Tirupati laddu row: Tirumala temple 'purified' in four-hour long ritual

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu earlier announced the formation of the SIT to probe into the alleged incident.

Amid the row involving the alleged use of animal fat in making the Tirupati laddus, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams on Monday held a four-hour long “purification ritual” in the kitchens where the prasadam is prepared.

A Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) insider told PTI that the ritual began at 6 am and lasted till 10 am. It was aimed at propitiating Lord Venkateswara Swamy from the alleged sacrilegious practices such as mixing animal fats in making Tirupati laddus (consecrated sweet) and others.

Earlier, TTD's executive officer J Shyamala Rao said lab tests revealed the presence of animal fat and lard in chosen samples and the board was in the process of blacklisting the contractor who supplied “adulterated” ghee.

Amid #Tirupati Prasadam row, a purification ceremony was held at the temple- Watch.Eight temple priests lead the cleansing ritual.@dpkBopanna joins @Priyabahal22 with more details. pic.twitter.com/du27g37y6v
TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) September 23, 2024

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu earlier announced the formation of the SIT to probe into the alleged incident. Addressing a press conference at his Undavalli residence, the CM said people's sentiments were hurt after the revelations were made that animal fats were allegedly used to make laddus. The CM accused the previous YSRCP government of using substandard ingredients and animal fat in the making of the Tirupati laddu.

"An IG level or above officer-manned SIT will be formed. It will probe all the reasons and misuse of power and report to the government. The government will take stringent action to avoid recurrences (laddu adulteration); there is no compromise," said Naidu.

Meanwhile, YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting the “severest” action against his successor for “spreading lies” about the world-renowned Tirupati prasadam. The former Andhra chief minister claimed that misinformation was being spread about the Tirupati laddus. He said the adulterated ghee container, which arrived on July 12, was not used in making the laddus and misinformation is being spread.

“A robust procurement process has been in place for decades, the same was followed during the TDP (Telugu Desam Party) government from 2014 to 2019,” he said. “I request the PM to reprimand Naidu in the severest way for spreading lies,” Jagan wrote in his letter to the prime minister.