Tirupati: A recent lab report revealed the use of animal fats, including beef tallow and fish oil, in the
ghee used to make Tirupati laddus, sparking controversy. Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu
blamed the previous YSRCP government for compromising the sanctity of the prasadam, while YSRCP
dismissed the claims as politically motivated. Religious and political groups have demanded an
investigation, calling for strict action against those responsible for using foreign fats in the
revered offering.
Greatness of Tirupati
Tirupati is one of the most revered and ancient pilgrimage destinations in India, located in the state
of Andhra Pradesh. The city’s greatness is largely attributed to the presence of the Tirumala
Venkateshwara Temple, which sits atop the Tirumala hills. Here’s why Tirupati is considered so great.
Spiritual Significance:
Tirumala Venkateshwara Temple: Dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu), this
temple attracts millions of devotees from around the world. It is believed that offering prayers here
brings peace, prosperity, and salvation. The temple is renowned for its grandeur, ancient rituals, and
spiritual power.
Ancient History and Mythology:
Tirumala has a deep connection with Hindu mythology. According to legend, Lord Vishnu incarnated
as Venkateshwara to save humanity from the trials of the Kali Yuga. The temple’s history dates back to
several centuries, with references found in various ancient scriptures and texts.
Laddu controversy
The “Laddu controversy” refers to disputes surrounding the Tirupati Laddu, a famous offering given
to devotees at the Tirumala Venkateshwara Temple. This iconic sweet has religious, cultural, and economic significance. Over the years, several controversies have emerged related to its production,
pricing, trademark, and distribution. Here are some key points of the controversy.
The Tirupati laddu, offered at the Tirumala Venkateshwara Temple in Andhra Pradesh, is famous for its
unique taste and cultural significance. The temple’s laddu is made from ingredients like wheat flour,
sugar, ghee, and cardamom, and is known for its distinctive flavor and quality.
Recently, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD), which manages the temple, announced an
increase in the number of laddus available for devotees, aiming to meet growing demand. Each
laddu is considered sacred, and devotees often receive it as a prasadam after their worship. The
laddus are meticulously prepared, adhering to traditional recipes, and have become an integral part
of the temple’s offerings.
Chandrababu Naidu Statement on Tirupati laddus during
Jagan Mohan Reddy govt
The ruling Telugu Desam Party in Andhra Pradesh on Thursday claimed that laboratory reports have
detected adulterated oil containing “beef tallow” in the ghee used for making the world-renowned
Tirupati prasadam.
This added more fuel to the fire after Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu accused
the previous YSRCP government of using animal fat for making the consecrated laddus, which are
distributed to crores of followers who visit the Lord Venkateshwara Swamy Temple in Tirumala.
Naidu made these claims during an NDA legislature party meeting. “Even Tirumala laddu was made
with substandard ingredients…they used animal fat instead of ghee,” the CM was quoted as saying by
In response, the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), led by Jagan Mohan Reddy, has categorically denied
these allegations. Senior YSRCP leader and former TTD chairman YV Subba Reddy called Naidu’s
statements “malicious,” and accused the TDP leader of stooping “to any level for political gain.
Nara Lokesh
Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh, however, criticized, the previous YSRCP administration,
expressing shock over the alleged use of animal fat in the prasadam, and claimed it disrespected the
religious sentiments of millions of devotees.
YS Sharmila
Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee president YS Sharmila has demanded that Naidu be held
accountable for his remarks. She urged him to set up a high-level inquiry if his allegations were
genuine, emphasizing the need to protect the sanctity of the revered temple.
Lab Report
TDP spokesperson Annam Venkata Ramana Reddy in a press conference displayed the purported lab
report which apparently confirmed the presence of “beef tallow” in the given ghee sample.
The TDP claimed that the adulteration in the prasadam has been confirmed by Gujarat-based
livestock laboratory, NDDB CALF Ltd on the ghee samples. Party spokesperson Annam Venkata
Ramana Reddy in a press conference displayed the purported lab report, which apparently confirmed
the presence of “beef tallow” in the given ghee sample.
But not officially conformation on the lab report from the state government of the TTD.
Even Tirumala laddu was made with substandard ingredients… they used animal fat instead of ghee,”
he claimed, while addressing an NDA legislature party meeting in Amaravati.
