 |
|
The controversy surrounding the alleged use of animal fat in the preparation of 'prasad' (laddoos) at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple in Tirupati has taken a new turn with the chief priest of Ayodhya's Ram temple expressing outrage. Acharya Satyendra Das confirmed that 300 kg of 'prasad' from the Tirupati temple was distributed to devotees during the Ram temple consecration ceremony in January. This revelation has fueled tensions, with Das calling for strict action against those responsible for any adulteration of the sacred offering.
The controversy initially sparked when Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu claimed that animal fat was used in the Tirupati laddus during the previous government's tenure. While the opposition YSRCP accused Naidu of making politically motivated allegations, Naidu's TDP party presented a lab report to support their claim. The Ayodhya temple chief priest's statement adds further weight to the controversy, emphasizing the potential sacrilege involved in the alleged adulteration.
The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has reacted strongly to the allegations, demanding that the Andhra Pradesh government relinquish control and management of the Tirupati temple to the Hindu society. VHP secretary general Bajrang Bagda further called for 'freeing' all temples and other Hindu religious places from government control across the country. These demands highlight the deep religious and political sensitivities surrounding the issue. The controversy has the potential to escalate further, with the VHP's call for action and calls for an investigation into the allegations.
The use of animal fat in the 'prasad' is considered highly offensive to many Hindus, as it goes against dietary and religious principles. The controversy has raised concerns about the quality control and management of sacred offerings in Hindu temples. The potential for adulteration and the lack of transparency in the preparation process have triggered widespread anger and calls for accountability. The incident has also ignited a debate on the role of the government in managing religious institutions, with the VHP demanding greater autonomy for Hindu temples.
Source: 300 kg Tirupati laddus were distributed during Ayodhya Ram temple’s consecration ceremony