The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has reassured devotees of the sanctity and purity of the famed Tirupati Laddu Prasadam, following concerns over the quality of ghee used in its preparation. In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday night, the TTD confirmed that the holiness of the sacred offering has been restored to the satisfaction of all devotees.
“The divinity and purity of Srivari Laddu is unblemished now. TTD is committed to protecting the holiness of Laddu Prasadam to the satisfaction of all the devotees,” the temple board declared.
The announcement follows revelations that sub-standard ghee, including the presence of lard (pig fat), had been found in samples during quality testing. The matter came to light two days earlier when Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu raised concerns, prompting an investigation.
Accusations have since been directed toward the previous YSRCP government, with former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy dismissing the claims as “diversion politics” and calling the allegations a “concocted story.”
In response to the controversy, Union Food Minister Pralhad Joshi has called for a thorough investigation. The central government has sought a detailed report from the Andhra Pradesh administration and assured that appropriate action will be taken after review.
TTD Executive Officer J. Shyamala Rao confirmed on Friday that laboratory tests had indeed identified the presence of animal fat and lard in certain ghee samples. The board is now in the process of blacklisting the contractor responsible for supplying the adulterated ghee, ensuring such incidents do not occur in the future.