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Lucknow: Amid growing concerns among devotees about the purity of world-famous Tirupati ‘laddu prasadam’, Lucknow’s Mankameshwar Temple has banned the offerings brought from the market. The temple administration has asked the devotees to bring homemade items for offerings.
"We have taken an initiative in view of the Tirupati Prasadam row. There is always some adulteration in the food products. We have banned the prasad bought from outside in the 'Garbh Grih'. We have requested the devotees to bring homemade prasad," said Mahant Divya Giri.
#WATCH | Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh | Mahant Divya Giri says, “We have taken an initiative in view of the Tirupati Prasadam row. There is always some adulteration in the food products. We have banned the prasad bought from outside in the ‘Garbh Grih’. We have requested the devotees… https://t.co/xtW7ucDailpic.twitter.com/Ia2xiU7n5J
— ANI (@ANI) September 23, 2024
The decision was taken amid claims of adulterated ghee being used for making the laddu at Sri Venkateswara Temple. The Tirupati Laddu, also called the ‘Srivari Laddu’, has been the main offering at the temple for more than 300 years. The newly-elected TDP government accused the previous YSRCP government of "adulteration" with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu claiming that animal fat was used in place of pure ghee, sparking concerns. However, Jagan Mohan Reddy refuted the allegations and has written to Prime Minister Modi asserting that no violation took place under his government and the entire controversy is unwarranted.
SIT To Probe Alleged Irregularities
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the alleged use of animal fat in laddus. This comes after a public interest litigation (PIL) was filed in the Supreme Court, seeking a probe by a SIT into the issue.
Addressing a press conference at his Undavalli residence, Naidu said people's sentiments were hurt after the revelations that animal fat was allegedly used to make Tirupati laddus. Naidu asked how one can supply pure ghee at Rs 319 when even palm oil is costlier than that.
"An Inspector General level or above officer-manned SIT will be formed. It will probe all the reasons, the misuse of power and give a report to the government. The government will take stringent action to avoid recurrences (laddu adulteration), there is no compromise," he said.
Lab Test Finds Presence Of 'Foreign Fat' In Ghee
The ghee used for preparing prasadam was tested at a Gujarat-based National Dairy Board which found traces of "foreign fat". According to the report by National Dairy Development Board's Centre of Analysis and Learning in Livestock and Food, accessed by TIMES NOW, the ghee sample revealed the presence of "beef tallow, pig fat, and fish oil". The sample receipt was recorded on July 9, 2024, and the report was dated July 16.
The report listed potential foreign fats, which included soybean, sunflower, olive, rapeseed, linseed, wheat germ, maize germ, cottonseed, fish oil, coconut and palm kernel fat, palm oil, beef tallow, and lard.
Later, the body managing the temple administration revealed it has come across sub-standard ghee and the presence of lard in samples tested for quality, echoing claims first made by Andhra Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu two days ago.
Jagan Mohan Reddy Writes To PM Modi
In the eight-page letter addressed to PM Modi, Jagan alleged that CM Naidu has hurt the beliefs of crores of people purely for political objectives.
Detailing the process undertaken at TTD, Jagan alleged that Naidu's actions lowered not only the stature of CM but also that of everyone in public life, the sanctity of TTD and its practices. "Sir, the entire country looks to you at this crucial juncture. It is very imperative that Mr Naidu be reprimanded in the severest way for his shameless act of spreading lies and that the truth be brought to light.
"Sir, this would help allay the suspicions that Mr Naidu has created in the minds of crores of Hindu devotees and restore their faith in the sanctity of TTD," Jagan wrote.
Explaining the sequence of events, he said it is crucial to note that the ghee allegedly adulterated was rejected and not allowed to enter the premises of TTD. However, Naidu with "malafide intention raised the issue at a political party meeting on September 18", he claimed.