तिरुपति लड्डू में इस्तेमाल होने वाले घी में पशु वसा पाए जाने के बाद मंदिर को शुद्ध करने के लिए शांति होम की शुरुआत हुई

Shanti Homa begins to purify temple after animal fat found in ghee used for Tirupati laddu

Shanti Homa began at Sri Venkateswara Temple on Monday as the temple was purified after animal fat was reportedly found in ghee used to make Tirupati laddu. According to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD), which manages the affairs of the famous hill temple, the homa is being conducted to remove the ill-effects of adulteration, restore the sanctity of the laddu prasadam and for the well-being of devotees. TTD Executive Officer J. Shyamala Rao said the rituals were conducted at the yagnashala from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. A group of priests performed the puja and related rituals. After the purnahuti, the priests will perform the purification ritual 'Panchagavya Samprokshana' in the entire premises, including the kitchen where the laddus and 'annaprasadam' (free meals) are prepared.

Shyamala Rao said the Shanti Homam is being performed to dispel misconceptions about the use of adulterated ghee in Srivari Naivedayam, which hurts the sentiments of millions of devotees across the world. The EO said that from August 15 to August 17, the TTD celebrated Pavitrotsava, an annual three-day sin-free festival mentioned in the Agama Sastra. However, when the presence of adulterated material was identified in the Srivari Naivedayam, the Agama Salaha Mandali decided to perform the Shanti Homam. The EO said that the TTD has now changed the entire system of procuring pure cow ghee. He claimed that with the improvements, the taste of the laddu prasadam has now improved manifold and devotees express great satisfaction over the quality of the laddus. The issue of adulteration came to the fore last week when Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu alleged that ghee containing animal fat was used in making Tirumala laddus when the YSR Congress Party was in power. He

Ordered a probe by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of police into the alleged irregularities in TTD during the YSRCP regime. The SIT will be headed by Inspector General (IG) or a higher officer. Action will be taken against the culprits based on the SIT report, he said, vowing to purify Tirumala and restore its glory. CM Naidu said that due to doubts over the quality of ghee being used to make laddu prasadam, samples from four tankers were sent to the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) for examination. He claimed that the laboratory report revealed the presence of pig and cow fat. Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) Executive Officer Shyamala Rao issued notices to the concerned organisations and blacklisted them, the Chief Minister said. A committee of experts was constituted for further action and fresh tenders were called.