Tirupati Laddu Controversy: Former Priest Claims Knowledge Of Animal Fat In Prasadam For Years

The Tirupati Laddu controversy has stirred significant debate. This issue centres on the sacred laddus distributed at the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) temple in Andhra Pradesh. Recent lab reports revealed that these prasadam contained animal fat instead of ghee. This revelation has sparked widespread concern and discussion among devotees and officials alike.

The controversy intensified when Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu criticised the use of animal fat in the laddus, claiming it tainted their sanctity. In contrast, YSR Congress leader Naidu dismissed these allegations. Former chief priest Raman Dikshathalu recently stated he had long been aware of this issue. According to News18, he said, "I had noticed adulteration in the cow ghee used to prepare Tirupati Laddu Prasad many years ago."

Dikshathalu further explained his attempts to address the issue with officials and the head of the Devasthanam were ignored. He mentioned, "Even after complaining to the concerned officials and the head of the Devasthanam in this regard, they did not pay any attention to it." The former priest also noted that a new government has pledged to resolve these misunderstandings.

Previously, laddu makers sourced ghee from government supplies for preparation. However, Dikshathalu claimed changes occurred over the past five years in how laddus are made. He alleged that during this period, animal fat and fish oil were mixed into the laddus.

The former priest expressed deep concern over this practice, stating, "For the last 5 years, they have been committing the great sin of mixing animal fat and fish oil in Tirupati Laddus." He urged authorities to prevent such actions from recurring in a temple revered by millions of devotees.

This ongoing controversy highlights a significant challenge for temple authorities as they work to restore trust among worshippers. Ensuring transparency and adherence to traditional practices will be crucial in addressing these concerns effectively.