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The distribution of Tirupati laddoos as prasadam during the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has sparked a controversy, fueled by allegations of animal fat being found in the laddoos served at the renowned Tirupati temple in Andhra Pradesh. The revelation by the Ram Temple's chief priest, Acharya Satyendra Das, has triggered demands for a thorough investigation into the claims.
The statement from the chief priest has added fuel to the existing fire surrounding the alleged contamination of laddoos at the Tirupati temple. The controversy initially arose when Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu alleged that animal fat and fish oil were found in the prasadam served at the Tirupati temple during the previous YSRCP regime. Citing a lab report from Gujarat, Naidu claimed the presence of 'beef tallow,' 'lard' (pig fat), and fish oil in the ghee used in the laddoos.
The Tirupati temple management, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), had dispatched over one lakh laddoos for the Ram temple consecration ceremony, attended by 8,000 dignitaries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra, the trust responsible for managing the Ram temple, refuted the claim of laddoos being distributed, stating that only cardamom seeds were offered as prasadam during the ceremony. Champat Rai, the trust's general secretary, expressed the need for a central investigation report on the Tirupati laddoos while maintaining their stance on the prasadam served at the Ram temple.
The controversy has spurred several prominent temples across India to conduct quality checks on their prasadam. At the Hanuman Garhi temple in Ayodhya, authorities have assured devotees of the use of desi ghee from branded companies for laddoos, with regular purity checks and sampling. The controversy has raised concerns about the quality and safety of prasadam offered at various temples, prompting a wider examination of practices and procedures.
The allegations against the Tirupati laddoos have created a significant stir in the religious sphere, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability in the management of religious institutions. The controversy has also raised questions about the efficacy of existing quality control measures and the potential risks associated with consuming prasadam from religious establishments. The demand for an investigation into the alleged contamination of Tirupati laddoos and the subsequent actions taken by various temples across India underscore the importance of maintaining faith in religious practices and the need for ensuring the purity and safety of offerings.
Source: Tirupati laddoos were distributed during Ram temple event, says chief priest