Tirupati Temple 'Purified' Amid Controversy Over Animal Fat in Ghee for Laddoos

In a significant development at the revered Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), a 'Maha Shani Homa' was performed after a controversy erupted over the alleged use of animal fat in ghee used for making the temple's famous laddoos. This sacred ritual, performed by an assembly of priests, aimed to purify the temple premises, restore sanctity, and dispel any doubts about the purity of offerings made at one of Hinduism’s most sacred sites. The row began when allegations surfaced that the ghee used in making the laddoos—a cherished offering to Lord Venkateswara—contained traces of animal fat. This claim sent shockwaves across devotees, leading to an uproar as the Tirupati laddoo holds immense religious and cultural significance. In response, the temple administration strongly denied the allegations and emphasized that they have always maintained strict adherence to traditional practices. The laddoos are prepared using high-quality cow ghee, which is sourced through certified suppliers to ensure purity and compliance with religious standards. The 'Maha Shani Homa' was conducted as part of a purification ceremony to dispel any lingering doubts and maintain the sanctity of the offerings. Priests chanted mantras, invoking Lord Shani for the removal of any negativity surrounding the temple’s rituals. The homa is said to ward off the adverse effects of Saturn (Shani) and restore peace and prosperity. A spokesperson for the TTD reiterated that they are committed to upholding the faith and trust of millions of devotees who visit Tirupati every year. They assured that the ghee used in the temple is regularly tested and certified to meet the highest standards. This controversy has sparked a wider debate on the transparency and handling of sacred offerings at prominent temples across the country. For now, the TTD has taken significant measures to ensure that the trust and devotion of the faithful remain intact, with ongoing efforts to maintain transparency in the procurement of materials for offerings. The Tirupati laddoo, considered a divine blessing, remains a symbol of devotion and faith for millions, and the temple management has assured devotees that their religious practices will continue without any compromise on purity.