The Chhattisgarh

Tag: Tirupati Laddoos controversy

  • Tirupati Laddoos Controversy: Temple Undergoes ‘Sanitation’ Amid Animal Fat Allegations |

    The Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple in Tirumala, Tirupati, has been at the centre of a controversy regarding the alleged use of animal fats in the preparation of its famed laddoos prasadams. Following these accusations, the temple authorities performed a ceremonial ‘sanitation’ ritual to restore the sanctity of the temple and its offerings.

     Four-Hour Ritual to Cleanse the Temple

    On Monday, the temple underwent a four-hour-long “ritualistic sanitation” known as the Shanti Homam Panchagavya Prokshana. This purification ceremony, which took place between 6 am and 10 am, was aimed at propitiating the deity from the purported sacrilegious practices that allegedly occurred during the tenure of the Jagan Mohan Reddy-led YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government. 

    The executive officer of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), J Shyamala Rao, stated that the ritual would not only restore the sanctity of the laddoo prasadams but also ensure the well-being of Srivari devotees. The sacred offering holds immense significance for devotees, and the allegations of adulteration have caused widespread concern.

     Allegations of Animal Fat in Tirupati Laddus

    The controversy began on September 19 when Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu alleged that the ghee used in preparing the iconic Tirupati laddus contained animal fat. These claims relate to the time when the previous YSRCP government was in power. Naidu’s allegations led to demands for an investigation and immediate action to address the concerns of devotees.

    Lab Reports Confirm Presence of Animal Products

    According to a lab report from Gujarat, ghee samples sent by the TTD for testing revealed the presence of animal fats, including beef tallow, lard, and fish oil. The executive officer of TTD, J Shyamala Rao, confirmed these findings and said the temple board is taking swift action, including blacklisting the contractor responsible for supplying the adulterated ghee.

    SIT to Investigate Adulteration Claims

    In response to the controversy, the Andhra Pradesh government has announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to thoroughly probe the alleged use of animal fats in the preparation of the Tirupati laddus. The SIT will investigate the extent of the adulteration, the involvement of suppliers, and ensure that the sacred offerings are restored to their original purity.

    This controversy has caused significant unrest among devotees, many of whom regard the laddoo prasadam as an essential part of their pilgrimage to the Tirumala temple. The temple authorities have assured devotees that all necessary steps are being taken to address the issue and maintain the sanctity of the temple offerings.

  • TDP Vs YSRCP Over Tirupati Laddoo Adulteration; 10 Key Updates On Prasadam Controversy |

    A bitter political fight erupted in Andhra Pradesh after Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu alleged that animal fat was used in the preparation of laddoos at the Tirupati temple during the tenure of the previous YSRCP government, led by YS Jagan Mohan Reddy. 

    During a press conference, the party displayed the purported lab report which apparently confirmed the presence of “beef tallow”, “Lard” and “Fish Oil” in the given ghee sample, according to a report by PTI. 


    The YSRCP has accused Chandrababu Naidu of making ‘heinous allegations’ for political advantage, while the TDP has circulated the lab report to support its claims of adulteration. 


    During an NDA legislative party meeting on Wednesday, Chandrababu Naidu alleged that the previous government, led by YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, had compromised the sanctity of the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple in Tirupati by using substandard ingredients and animal fat in the preparation of laddoos. 


    Following allegations made by Naidu regarding former CM Reddy and the Tirupati temple prasad, YSRCP Rajya Sabha MP Y.V. Subba Reddy condemned Naidu’s remarks as ‘baseless.’ Subba Reddy stated that Naidu’s comments were aimed at manipulating Hindu sentiments. 



    TDP spokesperson Anam Venkata Ramana Reddy presented a report by Gujarat-based livestock laboratory in a press conference that confirmed the presence of “beef tallow”, “Lard” and “Fish Oil” in the given ghee sample. 


    The sample receipt was dated July 9, 2024, while the lab report was issued on July 16. 


    However, neither the Andhra Pradesh government nor the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which oversees the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple, has officially confirmed the lab report, according to PTI. 


    The laboratory, CALF (Centre for Analysis and Learning in Livestock & Food), is a multidisciplinary analytical facility operated by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and located in Anand, Gujarat. 


    On Thursday, Chandrababu Naidu accused the previous YSRCP government of desecrating Tirumala, while also stating that the process of sanitization has already commenced.


    BJP leader and former TTD Board Member Bhanuprakash Reddy condemned the alleged use of animal fat in the Tirupati Prasadam at the Sri Venkateswara Temple. He announced plans to file a complaint against the previous YSRCP government, led by former Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy. Reddy asserted that during Jagan’s tenure from 2019 to 2024, the TTD used pure cow ghee for laddu preparation, which was later adulterated. 


    AP Congress Committee president Y.S. Sharmila criticised both the ruling TDP and the opposition YSRCP for engaging in ‘heinous’ politics surrounding the Tirupati laddus. On Thursday, she demanded a CBI probe to determine whether animal fat was indeed used in the preparation of the sweets.