 |
|
The Tirupati Balaji temple, a prominent Hindu pilgrimage site in Andhra Pradesh, has been embroiled in a controversy concerning the alleged adulteration of its prasadam, specifically the famed laddu offering. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, the TDP supremo, has made a sensational claim, alleging that during the previous government led by his political rival, YSR Congress Party boss YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, laddus containing animal fat were offered as prasadam at the Sri Venkateswara temple in Tirupati.
Naidu's allegation has sparked a political firestorm, with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) engaging in a war of words. While the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), the body that runs the temple, has lent credence to Naidu's charge, Reddy has vehemently denied the accusations. In response to the controversy, Naidu has announced that the Andhra Pradesh government will consult priests and top Hinduism experts to decide its next course of action.
The Chief Minister has stated that the government will deliberate with pontiffs, priests, and Sanatan Dharma (Hinduism) experts to determine the appropriate method for performing the 'samprokshana' (ritualistic sanitization) of the temple. He has also highlighted the unique and centuries-old nature of the Tirupati laddu, emphasizing that attempts to replicate it elsewhere, even in Ayodhya, have failed.
Adding another layer of complexity to the controversy, Gujarat-based dairy giant Amul has lodged a First Information Report (FIR) alleging a misinformation campaign surrounding the ghee used in the laddu. Amul has categorically denied supplying ghee to the TTD, stating that its ghee is produced from milk at certified and state-of-the-art facilities. The dairy giant has emphasized that Amul Ghee is India's most trusted ghee brand for over 50 years and continues to be a staple in Indian households. This statement aims to combat the misinformation circulating about the source of the ghee used in the Tirupati laddu.
The Tirupati temple controversy has raised significant concerns about the sanctity of religious offerings and the integrity of the institutions that manage them. The involvement of politicians, religious leaders, and prominent brands like Amul underscores the multifaceted nature of the issue. As the Andhra Pradesh government seeks guidance from religious experts, the controversy is likely to remain in the public eye, with implications for religious practices, political discourse, and the reputation of the Tirupati Balaji temple.
Source: 'Will consult priests regarding next course of action': Naidu on ‘animal fat in Tirupati laddus’ row