Tirupati Temple Conducts Purification Ritual Amidst Ghee Controversy

TIRUPATI — Allegations of substandard ghee being used in the famous Tirupati laddus have prompted the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) to initiate purification efforts at the temple. A purification homa (sacrificial ritual) was held today, led by Ramakrishna Deekshit, to restore faith among devotees of Lord Venkateswara.

The controversy arose after claims that inferior quality ghee was utilized in the preparation of the temple’s iconic laddus. In response, the TTD has implemented purification measures at all locations involved in food preparation, including the laddu-making area. The purification involved a thorough cleansing process using panchagavya, a mixture of five cow products, to sanctify the premises.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the alleged irregularities, including changes to the procurement rules for ghee. He criticized the previous Y.S.R. Congress Party (YSRCP) government for modifying these regulations, which he claims compromised quality standards.

Previously, ghee suppliers were required to have a minimum of three years of experience and conduct transactions worth at least ₹250 crore (about $30 million). The current government, led by Jagan Mohan Reddy, has reportedly reduced the experience requirement to one year and the transaction limit to ₹150 crore (about $18 million).