Supreme Court Asked to Investigate Alleged Use of Animal Fat in Tirupati Temple Sweets
New Delhi, India – Surjit Singh Yadav, President of Hindu Sena Samiti, has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Supreme Court to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate claims of animal fat being used in the prasadam at Sri Venkateshwara Swamy Temple in Tirupati.
The controversy began when Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu alleged that substandard ingredients, including animal fat, were used in the preparation of Tirupati laddus during the previous Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) government. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has also demanded strict action.
VHP Vice President Ram Singh stated, “Vishwa Hindu Parishad is demanding that everyone involved in this should get immediately arrested and punished. If the government does not do that, then the Hindu organization like Bjarang Dal, Sangh Parivar and the devotees of Balaji should take action.”
Earlier, Advocate K. Karuna Sagar submitted a complaint against former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) Chairman, board members, and officials. The complaint was filed at the Saidabad Police Station in Hyderabad, alleging the use of low-quality ghee mixed with animal fat in the sacred Laddu Prasadam.
Advocate Sagar said, “As a practicing Hindu and devoted follower of Sri Venkateshwara Swamy, I hold the Laddu Prasadam in the highest esteem. This offering has been an integral part of our faith for over 300 years, symbolizing divine blessings and serving as an essential component of the spiritual experience. A visit and darshan of Swamy feels incomplete without it.”
Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh emphasized that “nobody will be spared,” expressing that his own sentiments have also been hurt. He criticized former Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, stating, “This happens when the CM doesn’t have a vision. We personally also feel very bad. We are going to streamline the process of investigation.”
Doubts Revealed
Supreme Court -: The Supreme Court is the highest court in India. It makes important decisions about laws and justice.
Animal Fat -: Animal fat is a type of fat that comes from animals. It is sometimes used in cooking and making food.
Tirupati Temple -: The Tirupati Temple, also known as Sri Venkateshwara Swamy Temple, is a famous Hindu temple in Andhra Pradesh, India. Many people visit it to pray and receive prasadam, which is blessed food.
Surjit Singh Yadav -: Surjit Singh Yadav is the President of Hindu Sena Samiti, a group that works for Hindu interests. He has asked the Supreme Court to look into the use of animal fat in temple sweets.
Public Interest Litigation -: Public Interest Litigation, or PIL, is a way for people to ask the court to look into matters that affect the public. It helps in solving issues that are important for many people.
Special Investigation Team -: A Special Investigation Team, or SIT, is a group of experts who investigate serious issues. They find out the truth and report it to the court.
Prasadam -: Prasadam is food that is offered to a deity in a temple and then given to devotees. It is considered very holy and blessed.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister -: The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh is the head of the government in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Chandrababu Naidu was one of the Chief Ministers who raised concerns about the use of animal fat in temple sweets.
Vishwa Hindu Parishad -: The Vishwa Hindu Parishad, or VHP, is an organization that works to promote Hindu values and culture. They have also asked for action regarding the use of animal fat in temple sweets.
YS Jagan Mohan Reddy -: YS Jagan Mohan Reddy is a politician and former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. Complaints have been filed against him and other officials regarding the issue.
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam -: Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam, or TTD, is the organization that manages the Tirupati Temple. They are responsible for the temple’s activities and the prasadam given to devotees.
