New Delhi: The controversy surrounding the alleged adulteration of Tirupati Temple laddus by using animal fats has prompted calls for reform in the preparation and distribution of ‘prasad’ at temples in Uttar Pradesh’s Ayodhya, Prayagraj, and Mathura.
In Ayodhya, Satyendra Das, the chief priest of the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, has demanded a “complete ban” on prasad made by external agencies. He raised concerns about the purity of ghee used in temple offerings, insisting that “all prasad should be prepared under the supervision of temple priests”, news agency PTI reported. Das highlighted the rising tensions over claims of fat and meat being used in Tirupati Balaji’s prasad, calling for rigorous inspections of oil and ghee quality across the country. He suggested there is an international conspiracy aimed at desecrating temples through the contamination of offerings.
‘Revert to traditional prasad recipes’
In Mathura, the Dharma Raksha Sangh has announced plans to revert to traditional ‘prasad’ recipes, opting for offerings made from fruits, flowers, and natural ingredients instead of commercially produced sweets. Saurabh Gaur, the national president of the Sangh, emphasized the need for significant changes in the prasadam system, stating that a consensus among religious leaders has been reached to return to offering and accepting pure, Satvik Prasadam.
In Prayagraj, several temples—including Alop Shankari Devi, Bade Hanuman, and Mankameshwar—have banned devotees from bringing sweets and processed items as offerings. Shiv Murat Mishra, chief priest of the Lalita Devi Temple, mentioned that only coconuts, fruits, and dry fruits will be permitted as offerings. Mahant Shridharanand Brahmachari Ji Maharaj of Mankameshwar Temple remarked that no sweets would be allowed until the investigation clears their purity.
Only homemade prasad or fruits
The Mankameshwar Temple in Lucknow has also banned offerings brought by devotees from outside, allowing only homemade prasad or fruits. The temple management is implementing measures to ensure the purity of prasad offered on-site, including potential quality checks and the establishment of its own production facilities.
Recently, Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu claimed that substandard ingredients and animal fat were used in the preparation of laddus at the Tirupati Temple during the previous government. The YSRCP responded by accusing Naidu of making unfounded allegations for political purposes, leading to the creation of a Special Investigation Team to look into the claims.
Read latest India news here. Also get top breaking news, headlines and latest news from India and around the world news at IndiaPost Live.
