In a significant development recently, the Supreme Court came down heavily on the incumbent Chandrababu Naidu-led TDP government in Andhra Pradesh saying, “Gods should be kept out of politics” while questioning the state government’s decision to make public the lab report on Tirupati ‘laddus’ – the divine ‘prasadam’ offered at India’s richest and revered Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple located on Tirumala Hills.

The controversy erupted in the light of allegations that animal fat was used in preparing the revered ‘prasadam’ under the previous YSR government led by YS Jagan Mohan Reddy in the southern state.  The allegations and counter-allegations sparked communal tensions, shaking the faith of millions of Hindu devotees who visit the holy temple every year.

The temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, perched on Tirumala Hill, is one of India’s holiest pilgrimage sites, attracting millions of worshippers nationwide. The Srivari laddu, a divine ‘prasadam’, holds special significance for devotees. Thus, the claims regarding the use of animal fat in preparing the ‘prasadam’ not only triggered a political storm but also hurt the religious sentiments of the majority of Indians. A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by a Hindu Sena leader contented that such accusations, if found true, amount to a desecration of Hindu religious practices, further adding fuel to the fire.

For millions of Hindus, the ‘laddus’ from Tirupati are sacred, believed to carry Lord Venkateswara’s divine blessings. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, who went public revealing the findings of a lab report, claimed that the previous YSR Congress government had allowed adulterated ghee, possibly containing animal fat, to be used in the ‘prasadam’. This entire controversy over the use of animal fat being used in divine ‘prasadam’ has deepened the political divide while sowing seeds of distrust among devotees.

Making a strong observation over the issue, the top court stated that matters of faith should not be exploited for political gains. “Gods should be kept out of politics,” the top court sternly reminded the Chandrababu Naidu government, while also making it aptly clear that the lab report was “inconclusive”. The bench also raised concerns over the timing of the political statements, two months after the report was finalized. The apex court has now called for a deeper probe into the issue, stating that the use of “adulterated ingredients in the prasadam’, if proven, would be unacceptable.

The controversy surrounding the ‘prasadam’ isn’t just about the authenticity of ingredients, it also raises deeper questions about the politicisation of religious issues. In India, where faith is often intertwined with politics, such allegations can have far-reaching consequences. Political parties in the country have used the issue as ammunition to settle scores with their rivals, but at what cost? For the devotees, it’s not about which political party holds power – it’s ultimately about their faith in the sanctity of the offerings made to Lord Balaji.

The ‘prasadam’ controversy also underscores the need for stricter regulation of religious offerings in temples across India. Religious institutions like the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which manages the temple, must ensure that the highest standards of quality are maintained, especially when it comes to divine ‘prasadam’. While the net worth of Lord Balaji’s assets has reportedly reached nearly Rs 3 lakh crore, which surpasses the market capitalization of many top Indian companies, the faith of the millions who contribute to this wealth cannot be taken lightly.

The TTD, which manages not just the temple but also numerous assets and donations, should take stringent checks to prevent any possibility of adulteration in the divine prasadam. It should ensure a transparent process and regular inspections to restore trust among devotees.

What we need to understand is the fact that faith is delicate, and when it is questioned or comes under attack, it can have profound consequences. The Supreme Court’s recent observation serves as a reminder that political gain should never come at the cost of religious integrity.

For millions of devotees, the laddus from the revered Tirupati temple are more than just a sweet – they are a connection to the divine. As the issue unfolds, it is imperative that politics be set aside and concrete steps be taken to ensure the quality and sanctity of ‘prasadam’ in temples across India. Faith should be preserved, not politicized.