Tirumala: TTD holds`Shanti Homam Panchagavya Prokshana’ to restore sanctity of laddu prasadam

Tirupati: A four-hour Shanti Homam Panchagavya Prokshana (purification ritual) was held at Tirumala temple on Monday to cleanse the shrine and restore the sanctity of laddu prasadam.

The ritual began at 6 am, aimed at propitiating Lord Venkateswara Swamy from the alleged sacrilegious practices such as mixing animal fats in making Tirupati laddus (consecrated sweet) and others.

TTD executive officer J Shyamala Rao said these rituals will ward off the ill effects and restore the sanctity of laddu prasadam (consecrated food) along with the well-being of Srivari devotees.

The EO said to overcome the misconceptions about the adulterated ghee used in Srivari Naivedyams which hurt the sentiments of millions of devotees across the world, TTD mulled a Shanti Homam which will be observed in the Yagasala from 6 am to 10 am.

From August 15-17, TTD performed Pavitrotsavams which is an annual three-day sin-free festival prescribed in Agama Shastra.

However, since the presence of adulterated ingredients were identified in Srivari Naivedyams, the Agama Salaha Mandali has decided to perform Shanti Homam. This is a purification ritual that will be observed in Yagasala near Bangaru Bavi in the Tirumala temple.

Elaborating on the measures taken up by TTD over the improvement in the taste of laddus the EO said TTD has now changed the entire system of procurement of pure cow ghee.

With these reforms, the taste of laddu prasadam has improved by many folds and the devotees express immense satisfaction over the quality of Laddus.

It may be recalled that a major row erupted after Andhra Cheif Minister Chandrababu Naidu claimed that animal fat was used instead of ghee for preparing Tirumala Venkateswara Swamy Laddus during the previous YSRCP government.

A report from the Centre of Analysis and Learning in Livestock and Food (CALF) lab at Gujarat's National Dairy Development Board indicated the ghee contained traces of fish oil, beef tallow, and lard (a semi-solid white fat product obtained by rendering the fatty tissue of a pig). The sample receipt date was July 9, 2024, and the lab report was dated July 16.

According to TTD, there were five suppliers of Ghee to TTD and the rates were between Rs 320 to Rs 411. The suppliers--Premier Agri Foods, Kriparam Diary, Vaishnavi, Sri Parag Milk, and AR Dairy. Prima facie these rates are not viable rates for supplying Pure Ghee. All have been warned by the new Administration to ensure good quality Ghee otherwise samples will be sent to outside labs for testing for adulteration and will be blacklisted if found positive.

Chandrababu Naidu said the government will consult pontiffs, sages, priests, and other top Hinduism experts on the future course of action to be taken following allegations of animal fat adulteration in Tirupati laddus.