The sacred Tirupati Balaji temple in Andhra Pradesh, revered by millions, underwent a cleansing ritual on Monday following accusations that animal fat, including beef tallow, was used in the preparation of the renowned Tirupati laddu offerings. The ritual, known as ‘Santhi Homam Panchagavya Prokshana,’ was conducted according to the principles of Vaikhanasa Agama, a branch of Hindu scripture. Eight temple priests, guided by three Agama Shastra advisors, presided over the cleansing ceremony, which commenced at 6:00 am and continued until 10:00 am. Shamala Rao, the Executive Officer of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), the governing body of the temple, and other officials participated in the ritual alongside the priests.
Krishna Seshachala Swamy, the Chief Priest of the Tirupati Temple, stated, “For the past four to five days, there have been numerous reports circulating globally claiming that the ghee used to prepare Balaji’s laddus contained animal fat. The Government of Andhra Pradesh and the TTD management approached us for a solution. We suggested that the TTD perform a homam called ‘Shanti Homam’ for purification, and they agreed. This morning, after 6 am, we sought the permission and blessings of Lord Venkateshwara and performed the homam… Now, everything is purified, and I request all devotees to please come to Tirupati Balaji, seek the blessings of Balaji, buy your laddus, and share them with your family and friends.”
The controversy surrounding the alleged adulteration of the laddus has taken a political turn. Earlier on Sunday, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter, citing claims that the previous YS Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government had used substandard ingredients and animal fat in the Tirupati laddus. Naidu asserted, “We are forming a Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising officers of IGP and above posts. The SIT will submit a report to the government, and we will take action based on that report so that such things are not repeated.”
Meanwhile, former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy vehemently denied the allegations, claiming in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the current Chief Minister is attempting to tarnish the reputation of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams. Jagan stated, “…Attempts are being made by CM Chandrababu Naidu to irreparably tarnish the sanctity, integrity, and reputation of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams…”. He further accused Naidu of being a “pathological and habitual liar” who has stooped to “seriously hurt the beliefs of crores of people purely for political objectives.”
The TTD management, however, maintains that the adulteration of the laddus was eradicated with sacred ceremonies held in August and has assured devotees that the administration always purchases pure ghee from recognized companies. Despite this, BJP leader Subramanian Swamy filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Supreme Court seeking a court-monitored investigation into the alleged adulteration. Swamy took to social media platform X, formerly Twitter, to state, “Today, I filed a PIL seeking Supreme Court direction to investigate unsubstantiated allegations by CM N Chandrababu Naidu that the Tirupati Tirumala Temple Prasadam were adulterated with meat of animals and other rotten items, creating chaos amongst almost bhaktas.”
This controversy has shaken the faith of many devotees and highlights the delicate balance between religious devotion and political maneuvering. The investigation by the SIT and the Supreme Court’s intervention will hopefully shed light on the truth behind the accusations and restore the faith of devotees in the sanctity of the Tirupati Balaji temple.
