In response to the controversy surrounding the alleged use of “beef tallow” in the preparation of the famous Tirupati laddoos, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) conducted a “purification ritual” in its kitchens on September 23. This ritual, known as the Mahashanti Yagam, was held following Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu’s order for a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the claims of animal fat being used in the revered prasadam.
The TTD, which manages the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple in Tirumala, admitted to a “mistake” in offering prasadam made from adulterated ghee to the deity. The board emphasized that the Mahashanti Yagam aimed to rectify this error and uphold the sanctity of the temple. As part of the purification process, sacred panchagavya products were utilized to cleanse both the laddoo preparation area and the prasadam kitchen. The ritual involved eight priests and three agama advisors, alongside TTD executive officer Shyamala Rao and other officials.
The controversy erupted after Naidu accused the previous YSRCP government of permitting the use of animal fat in the ghee for Tirupati laddoos. Following laboratory tests that indicated adulteration in selected samples, the TTD announced plans to blacklist the contractor responsible for supplying the ghee. This development triggered widespread outrage and calls for safeguarding the sanctity of Hindu temples across the nation.
Naidu expressed concern over the public sentiment being hurt by these allegations and announced the formation of an SIT led by an officer at the inspector general level or higher. The SIT will investigate the potential misuse of power and the circumstances surrounding the ghee procurement processes altered under the YS Jagan Mohan Reddy government. In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Naidu urged intervention, asserting that the situation warranted urgent action.
As the controversy gained traction, a public interest litigation (PIL) was filed in the Supreme Court by Surjit Singh Yadav, president of the Hindu Sena, seeking an SIT inquiry into the issue. The PIL claimed that the TTD’s actions, by serving laddoo prasadam made with animal fat, have offended Hindu religious sentiments.
The political and religious leaders from various parties have united in their demand for a thorough investigation, underscoring the need for accountability and transparency in temple operations. The ongoing controversy has intensified calls for the devolution of temple management from government oversight, as public trust in the sanctity of religious practices hangs in the balance.
