A controversy has recently emerged regarding the famous Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) laddu prasadam. Allegations have surfaced claiming that the prasadam is being prepared using animal fat. This has caused outrage among Hindu religious organizations, who have strongly condemned these claims. Many are now demanding that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) take up the matter, find those responsible, and ensure they face strict punishment.
Several prominent figures from Andhra Pradesh, including political leaders, have asked both the TDP-led state government and the BJP-led central government to order a full CBI investigation. For many Hindus, Tirumala is an extremely sacred place, and the laddu prasadam is considered as holy as nectar. The accusation that animal fat was used in this sacred offering has deeply hurt the religious sentiments of millions of devotees. Religious leaders have made it clear that those responsible for this alleged act must be held accountable and punished severely.
Hindu leaders have also warned that if the state government, led by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, fails to act quickly, there could be large-scale protests. They called for unity among Hindu organizations to protect the sanctity of their religion, emphasizing that any attempt to tarnish Hindu traditions will not be tolerated.
D. Surya Prakash Rao, a retired teacher and public activist from the former Mahbubnagar district, expressed his disappointment, calling the act deplorable. He urged both the central and state governments to launch an investigation to protect the sentiments of the Hindu community. BJP District President Ramachandra Reddy also condemned the alleged use of animal fat, calling it a serious sin. He warned the Andhra Pradesh government that if immediate action isn’t taken, there will be strong protests.
Meanwhile, when contacted, the Executive Officer (EO) of the Jogulamba Bala Brahmeshwara Swamy temple in Alampur assured that their temple follows strict protocols. He confirmed that the prasadam at their temple is prepared with the highest care and purity by the temple’s own staff. The temple offers laddu prasadam for ₹20 and pulihora prasadam for ₹10, generating only a small income from these sales. The EO also mentioned that the temple uses pure ghee from Tirumala for preparing the laddus and will soon switch to ghee supplied by Vijaya Dairy, as their current supplier’s contract is ending soon.
Addressing the allegations of adulteration in Tirumala’s prasadam, the EO called it a heinous act and urged for an immediate investigation. He stressed that those involved in any corruption must face strict legal action.
