The news of Tirumala Laddus being made with adulterated ghee containing animal fats under YCP’s rule shocked the entire nation. The global Hindu community strongly condemned this sinful act.
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam’s former chief priest, Ramana Deekshithulu, expressed sadness over the adulteration of the sacred Tirumala Laddu, condemning the tampering of the Laddu’s ghee, which he said makes the prasadam impure.
He recalled that in the past, he had complained to the TTD Chairman and EO about the declining quality of the prasadam and the fact that it was not being offered to the deity at the auspicious time, but his requests were ignored.
“I was fighting this battle alone. No other priests joined me due to their personal reasons. As a result, the quality of the Tirumala prasadam has not been maintained well for the last five years,” he stated.
As a scientist, Ramana Deekshithulu examined the reports and confirmed that the ghee used in the laddus contained animal fat and palm oil, making it impure.
He further opined that all this occurred under the officials’ watch. He asserted that ghee is a crucial ingredient in making laddus and should be rigorously checked and approved by the board.
He also mentioned that not only the ghee, but also other ingredients like cashew nuts and pulses were damaged, yet still used in making the laddus.
He pointed out that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the quantity of Srivari’s prasadam was reduced by more than half, which violates Agama Shashtram. He called this a sinful act.
Ramana Deekshithulu welcomed the current government’s swift decision to return the ghee contract to Nandini Dairy and its assurance to take strict action against those responsible for the adulteration of the ghee.
