. Mr. Naidu alleged that animal fat, including beef tallow and lard, was used in the ghee during the YSRCP regime.
Response from Jagan Mohan Reddy
Former Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy dismissed the accusations, calling them “diversion politics” and a “concocted story” meant to shift attention from the current administration’s shortcomings. However, lab reports commissioned by Mr. Naidu’s party, the TDP, supported the claims, revealing traces of animal fats and fish oil in the ghee samples.
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Tirupati Temple Management’s Actions
The temple management confirmed the findings, stating that four separate tests pointed to similar results. As a result, the TTD immediately blacklisted the contractor responsible for the adulterated ghee and halted all further supplies from them. Efforts were made to engage new suppliers of pure cow ghee, including the Nandini brand from Karnataka, to restore the sanctity of the laddoos.
Public and Government Reaction
The issue gained national attention, with Union Health Minister JP Nadda and Union Food Minister Pralhad Joshi calling for thorough investigations. They requested reports from the Andhra Pradesh government to ensure the matter was addressed. Meanwhile, the TTD has reassured devotees that the purity of the laddoos has been restored and that only the highest quality ingredients will be used going forward.
Ramana Deekshitulu, the former chief priest of Tirupati temple, echoed concerns over the quality of the laddoos, revealing that he had raised this issue with the TTD management earlier without receiving any response.
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