Tirupati Temple Laddus Sale Defies Animal Fat Controversy, 14 Lakh Prasadams Sold in 4 Days

The use of beef tallow in the preparation of Tirupati laddus has ignited a heated debate in Andhra Pradesh. However, despite the controversy, devotees maintain their unwavering faith in the revered Sri Venkateshwara Temple, which recently reported an impressive sale of 1.4 million laddus in just 4 days.

This recent controversy has incensed Hindu devotees and leaders, prompting intervention from the Andhra Pradesh government. Nevertheless, temple authorities assert that only vegetable oil is used in the preparation of prasadams.

The dispute has also influenced Andhra Pradesh politics, with opposition parties challenging the ruling YSR Congress Party. And in response to the serious allegations, the Andhra Pradesh government has set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to look into the matter.

Amidst the controversy, a group of temple priests conducted a 'maha shani homam' at the Tirupati Temple, one of Hinduism's most sacred sites.

Furthermore, Syamala Rao, the Executive Officer of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam—the government trust managing the temple—reported that the rituals lasted four hours, starting at 6 am, with a particular focus on the kitchen responsible for making the laddus. He also noted that the procurement system for 'pure cow ghee' had been revised, resulting in an "improved taste of laddus and other prasadam" from the temple.