Hyderabad: Recent reports have surfaced that animal fat is being used in the preparation of the famous Tirupati Laddu. This news has caused concern among citizens and temple authorities, who are now urging that the quality of the prasadam be maintained. They also demand strict action against anyone found guilty of adulteration.
Raj Shekar Reddy, a businessman from Bolarum, expressed his disappointment. He said, “The Tirupati Laddu holds sentimental value for all of us. Hearing about adulteration has hurt us deeply. The authorities should take strong action against the suppliers, and the quality of the laddu must be tested at the National Institution of Nutrition.”
Sai Teja, an IT employee from Nizampet, was also shocked by the news. “The Tirupati Laddu is so divine, and there’s always a big demand for it when someone visits Tirupati. The reports of animal fat being used are upsetting. A thorough investigation is necessary. For the past 15 years, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has been sourcing ghee from a government-run dairy. They should continue doing this to maintain the quality. Last year, when I visited Tirupati, I felt the quality of the laddu had dropped,” he said.
B T Srinivasan, general secretary of the United Federation of Resident Welfare Associations, shared similar concerns. “This news is very shocking. I have been visiting Tirupati regularly for the past 10 years. Earlier, the quality was good, but over the last 3-4 years, it has deteriorated,” he noted.
Some senior priests and temple authorities from prominent temples such as the Ganesh Temple in Secunderabad and Chilkur Balaji Temple believe this issue is part of a larger conspiracy. They see it as an attack on Sanatan Dharma and suggest that temple management should be in the hands of temple officials, with minimal government interference to ensure the sanctity of temple affairs.
