Kuldeep Jha
In a deeply unsettling revelation, millions of Hindu devotees are grappling with a profound sense of hurt after a recent lab report from the Centre of Analysis and Learning in Livestock and Food (CALF) confirmed the presence of animal fats, including beef tallow, lard, and fish oil, in the ghee used for the sacred Tirupati laddus.
For generations, these beloved offerings have been a cornerstone of faith and devotion at the Sri Venkateswara temple, making this news particularly painful.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has pointed to the current administration’s failure to maintain the sanctity of this holy prasadam, citing a distressing compromise in quality and appropriateness.
Devotees, understandably heartbroken, now face a betrayal of trust in what has always been considered a divine offering.
Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has denounced this incident as a severe affront to Hindu sentiments.
Spokesperson Vinod Bansal expressed disbelief, stating, “It is incomprehensible that anyone would allow this to happen to such a revered prasadam.”
This controversy transcends politics, striking at the core of faith for millions. The sacredness of the Tirupati laddus, deeply embedded in Hindu culture, now feels violated, leaving many believers in anguish.
Calls for accountability are growing, as devotees seek to ensure that those responsible for this oversight are held to account.
This painful episode serves as a stark reminder of the need for integrity in sacred practices and respect for the beliefs of countless devotees.
The hurt stemming from this incident will resonate deeply within the hearts of the community as they rally for justice and strive to restore the sanctity of their cherished traditions.
Update:
TTD Executive Officer J. Syamala Rao stated that the four ghee samples sent to the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB)’s CALF lab were sourced from A R Dairy Food, a company located in Dindigul, Tamil Nadu.
A R Foods allegedly supplied the adulterated ghee used for the Tirupati laddu in four tankers on July 6 and July 12 of this year.
In a post on X, Selva Kumar, Vice-President of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) industrial cell, highlighted that the company also provides ghee to the Murugan temple in Palani.
He called for comprehensive testing of the prasadam offered by temples managed by the state government. Additionally, he pointed out that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government appointed the company’s owner, Rajasekar, as a trustee of the Palani Murugan temple.
Arise Bharat 
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