A recent controversy has erupted at the renowned Sri Venkateswara temple in Tirupati after a devotee claimed to have found tobacco wrapped in paper inside a laddu received as prasadam. The devotee, Donthu Padmavati from Khammam district, reported the incident following her visit to the temple on September 19, 2024. This allegation has sparked significant concern among devotees and raised questions about the quality control measures in place at the temple. However, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has firmly dismissed the accusation, stating that the laddus are prepared with utmost devotion and care.
Allegations and Initial Reactions
Donthu Padmavati, a resident of Khammam district, claimed that she discovered tobacco wrapped in paper inside a laddu she received as prasadam from the Sri Venkateswara temple. She recounted her shock and dismay upon finding the tobacco while preparing to share the prasadam with her family. Padmavati expressed her disappointment, stating that the prasadam is considered sacred, and such contamination is heartbreaking.
The allegation quickly gained traction, with a video shared by Padmavati circulating on social media. The video has sparked outrage among devotees, many of whom have expressed their concerns about the integrity of the prasadam. The incident has also drawn attention to the broader issue of quality control at the temple, which has faced similar controversies in the past.
In response to the allegations, the TTD issued a statement dismissing the claims as misleading and deplorable. The TTD emphasized that the preparation of Tirupati laddus is a rigorously controlled process, and it is highly unlikely that such contamination could occur. The temple authorities have urged Padmavati to store the laddu for further investigation to verify the claims.
Temple Authorities’ Response
The TTD has been quick to address the allegations, reiterating their commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality and devotion in the preparation of prasadam. In their official statement, the temple authorities assured devotees that the laddus are prepared with utmost care and devotion, following strict hygiene and quality control protocols.
The TTD has also highlighted the rigorous system in place for the preparation and distribution of laddus. This system includes multiple layers of checks and balances to ensure that the prasadam remains pure and uncontaminated. The temple authorities have expressed their confidence in this system and have dismissed the allegations as baseless.
To further address the concerns of devotees, the TTD has announced that they will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident. They have requested Padmavati to preserve the laddu in question so that it can be examined by experts. The temple authorities have assured devotees that they will take appropriate action based on the findings of the investigation.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Controversies
The recent allegation of tobacco contamination in Tirupati laddus is not an isolated incident. The temple has faced similar controversies in the past, including allegations of using substandard ingredients in the preparation of prasadam. These incidents have raised questions about the quality control measures in place at the temple and have sparked political debates in Andhra Pradesh.
Earlier this year, a lab report suggested that the ghee used in the preparation of Tirupati laddus was adulterated with animal fat, including beef tallow, fish oil, and lard. This revelation led to significant political tension, with accusations and counter-accusations between the current and previous state governments. The TTD has consistently denied these allegations, asserting that the prasadam is prepared with the highest standards of purity and devotion.
The ongoing controversies have highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability in the preparation and distribution of prasadam at the temple. Devotees have called for stricter quality control measures and regular inspections to ensure that the prasadam remains pure and uncontaminated. The TTD has pledged to address these concerns and to take all necessary steps to maintain the sanctity of the prasadam.
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