Prasadam row: ‘Samprokshana’ and ‘Shanti Homa’ rituals conducted at Tirupati temple

KOLAR: The Tirumala Tirupati Devastanam (TTD) board on Monday conducted ‘Samprokshana’ and ‘Shanti Homa’ rituals to restore the sanctity of the temple in the light of allegations over the Tirupati laddu prasadam containing animal fat.

The rituals started at 6 am and was held in the presence of Vedic scholars, Agama pandits and the temple chief priest. There was no bar on devotees seeking darshan of Lord Balaji. The ‘Samprokshna’ was carried out all around the temple including the laddu prasadam kitchen, godown and the distribution counters. A Vastu Homa and Maha Shakti Homa were also conducted.

Tirumala Tirupathi Devastanam executive officer Shamala Rao said, “To ensure that any ‘doshas’ which may have occurred during various programmes or religious ceremonies conducted for Lord Venkateshwara, every year TTD conducts ‘Pavitraotsavam’ which involves ‘Samprokshna’ in different areas. To ensure confidence is restored in devotees and they pray with a peaceful mind, ‘Samprokshna’ and ‘Shanti Homa’ was conducted. With this, we are hoping that the sanctity of the temple and faith of devotees is restored”.

Temple executive officer Shamala Rao.

He further said that A sensory panel has been established which will evaluate food samples on the parameters of aroma, taste and texture. The panel has got training from Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) in Mysuru.