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SC: Lab Report Shows ‘No Impure Ghee’ Used in Tirupati Laddu Controversy

September 30, 2024, 3:51 pm

Amid ongoing concerns regarding the adulterated ghee allegedly used for making laddu at Sri Venkateswara Temple in Andhra Pradesh, the Supreme Court stated on Monday that the lab report does not definitively indicate that “impure” ghee was used. The Tirupati Laddu, also known as the ‘Srivari Laddu,’ has been the primary offering at the temple for over 300 years.

Justice Viswanathan raised questions about the lab report, stating, “There are some disclaimers in the lab report. It is not clear, and it is prima facie indicating that it was rejected ghee, which was subjected to test.” Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing the State of Andhra Pradesh, was present during this discussion. Justice Gavai added, “It could also be soyabean…does not mean it was fish oil.”

Matter of Faith

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta emphasized to the bench that this issue pertains to faith, asserting that the use of contaminated ghee in laddu preparation would be unacceptable. The Supreme Court is currently considering whether to transfer the investigation to a Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the Centre or to an independent agency.

Also Read: Supreme Court Questions Andhra Pradesh Government on Tirupati Laddu Controversy

Temple Purification Ritual

In response to the concerns, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams conducted a purification ritual last week. This ceremony, known as the ‘Shanti Homam,’ was performed in the kitchens where the laddus are made for offerings. “The state government came up with a proposal that what to do to purify the places of the temple. So, we went to the management with the proposal to perform a Shanti Homam. After approval, we decided last evening to perform it today after 6 am,” said Krishna Seshachala Deekshitulu, one of the head priests of the temple.

“After 6 am, we all went to the sanctum sanctorum to take the blessings of and permission from Lord Venkateswara…Now everything has been purified, I request all devotees that they need not worry anymore. Come have the darshan of Lord Balaji and take the prasadam back home,” he added.

Supreme Court Questions Andhra Pradesh Government on Tirupati Laddu Controversy

September 30, 2024, 2:27 pm

The Supreme Court of India on Monday challenged the Andhra Pradesh government regarding the Tirupati Prasadam controversy, emphasizing the need to keep religious matters separate from politics. The court questioned the government about the necessity of going to the media before confirming whether adulterated ghee was used in the preparation of the famous Tirumala laddus.

“At least we expect gods to be kept away from politics,” the court remarked strongly. It pointed out that lab reports indicated that the ghee tested was a rejected sample and noted that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe had already been initiated.

Justice BR Gavai asked senior advocate Siddharth Luthra whether the ghee that did not meet standards was used for making the laddus. Luthra responded that the matter was still under investigation.

“Then what was the need to go to the press immediately? You need to respect religious sentiments,” Justice Gavai stated, adding that complaints had been received regarding the taste of the laddus.

Earlier this month, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu alleged that animal fat was being used in the preparation of the sacred prasadam at the ancient temple, asserting that adulterated ghee was used during the tenure of Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy. In response, the Andhra government formed a Special Investigation Team to look into the allegations.

Reddy rejected Naidu’s claims, accusing him of “blatantly lying” about the Tirupati Laddu Prasadam. He criticized Naidu for trying to shift the political focus by bringing up the Laddu issue, questioning the sanctity of the Tirumala temple. “To obstruct my temple visit, they are serving notices, while BJP cadres are coming into the state from elsewhere, with police deployed at multiple locations. Is this justified?” Reddy said, emphasizing that Naidu’s allegations were misleading and damaging to the temple’s reputation.

Cultural Heritag in Midst of Tirupati Laddu Controversy

September 30, 2024, 12:11 pm

A recent controversy has arisen regarding the alleged use of ghee mixed with animal fat in making the famous Tirupati laddu. This issue emerged when YS Jagan Mohan Reddy was the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, sparking significant political debate and outrage among millions of devotees of Lord Venkateshwara. Many consider the quality of laddu prasadam to be sacred.

Complaints About Laddu Quality

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which manages the temple, reported receiving numerous complaints from pilgrims about the declining quality of laddu in recent years. TTD executive officer J Shyamala Rao mentioned, “It was found that suppliers were supplying poor quality ghee, which lacks aroma and taste, and was possibly adulterated.”

He explained that while the TTD laboratory can test certain parameters like moisture, fatty acids, and iodine value, it lacks the capability to detect adulteration with foreign fats. Rao also noted that the National Dairy Development Board offered to donate equipment valued at ₹75 lakh to help TTD conduct these tests.

Former Chief Priest’s Allegations

AV Ramana Deekshitulu, the former chief priest of the Tirumala temple and an advisor on temple rituals, claimed he had repeatedly raised concerns about the declining quality of laddu and other prasadams over the past few years, but his complaints went unaddressed. He stated, “I had been in the service of Lord Venkateshwara for the past 50 years, but never had I come across the adulteration of any raw material used in the preparation of laddu.”

Historical Context of Tirupati Laddu

RTI activist BKSR Iyengar pointed out that there is no archaeological evidence regarding the current form of the Tirupati laddu, which has significant emotional value for many devotees. He noted, “There was a mention of ‘Tirumala laddu’ in the songs of popular 15th century saint and composer Annamacharya, but it was not a popular offering to the Lord.”

Dr. V Thimmappa, a history professor at Sri Venkateshwara University, shared insights from his research paper, stating that offering prasad to the deity dates back to the Pallava dynasty in the ninth century, starting with cooked rice. Over the years, various forms of offerings, including “Naivedyam,” evolved. The term “laddu” likely originated from “manohara padi,” mentioned in records from 1715.

Evolution of the Laddu

In the 19th century, the Madras presidency began selling prasadams to pilgrims, with vadas being particularly popular due to their preservation capabilities. The early 20th century saw the introduction of sweet bundi, which eventually transformed into the laddu we know today in 1940, eight years after TTD’s establishment.

Thimmappa highlighted Kalyanam Iyengar’s role in developing the present-day laddu, as he introduced the Mirasidar system for preparation. This system, which allowed certain families to make laddus, lasted until its abolition in 2001 after a Supreme Court ruling.

Preparation of Tirupati Laddu

Tirupati laddus are traditionally prepared in the temple kitchen, known as “potu,” located near the sanctum sanctorum. Ingredients are transported via conveyor belts. Cooking transitioned from firewood to LPG fuel in 1984. According to TTD’s guidelines, the preparation follows a list of ingredients specified in the “Aagama Sastra,” with slight modifications for taste over the years.

Currently, about 2.5 lakh laddus are prepared daily using significant quantities of ingredients: 10 tonnes of besan flour, 10 tonnes of sugar, 700 kg of cashew nuts, and up to 500 litres of ghee, among others. Over 600 staff members are involved in this labor-intensive process, with the kitchen having undergone extensive modifications for efficiency.

In February of the previous year, TTD’s then-executive officer announced plans to import advanced machines capable of producing six lakh laddus daily. However, as of now, there have been no updates on this development. Iyengar cautioned against using machines for laddu preparation, as it contradicts Agama principles.

Protecting the Laddu’s Heritage

To prevent black market activities surrounding Tirupati laddus, TTD registered them for a geographical indication (GI) tag in 2008. It secured patent rights under the GI Act in 2009, preventing unauthorized production of the sweet. The Indian government even released a postal stamp in 2017 to honor Tirupati laddu as part of its cuisine series.

Historical Inscriptions on Prasadam Quality

Iyengar noted that historical records indicate the high standards maintained by past rulers regarding prasad preparation for Lord Venkateshwara. There are approximately 1,150 inscriptions in various languages, including Kannada and Sanskrit, found in the Tirumala and Tirupati temples. One such inscription, located on the north wall of the Tirumala temple, emphasizes the importance of careful transportation of ghee for the temple offerings.

‘Speaking Up About Hindus is Not an Attack on Secularism’; Pawan Kalyan, Prakash Raj Clash Over Tirupati Laddu Controversy

September 24, 2024, 6:16 pm

A fiery public spat has erupted between Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and actor Prakash Raj over the controversial Tirupati Laddu Prasadam. The row began when reports surfaced about alleged adulteration of the sacred laddu with animal fat, sparking outrage across the state. Pawan Kalyan, a staunch defender of Sanatana Dharma, voiced his frustration, calling the contamination “deeply disturbing.” He urged for stringent action against those involved and proposed a national-level debate to protect Hindu dharma.

Prakash Raj, however, criticized Kalyan for sensationalizing the issue, calling on him to focus on finding the culprits instead of amplifying communal tensions. In a tweet, Raj asked Kalyan why he was making this a national issue when Andhra Pradesh, where Kalyan holds office, should be handling it locally. He also accused the Deputy CM of spreading fear during a sensitive time, urging a more measured response.

Also read: Yogi Adityanath Cracks Down on Food Safety After Human Waste Contamination Scandal

Pawan Kalyan responded by questioning Raj’s understanding of the situation, accusing him of hypocrisy. Kalyan defended his stance, emphasizing that speaking up about issues affecting Hindus is not an attack on secularism. He highlighted his respect for all religions but stressed that defending his faith is equally important. The exchange has caught the attention of the public, with both personalities standing firm on their positions.

Tirupati Laddu Scandal: Betrayal of Hindu Faith, Says Shankaracharya

September 24, 2024, 4:45 pm

Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati of Jyotirmath has raised serious concerns over the ongoing controversy surrounding the alleged adulteration of the famous Tirupati laddu prasadam. The Shankaracharya compared the incident to the 1857 revolt led by Mangal Pandey, highlighting its significance as a betrayal of the Hindu community. He emphasized that this was not merely a controversy but an “organized crime” against Hindus and called for swift justice.

The row began after reports surfaced alleging the use of adulterated ghee, possibly mixed with animal fat, in the laddus offered as prasadam at the Tirupati temple. This has sparked outrage among devotees and religious leaders alike. Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand, during a press conference, expressed deep dissatisfaction with the temple’s trustees, accusing them of failing in their duties. He stated that while investigations are ongoing, those in charge should be held accountable regardless of the outcome, and any delay in the investigation would only add to the growing mistrust.

He further called the incident a “big betrayal,” akin to forcing impurity upon millions of devout Hindus. Drawing parallels to Mangal Pandey’s refusal to use cartridges rumored to be greased with animal fat, which sparked the 1857 rebellion, he invoked a similar level of importance to the adulteration allegations, urging immediate action and punishment for those responsible.

Also read: ‘Secrets of Sinauli’: Manoj Bajpayee, Neeraj Pandey collaborate for Discovery original series

The controversy has also seen political leaders get involved, with various parties targeting each other. Andhra Pradesh Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan blamed former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy for the contamination, while religious groups demanded stringent laws to protect the sanctity of religious practices. The Andhra Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, has ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter and ensure the incident is not repeated. Meanwhile, purification rituals have been conducted at the temple to restore faith among devotees.

Tirupati Laddu Ghee Supplier Responds: ‘Fish Oil Costs More’

September 22, 2024, 12:19 pm

A working associate of AR Dairy Food Private Limited, a company from Tamil Nadu accused of supplying adulterated ghee to Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) for prasadam at the Sri Venkateswara Temple, has strongly denied the accusations, calling them “absurd.”

Following legal action initiated by the TTD, the employee dismissed claims that fish oil was used in the ghee, arguing that it made no sense as fish oil is more costly than ghee.

Kanan, a quality control officer at the company, pointed out that any adulteration would be immediately noticeable by its smell. He stated, “The accusations, whether about vegetable oil or animal fat, are very harmful to our business. The idea that fish oil was added is absurd since it’s more expensive than ghee. Plus, the smell would make it easy to detect.”

Kanan also mentioned that the company has been producing ghee since 1998, performing 102 quality checks on the milk used. He further explained that TTD conducts its own tests on the ghee. “Our ghee goes through testing in national labs before being sent to TTD, and once it arrives, their food safety officer checks it again,” he said.

On the other hand, spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar voiced concerns, stating the issue had deeply hurt Hindu sentiments. He wrote on X, “The Tirupati laddu controversy has deeply wounded the Hindu psyche. It’s time temple management was placed in the hands of religious leaders and devotees instead of officials, businesspeople, and politicians.”

TTD’s executive officer J Shyamala Rao recently said lab tests showed traces of animal fat and lard in the ghee supplied by AR Dairy. Andhra Pradesh minister Nara Lokesh also weighed in, promising action. “The NDDB report clearly shows adulteration. This is not just an allegation. We will ensure that those responsible face the consequences, and this issue won’t stop with just a CBI inquiry,” he affirmed.

Tirupati To Install Adulteration Testing Machine By January

September 21, 2024, 4:42 pm

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) is set to receive advanced in-house testing equipment to ensure the quality and purity of ghee used for its renowned laddoos. Donated by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), this high-tech machinery is expected to be installed by December or January.

Current Testing Procedures

Although TTD already operates a laboratory, the new equipment will enable comprehensive testing to meet food safety standards, particularly in light of recent allegations regarding animal fat found in the laddoo prasadam. TTD Executive Officer Shyamala Rao stated that the machinery must be imported and the acquisition process is underway.

In the interim, TTD will conduct random sampling and testing of ghee and other raw materials. Rao explained that the existing laboratory will first evaluate ghee for sensory parameters, and if tests fail, samples will be sent to external labs for further analysis.

Also Read: Tirupati Laddoo Row: Temple Board Assures Devotees Amid Claims Of Animal Fat In Prasadam

Concerns Over Adulteration

Reports from lab tests have indicated the presence of animal fat and lard in certain samples. “All four reports of the samples gave similar results. So, we immediately stopped the supplies, and the contractor’s blacklisting was initiated,” Rao said, adding that penalties would also be imposed. A new tender will be floated based on recommendations from an expert committee to ensure stricter vetting of ghee suppliers.

Government Response

The adulteration issue has prompted Union health minister JP Nadda to seek a detailed report from Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, while Union minister of state for home Bandi Sanjay has called for a CBI inquiry. Rao noted that the absence of an in-house testing facility previously allowed suppliers to exploit the situation.

Lab Findings

Lab tests from NDDB’s Centre for Analysis and Learning in Livestock and Food revealed that a sample labeled as cow ghee did not meet FSSAI standards, indicating it was adulterated with various potential contaminants. One report showed that ghee samples had readings indicating high levels of adulteration.

“Pure milk fat should have a reading between 95.68 and 104.32, but all our ghee samples had values around 20,” Rao stated, highlighting the severity of the issue.

Investigations and Accountability

In response to complaints about the laddoos’ quality, the ruling TDP has formed a special committee, including experts from various institutions, to investigate. They collected samples from suppliers, including AR Foods, which has faced scrutiny for winning contracts at suspiciously low prices.

TDP spokesperson Anam Reddy questioned how AR Foods could supply ghee at Rs. 320 per liter when genuine pure ghee costs around Rs. 1,000. AR Foods, however, defended itself, claiming that none of the lab reports directly implicated them, and insisted their ghee meets quality standards.

Despite AR Foods’ claims, Rao asserted that the samples sent to NDDB were indeed from them, taken from tankers arriving in July. AR Foods stated that their ghee undergoes rigorous quality control and has FSSAI certification confirming its purity.

‘One Nation, One Mom’: Congress Mocks Viral Tirupati Laddu Tweets Amid Controversy

September 21, 2024, 2:02 pm

The Kerala Congress’ official Twitter account took a playful jab at the strikingly similar tweets circulating about the Tirupati Laddu controversy. On Friday, the party highlighted the uncanny uniformity in multiple accounts sharing the same story about their family’s experience with the temple prasad, captioning it with a humorous remark: “One nation, one mom.”

Identical Tweets Go Viral

The replicated tweets all featured a personal anecdote involving the Tirupati Laddu. One version read, “For 2-3 years, Amma would fall sick after tasting the Laddu and warned us not to eat too much of it. We brushed it off as her usual paranoia about hygiene. But now, I feel a part of her sensed something terribly wrong with the Laddu.” This identical story appeared across several accounts, raising eyebrows on social media.

One Nation, One Mom pic.twitter.com/6lE5ibShze

— Congress Kerala (@INCKerala) September 20, 2024

The Tirupati Laddu Scandal

This viral post comes at a time when the country is gripped by a serious controversy surrounding the sacred Tirupati Laddu. Allegations have surfaced that animal fats, including beef, pig fat, and fish oil, were detected in the ghee used to prepare the temple prasad. Lab tests reportedly confirmed the presence of these ingredients, sparking outrage nationwide.

Political Reactions and Growing Demands

Political leaders such as former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi have all commented on the controversy. The BJP is pushing for a CBI investigation, calling the incident a grave insult to Hindus worldwide. As the scandal intensifies, the demand for accountability has only grown louder, with both sides of the political spectrum weighing in on the issue.

Congress Adds Irony to the Debate

Amid the serious national debate, the Congress’ lighthearted tweet calling attention to the repetitive nature of the complaints has added a dose of irony to the ongoing controversy. The party’s witty remark has sparked discussions online, providing a brief moment of levity in an otherwise tense situation.

Watch: Pawan Kalyan Advocates for Sanatana Dharma Rakshana Board Amid Tirupati Laddu Row

September 21, 2024, 10:58 am

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan expressed serious concern on Friday about allegations that animal fat was used in the preparation of Tirupati laddus during the previous YSRCP government.

Kalyan stated, “We are all deeply disturbed with the findings of animal fat (fish oil, pork fat, and beef fat) mixed in Tirupati Balaji Prasad. Many questions need to be answered by the TTD board constituted by the YCP government then. Our government is committed to taking stringent action possible. But, this sheds light on many issues surrounding the desecration of temples, its land issues, and other dharmic practices.”

He suggested the establishment of a “Sanatana Dharma Rakshana Board” at the national level to address temple-related issues throughout India. “A debate has to happen at a national level among policymakers, religious leaders, the judiciary, citizens, media, and others. We all should come together to put an end to the desecration of Sanatana Dharma in any form,” he added.

A report from NDDB CALF, a private lab that tests animal feed and dairy products, revealed that samples of ghee used in making the laddus contained foreign fats, including palm oil, fish oil, beef tallow, and lard. The ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) spokesperson Anam Venkata Ramana Reddy shared the report.

#WATCH | Amaravati: On Tirupati Laddu Prasadam row, Andhra Pradesh Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan says, "…The quality of prasad is always quite superior and if you get even a small byte, it is like a mahaprasad to everybody. It was done with great reverence. The material chosen for… pic.twitter.com/PFmCa2KRih

— ANI (@ANI) September 20, 2024

Andhra IT Minister Nara Lokesh also criticized the previous government, stating he was shocked to discover the alleged use of animal fat instead of ghee. In contrast, senior YSRCP leader YV Subba Reddy, who led the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams under the previous government, dismissed these allegations as “malicious.”

Jagan Reddy Denies Allegations of Animal Fat in Tirupati Laddu

September 20, 2024, 5:05 pm

Reacting to allegations of using animal fat in the Tirupati Laddu Prasadam, former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy stated on Friday that the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) is “politicising religious matters.” Chandrababu Naidu had accused the previous YSR Congress-led government of using animal fat instead of ghee at the Sri Venkateswara temple in Tirupati.

Reddy clarified that the tender process for ingredients takes place every six months and follows long-established criteria. He emphasized that all suppliers must provide an NABL certificate and product quality certification. ”

TTD collects samples from the ghee, and only products that pass the certification are used. We rejected the products 18 times during our regime,” he added.

Executive officer of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD), Shamala Rao, commented on the matter, stating that, under CM Naidu’s instructions, a lab test was ordered to address concerns about the quality of the Prasadam. Rao explained that when she took over as the executive officer, Naidu had expressed concerns about the ghee procured for the laddu, stressing its sacredness as an offering to Lord Venkateswara Swamy. “Any deviation in quality would lead to ‘apavithram’ (non-sacred offerings),” she noted. Rao further stated that a lack of internal and external lab testing facilities complicated the situation, and the low rates quoted by tenderers raised doubts about the purity of the cow ghee supplied. “We warned all suppliers that they would be blacklisted if their ghee failed to pass the lab test. The collected samples were sent to a government-controlled lab, and the reports were shocking,” Rao revealed.

On Thursday, Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh shared a video showing CM Naidu claiming that animal fat had been used in the Prasadam. Lokesh expressed shock at the discovery and criticized the YS Jagan administration for allegedly disrespecting the religious sentiments of millions of devotees.

Also read: KMF Responds To Andhra CM’s Allegations Of Animal Fat In Tirupati Laddu Prasadam

However, YSRCP leader YV Subbareddy denied the allegations, asserting that only organic ingredients, including ghee, have been used for the past three years. He called the accusations baseless and a “vile allegation” designed to mislead the public and harm the reputation of the YSRCP government.