Tirupati Laddu Controversy: 1.4 Million Sold in 4 Days Despite ‘Beef Tallow’ Allegations

Despite allegations of animal fat being used in Tirupati laddus during the previous government, sales remain unaffected with over 1.4 million sold in four days. Andhra Pradesh’s ruling YSRCP claims the issue is being politicized, while temple authorities have conducted rituals to restore the sanctity of the prasad.

The Tirupati temple, which sees more than 60,000 pilgrims daily, has been at the center of a political controversy after allegations emerged that animal fat was mixed with the ghee used to make the iconic Tirupati laddus. Despite the claims, the sale of the revered prasad has not been impacted, with over 1.4 million laddus sold in just four days, according to a report.

On September 19, 3.59 lakh laddus were sold, followed by 3.17 lakh on September 20, 3.67 lakh on September 21, and 3.60 lakh on September 22. These figures align with the temple’s average daily sales of around 3.50 lakh laddus.

The controversy began after Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu accused the previous YSRCP government of using animal fat in the prasad during its tenure. In response, the Andhra Pradesh government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the allegations. The ruling YSRCP, however, claims the issue has been politicized by the opposition.

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The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) swiftly acted to restore the faith of devotees by conducting a four-hour purification ritual, 'Shanti Homam Panchagavya Prokshana,' on Monday. This ceremony, performed by temple priests, was aimed at cleansing the alleged desecration and preserving the sanctity of the laddus and other food offerings.

The laddus are made daily using Bengal gram, cow ghee, sugar, cashews, raisins, and almonds, with approximately 15,000 kg of cow ghee used every day.