Tirupati: Shanti Homam commenced on Monday at Sri Venkateswara Temple as a purifying ceremony after animal fat was discovered in the ghee used to manufacture Tirupati laddoos.
According to Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD), which handles the operations of the famous hill shrine, the homam is being held to fend off the consequences of adulteration, restore the sanctity of Laddoo Prasadams, and ensure the well-being of devotees.
TTD Executive Officer J. Syamala Rao said the rites took place in Yagasala between 6 and 10 a.m. A group of priests performed puja and related rituals.
Following ‘Purnahuti’, the priests will perform ‘Panchagavya Samprokshana’ purifying rites around the grounds, including the kitchen where laddoos and ‘Annaprasadam’ (free meals) are prepared.
Syamala Rao stated that Shanti Homam was being performed to dispel myths about the contaminated ghee used in Srivari Naivedyams, which hurt the feelings of millions of devotees around the world.
According to the EO, from August 15 to August 17, TTD held Pavitrotsavams, an annual three-day sin-free holiday required by Agama Shastra. However, after detecting the presence of adulterated materials in Srivari Naivedyams, the Agama Salaha Mandali chose to perform Shanti Homam.
The EO stated that TTD has now modified the entire pure cow ghee procurement method.
He asserted that with modifications, the taste of laddoo prasadam has improved manifold, and devotees are extremely satisfied with the quality of Laddoos.
The subject of adulteration surfaced last week when Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said that ghee containing animal fat was used to make Tirumala laddoos while the YSR Congress Party was in power.
He directed the police’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate alleged anomalies in TTD during the YSRCP’s leadership.
The SIT will be led by an Inspector General (IG) or another senior official.
He promised to purify Tirumala and restore its splendour, stating that action will be taken against those responsible based on the SIT findings.
CM Naidu stated that due to concerns about the quality of ghee used to make laddu prasadam, samples from four tankers were sent to the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) for analysis. He said that laboratory results showed the presence of hog and beef fat.
According to the Chief Minister, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) Executive Officer Shyamala Rao has issued notifications to concerned organisations and banned them. A committee of specialists was formed for further action, and new tenders were issued.
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–IANS
