BENGALURU: The alleged use of animal fat in the famous laddu prasadam given at Tirumala temple in Andhra Pradesh has sparked widespread controversy as it has hurt the sentiments of millions of devotees and created panic among temple priests. Hence, the Karnataka Priests’ federation decided not to use Tirupati laddu till they get some clarity on the allegations of adulteration.
K S N Deekshit, general secretary, All Hindu Temple Priests’, Agamika and Upadhivanta Federation, said they have decided not to use Tirupati laddu until further clarity is provided.
Lord Balaji at Tirupati is revered by millions and the Venkateshwara temple is one of India’s wealthiest. However, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu’s explosive statement alleging animal fat in Tirupati’s laddu prasadam has sparked outrage at the nation level and turned into a political debate.
Amid this, the State Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department has ordered the mandatory use of Nandini ghee in temples. The state’s priests have decided not to use Tirupati laddu until clarification on adulteration.
Tirupati laddus are usually brought and offered as prasadam to devotees in the Kalyanotsava events held in A and B category temples of the state. Henceforth, they would not use Tirupati laddu in state temples, including A and B category temples.
Deekshit said priests will also suggest to devotees not to bring Tirupati laddu for marriage, housewarming and Upanayana ceremonies.