Ghee Adulteration Scandal at Tirumala Temple: Investigations and Rituals
The Central Health Ministry issued a show cause notice to a ghee-supplying company after finding adulteration in samples. Out of four companies tested, one failed the quality test, revealing adulteration.
Former Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) chairman, YV Subba Reddy, has moved the Supreme Court to form an independent committee led by a retired judge to investigate the allegations of substandard ingredients and animal fat in the ghee used for Laddu Prasadam at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala.
Earlier, a ‘purification’ ritual called Shanti Homam was performed at the temple to ensure any ‘doshas’ from previous ceremonies were cleared. This ritual is part of the annual ‘Pavitraotsavams’ conducted by TTD.
To restore confidence among devotees, the Temple Authority has set up a sensory panel to evaluate food samples based on aroma, taste, and texture.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the adulteration allegations. The SIT will include officers of IGP and above ranks and will submit a report to the government for further action.
Naidu also mentioned that standard operating procedures would be prepared for all temples to prevent such issues in the future.
On September 19, Naidu claimed that the ghee used in the Tirupati laddoo prasadam during the previous YSRCP government contained animal fat, stirring a political controversy.
Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple is a Hindu temple located in the Tirumala hills of Andhra Pradesh’s Tirupati district.
Doubts Revealed
Ghee -: Ghee is a type of clarified butter that is commonly used in Indian cooking and rituals. It is made by heating butter and removing the milk solids.
Adulteration -: Adulteration means adding something harmful or of lower quality to a product. In this case, it means mixing something bad into the ghee.
Tirumala Temple -: Tirumala Temple is a very famous and important Hindu temple located in Andhra Pradesh, India. Many people visit it to pray and get blessings.
Central Health Ministry -: The Central Health Ministry is a part of the Indian government that looks after the health and well-being of people in the country.
Show cause notice -: A show cause notice is a letter asking someone to explain why they did something wrong. It is like asking for an explanation before taking action.
TTD -: TTD stands for Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, which is the organization that manages the Tirumala Temple and its activities.
Supreme Court -: The Supreme Court is the highest court in India. It makes the final decisions on important legal matters.
Laddu Prasadam -: Laddu Prasadam is a special sweet offered to the gods at the temple and then given to devotees as a blessing.
Andhra Pradesh CM -: Andhra Pradesh CM means the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, who is the head of the state government.
Special Investigation Team -: A Special Investigation Team is a group of experts formed to look into a specific issue or problem very carefully.
Shanti Homam -: Shanti Homam is a special Hindu ritual performed to bring peace and remove any bad effects. It involves chanting and offerings to the fire.