Tirupati laddu prasadam row: Kudali Sringeri Peetha seer to observe 3-day fast, vow of silence

SHIVAMOGGA, RAICHUR: In the light of the controversy over adulteration of the Tirupati laddu prasadam with animal fat, Kudali Sringeri Peetha seer Abhinava Shankara Bharati Swami has taken a vow of silence for three days and will also undertake a fast during that time.

Terming it as treachery on the Hindu community, the seer has suggested three different ways of penance for those who have consumed the adulterated prasdam. The presence of a priest is not required, he said (See attachment).SRINGERI MAHA SAMSTHANA

Kudali Sringeri Peetha seer Abhinava Shankara Bharati Swami.

Terming the incident as a huge mistake on the part of the government machinery, he said this was possible due to government control over temples and called upon society to demand freeing of temples from government control.

Meanwhile, Mantralaya’s Raghavendra Swami Math head Subhudendra Swami has called for a comprehensive investigation into the adulteration of the Tirupati laddu prasadam with animal fat, and suitable action against those guilty.

Subhudendra Swami of Mantralaya Raghavendra Swamy Math.

Stating that purification rituals should be conducted at Tirupati, Subhudendra Swami said he too will visit Tirupati and said he uneqivocally condemns the act.

Subhudendra Swami also called for freeing of temples, maths and other places of religious significance from government control. “Temples and maths in particular regions should be in the control of the local people. Prior to independence, these institutions were managed by disciples, devotees and local community leaders. After the laws of the modern world were implemented, these institutions came under government control”, he noted.