The sanctity of Tirupati Venkateswara temple’s laddu has been restored and its purity is unblemished now, the temple board stated. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams affirmation comes after a huge row over use of pure quality ghee in making the temple's offering, laddu.
“The sanctity of Srivari laddu prasadam is restored again. The divinity and purity of Srivari laddu is unblemished now. TTD is committed to protect the holiness of laddu prasadam to the satisfaction of all the devotees,” the TTD said in a social media post on Friday.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu kicked up a row recently, accusing the previous regime of using poor quality ingredients and ghee adulterated with animal fat for producing the sweetmeat at the temple. Former CM Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy slammed Naidu for allegedly using a religious institution for political gains.
On Friday, TTD Executive Officer J. Shyamala Rao said lab tests have revealed the presence of animal fat and lard in chosen samples and the board was in the process of blacklisting the contractor who supplied 'adulterated' ghee.
According to the reports, samples of ghee, submitted between July 9 and 17, were tested at the laboratory of National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) in Gujaratfor various parameters such as free fatty acids and milk fat; the results issued between July 16 and July 23.
The ghee samples were tested for S-values, which indicate the purity of milk fat. If the S-values fall within the range of 95.90 to 104.32, the sample is considered pure milk fat. However, the S-values in the tested samples were either below 95.90 or above 104.32. The lab report stated that when S-values fall outside these limits, it suggests the presence of foreign fats. The adulterants could include fish oil, beef tallow, lard (extracted from pig fat), or other substances such as soybean or olive oil.
However, the report also included a disclaimer: “Under certain circumstances, false-positive results can be obtained.” Factors such as the health of the animal or the quality of its feed could influence the readings.
Former CM Jagan said he would write to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud over Naidu's alleged undermining conduct towards the Tirumala deity.
