The Tirupati Laddu, also called the ‘Srivari Laddu’, has been the main offering at the temple for more than 300 years. The issue erupted after Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu claimed that animal fat had been used in the laddus distributed as 'prasad' at the Sri Venkateswara Temple during the previous YSRCP administration, led by Jagan Mohan Reddy, a claim refuted by Reddy.
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.
The Andhra Pradesh Government constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the alleged use of animal fat in laddus. "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," Naidu said.
Who Has Filed The Petition?
Petitions have been filed by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy and YV Subba Reddy, a Rajya Sabha MP from the YSR Congress Party and former chairman of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), both demanding a court-monitored investigation.
Tirupati Temple 'Sanitised'
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams held a purification ritual. The purification ritual, called the 'Shanti Homam', was performed in the kitchens where the laddu are prepared for offering. "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," one of the head priests of the temple, Krishna Seshachala Deekshitulu said.
"After 6 am, we all went to 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.