The Karnataka government has taken a firm stance on the use of ingredients in religious offerings, mandating that all temples in the state use only Nandini Ghee for making ‘Prasada’. This decision comes in the wake of a controversy that erupted over the use of animal fat in laddoos offered at the famous Tirupati temple in Andhra Pradesh.
The controversy was sparked by allegations from Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, who claimed that subpar ingredients, including animal fat, were used in making Tirupati laddoos during the previous administration. This triggered a wave of outrage among devotees, leading to a demand for transparency and quality assurance in religious offerings.
In response, the Karnataka government, led by Chief Minister and Congress leader Siddaramaiah, issued a directive to all 34,000 temples in the state to use only Nandini Ghee, produced by the state-run Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF). The decision aims to ensure that ‘Prasada’, the sacred offerings distributed to devotees, is made with high-quality ingredients and free from any controversial substances.
The directive, issued by Muzrai Minister Ramalinga Reddy, mandates the use of Nandini Ghee for all temple rituals, including lighting lamps, preparing ‘prasada’, and serving food in ‘Dasoha Bhavans’. The official circular emphasizes the importance of maintaining the quality of ‘Prasada’ at all times.
Furthermore, Minister Reddy announced that the ‘Prasada’ offered at major temples across Karnataka will undergo rigorous testing to ensure compliance with the new directive. This move highlights the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in religious institutions.
The controversy surrounding the use of animal fat in Tirupati laddoos also shed light on the contract between the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) and the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF), the producer of Nandini Ghee. KMF, in 2023, revealed that it was unable to compete with lower-priced ghee from other suppliers due to the higher cost of Nandini Ghee at ₹ 400 per kg. The federation opted not to participate in the tender, emphasizing its commitment to quality over cost-cutting measures.
However, in response to growing concerns among devotees and reaffirming their dedication to maintaining high standards, KMF resumed supplying Nandini Ghee to the Tirupati temple last month. This move underscores the importance of quality and transparency in religious offerings, ensuring that devotees can have faith in the sanctity and purity of the ‘Prasada’ they receive.
The Karnataka government’s decisive action in mandating Nandini Ghee for all temple ‘Prasada’ demonstrates its commitment to upholding religious values and ensuring the well-being of devotees. It also reflects the growing demand for transparency and quality assurance in religious institutions across India.
