Laddu Controversy: Ram Janmabhoomi Priest Calls for Reform in Prasad Preparation

The controversy over the alleged adulteration of Tirupati Temple laddus has sparked reactions in Uttar Pradesh, especially in Ayodhya, Prayagraj, and Mathura, leading to calls for changes in how 'prasad' is made and distributed.

In Ayodhya, Satyendra Das, the chief priest of the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, has called for a "complete ban" on prasad prepared by outside agencies.

He is worried about the purity of ghee used in temple offerings and insists that all prasad should be made under the supervision of temple priests.

He also mentioned the claims of fat and meat being used in Tirupati prasad, calling for stricter checks on the quality of oil and ghee.

In Mathura, the Dharma Raksha Sangh announced it would return to traditional recipes for 'prasadam', using fruits and flowers instead of commercially produced sweets. National president Saurabh Gaur stressed the importance of offering pure, Satvik prasad.

In Prayagraj, several temples, including Alop Shankari Devi and Mankameshwar, have banned devotees from bringing sweets and processed items.

Chief priest Shiv Murat Mishra stated that only coconuts, fruits, and dry fruits would be allowed until the purity of sweets is confirmed.

Temple managements are also planning to conduct quality checks and set up their own prasad production facilities.

This situation intensified after Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu claimed that substandard ingredients and animal fat were used in the laddus during the previous government.

The YSRCP accused Naidu of making baseless allegations for political gain, which led to the formation of a Special Investigation Team to look into these claims.