Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan recently addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding the quality of Tirupati’s Laddu Prasadam, one of the most revered offerings at the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD). In a statement that has sparked widespread discussion, Kalyan expressed his concerns about the alleged decline in the quality of the sacred offering and called for the establishment of a Sanathana Dharma Parirakshana Board to safeguard the sanctity of temples and their traditions.
Pawan Kalyan began by emphasizing the historical and spiritual significance of the Tirupati Laddu Prasadam. He praised its traditional preparation process, stating, “The quality of prasad is always quite superior, and even a small byte is like a mahaprasad to everybody. It was made with great reverence. The material chosen for prasad is sourced from very trusted groups or companies.”
He further explained that the process of sourcing the ingredients for the prasadam, particularly ghee, has always been conducted with care. “You need 15,000 kilograms of ghee per day to make the prasad. The ghee was previously sourced at a higher price, but recently the vendors were changed, and they claimed to have reduced the cost significantly. However, concerns have been raised about how they managed to procure ghee at such a low price.”
Kalyan highlighted that complaints from devotees about the prasadam’s unusual smell had been ongoing for some time, prompting further investigation. “People were complaining regularly about the smell, which is not usual with the prasad… I thought no one would dare to violate the sanctity of the offering, but I started looking into other issues within the TTD,” he said.
The Deputy CM revealed shocking findings during the investigation into the prasadam’s ingredients, claiming that samples showed the presence of animal fat, including fish oil, beef fat, and pig fat. “We are hurt and shocked by these revelations. When people with no commitment, no value, and no respect for the sanctity of the temple take charge, this is what happens,” he remarked, expressing deep concern over the potential violations of religious practices.
Beyond the prasadam controversy, Kalyan alluded to broader issues within the management of TTD, suggesting that the temple’s sacred grounds may have been compromised. “It is not just about prasad; maybe liquor and non-veg were supplied, and people were having parties there… All these things came out,” he added.
To address these issues and prevent future occurrences, Pawan Kalyan strongly advocated for the formation of a Sanathana Dharma Parirakshana Board. He believes such a board is necessary to monitor temple activities and ensure the preservation of religious practices. “When governments and boards fail to act, there must be another monitoring mechanism in India. A Sanathana Dharma Parirakshana Board is essential when desecration happens to idols, or when the sanctity of the temple is not maintained,” he argued.
Kalyan concluded by stating his intention to take up this proposal with the Andhra Pradesh cabinet and Chief Minister, expressing his personal commitment to the cause. “I will personally take it forward… We will constitute something like the Sanathana Dharma Parirakshana Board. It is essential, and I will bring it up in the next cabinet meeting.”
The controversy has stirred emotions among devotees, with many calling for a thorough investigation into the matter. As the state government prepares to address the issue, Pawan Kalyan’s proposal for a Sanathana Dharma Parirakshana Board has gained attention as a potential solution to safeguard the religious traditions and sanctity of temples across India.
