Devotee uncovers tobacco in Tirupati Prasadam controversy

Recent allegations regarding the Tirupati Prasadam controversy have ignited outrage among devotees. Claims surfaced that substandard ghee, possibly containing animal fat, was used in the preparation of the sacred prasadam. The situation escalated when devotee Donthu Padmavati from Khammam district discovered a packet of gutkha and traces of tobacco in the laddu she received after visiting the temple. “The prasadam is supposed to be sacred, and to find such contamination is heartbreaking,” she stated.

Government and regulatory response on Tirupati Prasadam controversy

In response to these serious allegations, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued a show-cause notice to A R Dairy Food Private Ltd, the Tamil Nadu-based supplier of ghee to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD). The FSSAI has demanded an explanation regarding why the company’s license should not be suspended for alleged violations of food safety regulations.

Additionally, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to further probe the matter. Naidu claimed that substandard ingredients, including animal fat, were present in the laddus served during Jagan Mohan Reddy’s administration, citing a private lab report that alleged the presence of “beef tallow,” “lard,” and fish oil in the ghee used. Former Chief Minister Reddy has denied these accusations, asserting that no violations occurred under his watch.

4-hour cleansing ritual 

Amid the rising controversy, a four-hour cleansing ritual was performed at the Tirumala temple to address these allegations and restore the sanctity of the prasadam. Temple officials reported that three homa gundas were set up for the Homa ceremony, adhering closely to the Shastras. Eight priests, guided by three Agama Shastra advisors, conducted the Shanthi Homam.

Following the Shanthi Homam, additional rituals including the Vastu Homam and an extensive cleansing process were performed to purify vessels, machines, and the ceremonial space. The priests also conducted Panchagavya Prokshana, a sacred ritual involving the sprinkling of a mixture made from five cow products to sanctify the environment.

According to TTD Executive Officer J Shyamala Rao, these ceremonies aimed to dispel negative energies and seek divine atonement from Lord Venkateswara Swamy for the alleged sacrilegious acts, including the claims of animal fats being mixed into the laddu preparation.

As the investigation unfolds, pressing questions about the safety and integrity of the offerings emerge. The TTD must ensure that such sacred traditions remain untainted, safeguarding the faith and health of millions of devotees. The cleansing ritual not only serves as a response to the contamination claims but also highlights the need for transparency and accountability in maintaining the revered status of the Tirupati laddu.

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