Overhaul Announced for Tirumala Temple Management Amid Laddu Controversy

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu inaugurated the new Vakula Matha kitchen at Tirumala, emphasizing reforms to enhance prasadam quality amid laddu adulteration concerns. The government aims to improve temple services and gather feedback from devotees to elevate the spiritual experience at the iconic shrine.

In light of recent concerns regarding the quality of prasadam, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu held a review meeting with officials from Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) and inaugurated the new Vakula Matha central kitchen. This facility, constructed at a cost of ₹13.4 crore, can prepare meals for up to 18,000 devotees within half an hour, aiming to serve the approximately 1.25 lakh devotees visiting daily.

During the inauguration, Naidu emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring the highest quality of prasadam, particularly the renowned laddu offerings. “We will take all necessary steps to maintain the quality of products from the supply chain to the kitchen,” he stated, addressing concerns that have arisen following allegations of laddu adulteration.

The TTD's executive officer, J. Shyamala Rao, announced the discontinuation of the reverse tendering system for sourcing raw materials, previously implemented by the former administration. This decision is part of broader reforms aimed at enhancing the temple's reputation and ensuring the uniqueness of its prasadam, which is already patented.

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Naidu also highlighted the importance of gathering feedback from devotees, urging officials to implement a mechanism to capture and analyze visitor opinions to improve temple services. He reiterated the need to maintain the sanctity and spiritual experience of Tirumala, stressing that the focus should remain on enhancing the overall experience for all pilgrims, reducing VIP privileges, and respecting the sentiments of every devotee.

The government aims to further elevate the temple’s status as the holiest spiritual hub in India through these initiatives.