TIRUMALA: After the incident involving the adulteration of Srivari laddu prasadam, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has started a special purification ritual called the Shanti Homam. This ritual is being conducted in the temple’s Yagashala to cleanse and purify.
The ceremony began early in the morning at 6 AM. It included several purification processes such as Patra Shuddhi (cleansing of utensils), Yantra Shuddhi (cleaning of machinery), and Sthala Shuddhi (purification of the site). These rituals were followed by Panchagavya Prokshanam, a traditional purification involving sacred substances from cows.
Eight temple priests, along with three Agama advisors, are overseeing the ritual, which is taking place near the Vimana Prakaram. Three Homagundams (sacrificial fire pits) are being used during the Maha Krathu. Additionally, the priests will perform another purification ritual, called Samprokshanam, at all temple counters. The areas where the laddu prasadam is prepared and sold will also undergo a special cleansing called Vastu Shudhi.
TTD officials, including Executive Officer (EO) Shyamala Rao and Additional EO Venkayya Chowdary, were present during the purification rituals. According to EO Shyamala Rao, the adulteration issue was traced back to a defect in the ghee used for the laddu prasadam. The Shanti Homam is being performed as an act of penance to address this problem.
Temple priests explained that the Shanti Homam was arranged to remove impurities and clear any doubts regarding the sacred offerings. After the Homam, the entire temple, including the innermost sanctum, will undergo further purification with Panchagavya Prokshanam to ensure everything is spiritually cleansed.
