Cleansing Ritual at Tirumala Temple: Shanti Homam Panchagavya Prokshana Ritual Held

Tirumala: In response to the controversy surrounding the alleged use of animal fat in Tirupati laddoos, temple authorities at the Tirumala temple conducted a cleansing ritual to address perceived desecrations from the previous YSR Congress government. The ritual, known as Shanti Homam Panchagavya Prokshana, was meticulously carried out by eight priests under the guidance of three Agama Shastra experts.

Starting at 5:40 AM, the ceremony involved the establishment of three homa gundas and included various purification processes that lasted for two hours. During the rituals, priests performed a Vastu Homam, which entailed a thorough cleansing of vessels, machines, and the ceremonial space to restore sanctity.

A significant aspect of the cleansing involved the Panchagavya Prokshana, where sacred water infused with five cow-derived products was sprinkled to sanctify the environment. These rituals aimed to seek divine forgiveness from Lord Venkateswara Swamy for any alleged sacrilegious acts, specifically the claims regarding the mixing of animal fats in the preparation of the beloved laddoos.

J. Shyamala Rao, Executive Officer of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), reaffirmed the importance of these rituals in dispelling negative influences and reinstating the spiritual purity of the Tirupati laddoos, thereby ensuring the well-being of devotees seeking blessings at Srivari.

TTD organised a Maha Shanti Homam, at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple complex at #Tirumala, in #Tirupati today, in the wake of #TirumalaLaddu Prasadam row. #TTDevasthanams says “cleansing operation” meant to annul the “sinful effects of using ingredients such as animal fat”… pic.twitter.com/zKiHIG3hGy

— Surya Reddy (@jsuryareddy) September 23, 2024