1. The Tirupati temple laddu, made by the TTD, is a cherished offering for devotees.
2. Recent reports have raised concerns about “animal fat” in its ingredients.
3. This controversy has sparked significant negative attention.
Tirupati, Sep 20: The Tirupati temple laddu, prepared by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD), is a beloved offering for devotees visiting the Tirumala Venkateswara temple in Andhra Pradesh.
However, it has recently garnered negative attention due to reports claiming the presence of “animal fat” among its ingredients.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has criticized the previous YSRCP government for allegedly desecrating Tirumala, the home of the esteemed Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple, but noted that efforts to sanitize the situation are underway.
Significance
The Tirupati laddu, also known as Srivari laddu, has a rich history dating back to the 1920s. The TTD holds a geographical indication tag for the laddu, preventing anyone else from selling this unique sweet and granting them patent rights.
The laddu is significant as a sacred offering to Lord Venkateswara, a form of Lord Vishnu, who is revered for helping humanity overcome challenges.
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Cost
Laddus are available both within the temple premises and at designated counters outside. They typically have a shelf life of up to 15 days.
According to Tirupati Balaji Travels, laddus come in three sizes: small (40 grams), medium (175 grams), and large (750 grams).
The small laddus, distributed free of charge to devotees, are the ones offered in the temple. Medium laddus are priced at ₹50 each, while large ones cost ₹200.
Controversy
The controversy erupted when the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) reported that a laboratory in Gujarat detected “beef tallow,” “lard,” and fish oil in the ingredients of the Tirupati laddu.
This revelation has caused significant outrage among devotees, as the consumption of beef and other meats is contrary to Hindu beliefs.
The situation has sparked a political blame game, with the TDP accusing the previous YSR government of initiating these practices.
The controversy continues to raise questions about the integrity of sacred offerings and the responsibilities of governing bodies.
