Tirupati Prasadam Row: TTD performs ‘Maha Shanti Homam’ to restore sanctity of temple
The installation of three 'homagundams' in the Yagashala part of the temple complex was part of the ritual.
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), the trust of the Tirupati temple, held a ‘Maha shanti homam’ ritual early on Monday at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple to reaffirm the sanctity of the Devalayam, as allegations over Tirupati Prasadam containing animal fat intensified on Sunday. TTD Executive officer Shamala Rao and additional officials of the Board took part in the ‘Homam’ together with the priests.
The installation of three ‘homagundams’ in the Yagashala part of the temple complex was part of a ritual aimed at countering the ‘sinful effects’ of using any impure components.
Shamala Rao stated “A sensory panel has been established which will evaluate food samples on the parameters of aroma, taste and texture. To ensure that any ‘doshas’ which may have taken place during various programs or religious ceremonies conducted for Lord Venkateshwara, every year TTD conducts ‘Pavitraotsavams’ which involve ‘Samprokshnas’ in different areas. To ensure confidence is restored in devotees and they pray with a peaceful mind, one-day ‘Samprokshnas’ and ‘Shanti Homam’ will be conducted tomorrow. With this, we are hoping that the sanctity of the Devalayam and faith of devotees is restored.”
On Sunday, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe allegations of Tirupati Prasadam (laddu) adulteration.
Naidu said “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.” He further said “ I am taking three angles, first, purification, according to traditions. I am ordering an inquiry at the IGP level. Only those who have beliefs will be there in the management committee. Finally, we will prepare standard operating procedures for all the temples.”
In response to Jagan Mohan Reddy’s accusation that he was using diversion tactics to distract from unfulfilled promises, Naidu refuted the claim “What nonsense he (Jagan Mohan Reddy) is talking. Not even 100 days we have been in government. You tell the policies, criticise my policy, and I’ll answer what you have done, what I have done. But, you wanted to divert, but if you do so, more and more sentiments will hurt.”
A political controversy was stirred on September 19 by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu when he claimed that the ghee used in the Tirupati laddoo prasadam, which is offered at Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple in Tirupati, contained animal fat under the previous YSRCP regime.
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