The famous Tirupati temple, located in Andhra Pradesh, India, is believed to be one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Hindus. Their prasad, Triputai laddus are offered as bhog to the deities and served amongst the devotees.
However, a recent revelation has shaken the Hindu community and has created a ripple effect on the internet. The speculations of the presence of animal fat in the sacred prasadam in the holy temple of Tirupati started way back in July. However, the reports confirming the presence of animal fat in the ghee that was used to make Tirupati prasadam have filled the internet with shock, angst, and remorse.
As per reports, the ruling party of Andhra Pradesh, Telugu Desam Party (TDP), has stated that a Gujarat-based lab confirmed the presence of animal fat like beef tallow, fish oil, and lard –substances that are not only non-vegetarian but go against the religious sentiments of millions of Hindus.
What Is Tirupati Prasadam?
Tirupati Prasadam, particularly the Tirupati Laddu, has been prepared in the famous temple of Andhra Pradesh. Primarily made with besan, sugar, and ghee, the laddus have been prepared in the Tirupati temple for decades. To ensure the sanctity of the prasadam, Tirupati laddus were also given a GI tag (Geographical Indication) back in 2009. Known for its richness and purity, the recent lab findings have caused despair amongst the Hindus.
Confirmation From Lab Reports
As per the reports, a Gujarat-based lab has confirmed that the ghee which was used to prepare Tirupati laddus was, in fact, contaminated with animal fat. Some of the animal-derived substances found in the prasadam are:
- Beef Tallow: Fat derived from the holy cows, which is unacceptable to Hindus.
- Fish Oil: Another non-vegetarian ingredient that raises religious and ethical concerns.
- Lard: Fat from pigs, which is considered to be impure in Hinduism.
Commenting on the controversy, the Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Pawan Kalyan tweeted, “We are all deeply disturbed with the findings of animal fat (fish oil, pork fat and beef fat) mixed in Tirupathi Balaji Prasad. Many questions to be answered by the TTD board constituted by YCP Govt then. Our Govt is committed to take stringent action possible. But, this throws light on many issues surrounding desecration of temples, its land issues and other dharmic practices.”
Pawan Kalyan further added, “Many be the time has come to constitute a ‘Sanatana Dharma Rakshana Board’ at a National level to look into all the issues related to temples in entire Bharath. A debate has to happen at a National level by all the policy makers, religious heads, judiciary,citizens,media and all others in their respective domains. I think we all should come together to put an end to desecration of ‘Sanathana Dharma’ in anyform.”