2024-09-23 21:26:24
New Delhi: Tirupati Balaji temple is a confluence of faith and sentiments of Hindus, whose prasad is eaten by crores of devotees who consider themselves blessed. But a few days ago, it was revealed that the prasad offered from the temple contained animal fat. After which this matter is gaining momentum. There is an atmosphere of anger about this matter across the country. Let us know how the laddu offered in Tirupati temple came into controversy. Actually, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has accused the previous YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government of allowing the use of beef tallow, lard and fish oil in the ghee used to make laddus. Naidu cited a laboratory report of the Gujarat-based National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). He has called it not only an administrative failure but also an insult to religious sanctity.
Reddy challenges Naidu
Political experts say that the controversy has come at a time when Naidu’s Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has returned to power. This controversy is an opportunity to strengthen its appeal among Hindu voters. On the other hand, YSRCP has strongly denied these allegations. Senior party leader and former TTD chairman YV Subba Reddy has accused Naidu of political opportunism. Reddy has challenged the Andhra CM to take an oath before Lord Venkateswara to prove his claims.
Tirupati laddus have been in controversy earlier too
This is not the first time Tirupati laddus have been at the centre of controversy. Earlier too, issues over the preparation, distribution and quality of the laddus have sparked debate. There have been complaints about deviations from the traditional recipe and alleged commercial exploitation of the prasad. In 2023, Tirupati laddus came into the news due to quality control. At that time, it came to light that the famous ‘Nandini’ ghee of Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) was no longer being used to make the laddus. A senior KMF official said that they had refused to participate in the tender process for the supply of ghee to Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD). They said that they could not compromise on the price (Rs 400 per kg).
Nandini Ghee has been an important ingredient in the making of Tirupati Laddus for over two decades. When another private company replaced it, complaints from devotees increased about the deterioration in both the taste and texture of the laddus. Ghee plays an important role in the preparation of laddus. It adds richness and flavour to this holy sweet. Nandini Ghee was known for its high quality. As the controversy escalated, in February 2024, the Naidu government ensured the return of Nandini Ghee to bring back the traditional taste of the laddus as soon as it returned to power.
Laddu was also under question in the year 2016
The issue of safety and hygiene standards of Tirupati laddus was raised in 2016. At that time, activist T Narasimha Murthy had filed a complaint with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). He alleged that unhygienic practices were used in making laddus. Strange things like nuts, bolts and even paan parag covers were found in the laddus. The petition requested that the quality, certification and manufacturing methods of laddus be tested under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
In response, FSSAI on August 1, 2016, directed the Andhra Pradesh government and the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) executive officer to investigate the claims and ensure compliance with food safety regulations. The TTD initially opposed it. They argued that being prasad, the laddus were not subject to food safety norms. But FSSAI said anything meant for human consumption falls under its purview. This led to necessary changes being made in the way the laddus were prepared and inspected. Thus, the main issue of safety was resolved.
When gold was found in the laddu
In April 2012, 32-year-old goldsmith Sure Redappa from Chittoor found a gold item in one of the 16 laddus he bought after visiting the Tirumala temple. Redappa was so happy that he took the discovery as a sign from Lord Venkateswara, motivating him to continue his profession as a goldsmith. The earring weighed 400 milligrams and was worth about Rs 1,500. We performed puja on an auspicious day like Friday and found it in the laddu, it felt like a blessing, he told The Times of India over the phone. Similarly, a few years later, a devotee found a key ring in a laddu.