Tirupati Laddu Scandal: Is the World-Famous Prasadam Tainted with Animal Fat? What is in the Report

Tirupati Laddu Controversy: Amidst an escalating controversy regarding claims of “animal fat” being present in the laddoos served as ‘prasadam’ at Andhra Pradesh’s Tirupati temple, the central government has stepped in, requesting a detailed report from the state authorities. Union Food Minister Pralhad Joshi has called for a thorough investigation into the allegations, which have raised concerns among certain sections of devotees.

The controversy erupted on Wednesday when Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu accused his predecessor, Jagan Mohan Reddy, of allowing substandard ingredients, including animal fat, to be used in the preparation of the famous Tirupati laddus. Naidu’s party alleged that “beef tallow,” “lard” (derived from pig fat), and fish oil were found in the ghee used to make the laddus.

The following day, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) released a lab report from the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) in Anand, Gujarat, allegedly confirming the presence of animal fat in ghee samples provided by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), the trust responsible for managing the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple. Naidu claimed that the previous administration’s procurement of lower-quality ghee had compromised the sanctity and quality of the sacred laddus.

Jagan Mohan Reddy, however, dismissed the allegations, branding them as a distraction tactic by the opposition. In his defense, the Tamil Nadu-based AR Dairy Food Private Limited, a supplier of ghee to the temple, asserted that all its products had been certified by relevant authorities and that their quality had never been in question. The company clarified that they only supplied ghee during June and July, and each batch was accompanied by accredited lab reports.

Ramana Deekshitulu, the former chief priest of the Tirupati temple, expressed deep concern over reports of adulteration. He revealed that he had previously raised the issue of declining quality to the TTD’s Executive Officer and Board Chairman, but his warnings were ignored. He urged Naidu to take steps to rectify the situation.

Chandrababu Naidu, on Saturday, announced that his government would consult with religious leaders, including pontiffs, sages, and experts in Sanatana Dharma, to decide on the necessary ritualistic purification, or samprokshana, of the temple and its offerings.

Meanwhile, a Hyderabad-based lawyer, K. Karuna Sagar, filed a complaint at the Saidabad police station against former Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy and TTD officials, citing the lab report confirming the use of ghee containing animal fat in the renowned Tirupati laddu prasadam.