Controversy Surrounds Tirumala Temple: Allegations of Foreign Fats in Sacred Ghee Offerings Raise Devotee Concerns

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which manages the renowned Tirumala temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, has come under scrutiny after a recent analysis of ghee samples used in its rituals. The ghee in question is a key ingredient in the preparation of Naivedyam, the ritual offerings made to the deity, as well as the famous Laddu Prasadam distributed to devotees.

The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), through its Centre for Analysis and Learning in Livestock and Food (CALF) in Anand, Gujarat, reported findings that are causing significant concern. The report suggests that the ghee contained foreign fats, including fish oil, beef tallow (derived from beef suet), and lard (pig fat), along with various vegetable oils. This has raised serious questions about the purity of the ghee used in these sacred offerings.

Allegations of Foreign Fats in Ghee for making laddus at Tirumala temple

The NDDB’s CALF analyzed the ghee samples using a method based on the five ‘S-values,’ which are mathematical equations that help determine the integrity of milk fat in dairy products. These S-values are crucial for identifying the presence of non-dairy fats, and the analysis indicated that all five values fell outside the acceptable limits set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

This deviation from the norm led the researchers to conclude that the ghee contained adulterants such as fish oil, beef tallow, and lard. Additionally, the report found traces of various vegetable fats, including soybean, olive, sunflower, rapeseed, linseed, wheat, maize germ, cotton seed, coconut, and palm kernel oil.

ISO Standards and Testing Procedures
The integrity of milk fat is typically evaluated using the ISO 17678:2019 standards, which outline the appropriate procedures for determining the presence of foreign fats in dairy products. One of the key methods employed in this case was gas chromatographic analysis of triglycerides, which helps to separate and identify different fat components in the sample.

According to ISO guidelines, pure milk fat should exhibit specific ranges in the five S-values. Any deviation from these limits suggests that the product has been adulterated with foreign fats.

The results of this analysis were sent to the Water and Food Analysis Laboratory of the The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams in July 2024. The findings have generated shockwaves, as the use of impure ghee would be a significant violation of the standards expected for offerings made to a sacred deity, especially in a temple of such globally famous as Tirumala.

Public Reaction and Political Implications

This issue has sparked widespread controversy, especially considering the religious significance of the Tirumala temple and its offerings. Devotees hold the Laddu Prasadam in high regard, as it is not just a food item but a sacred offering that carries religious and spiritual value. The idea that such a revered offering could be made with adulterated ingredients, including animal fats, has led to outrage among devotees and the public.

The findings have also prompted reactions from various political leaders. For instance, Pawan Kalyan, a of the “Sanatana Dharma Rakshana Board” emphasizes the need to protect the sanctity of Hindu rituals and traditions, especially in the face of such shocking allegations.

Nara Lokesh, another key political leader, has also weighed in on the controversy. He openly challenged Y.V. Subba Reddy, the chairman of the TTD board, urging him to take responsibility and address the issue head-on. Lokesh’s comments suggest that the matter has far-reaching implications not just for religious institutions, but also for governance and public accountability.

The Importance of Purity in Rituals -Tirumala
For temples like Tirumala, the purity of offerings is of utmost importance. The concept of Naivedyam, which refers to the food offerings made to deities, is deeply rooted in the belief that the food should be prepared with the highest standards of cleanliness and devotion. In Hinduism, we believe that after deity”s partake of the Naivedyam, it is distributed to devotees as Prasadam. The use of impure ingredients, particularly those that are forbidden in Hindu dietary practices such as beef and pork, would be seen as a grave violation of religious principles.

Moreover, the ghee used in temple offerings is traditionally expected to be made from cow’s milk, as cows hold a sacred status in Hinduism. The discovery of beef tallow, lard, and other non-vegetarian fats in the ghee would be particularly offensive to devotees, who adhere to strict dietary restrictions as part of their religious observances.

Moving Forward: Ensuring Quality Control
In light of these findings, the TTD will likely need to take swift action to restore public trust. Ensuring that the ghee used in offerings meets the highest standards of purity is not just a matter of religious significance but also of maintaining the temple’s reputation.

The introduction of stricter quality control measures could help prevent such incidents in the future. This might include more frequent testing of food products, as well as greater transparency in the procurement and preparation of ingredients.
Additionally, the controversy has highlighted the importance of compliance with ISO standards and other international guidelines. While the ISO 17678:2019 standard was followed in this case, it remains crucial for religious institutions to stay vigilant in their adherence to these guidelines, especially when the stakes are so high.

Conclusion

The revelation that the ghee used by the The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams for its ritual offerings and Laddu Prasadam may have been adulterated with foreign fats has sparked outrage and concern among devotees and the public. The findings from the NDDB’s CALF laboratory, based on rigorous testing and ISO standards, suggest that the ghee contained fish oil, beef tallow, lard, and various vegetable fats.

This has not only raised religious concerns but also political implications, as leaders call for accountability and reforms. Going forward, the The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams will need to implement stricter quality control measures to ensure the sanctity and purity of its offerings.

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