Tirupati Temple to Conduct Special Rituals Amid Prasadam Controversy
TTD Officer Shamala Rao Announces Measures
The executive officer of Tirumala Tirupathi Devastanam (TTD), Shamala Rao, has announced that a one-day ‘Samprokshnas’ and ‘Shanti Homam’ will be conducted on September 23. These rituals aim to restore the sanctity of the temple following allegations that Tirupati Prasadam contained animal fat.
Shamala Rao stated, “A sensory panel has been established to evaluate food samples based on aroma, taste, and texture. To ensure confidence is restored in devotees, one-day ‘Samprokshnas’ and ‘Shanti Homam’ will be conducted tomorrow.” The sensory panel has received training from the Central Food Technological Research Institute in Mysore.
Special Investigation Team Formed
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the allegations. “We are forming a Special Investigation Team comprising officers of IGP and above posts. The SIT will submit a report to the government, and we will take action based on that report,” Naidu said.
Naidu also addressed claims by Jagan Mohan Reddy that he was using diversion tactics to cover failed promises. Naidu responded, “What nonsense he (Jagan Mohan Reddy) is talking. Not even 100 days we have been in government. You tell the policies, criticise my policy, and I’ll answer what you have done, what I have done. But, you wanted to divert, but if you do so, more and more sentiments will hurt.”
Background
On September 19, Naidu claimed that the ghee used in the preparation of Tirupati laddoo prasadam, offered at Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple in Tirupati, contained animal fat during the previous YSRCP government. Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple is a Hindu temple situated in the Tirumala hills of Andhra Pradesh’s Tirupati district.
Doubts Revealed
Tirupati Temple -: Tirupati Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in the town of Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh, India. It is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of the god Vishnu.
Prasadam -: Prasadam is a religious offering in Hinduism, usually food, that is first offered to a deity and then distributed to the devotees.
TTD -: TTD stands for Tirumala Tirupathi Devastanam, which is the organization that manages the Tirupati Temple and its activities.
Samprokshnas -: Samprokshnas is a special ritual performed in Hindu temples to purify and sanctify the temple premises.
Shanti Homam -: Shanti Homam is a Hindu ritual involving a fire ceremony to bring peace and remove negative energies.
Andhra Pradesh -: Andhra Pradesh is a state in the southeastern part of India. Tirupati is a city in this state.
N Chandrababu Naidu -: N Chandrababu Naidu is a politician and the former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. He is a member of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP).
Special Investigation Team (SIT) -: A Special Investigation Team (SIT) is a group of police officers or investigators formed to look into specific cases or allegations.
Jagan Mohan Reddy -: Jagan Mohan Reddy is a politician and the current Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. He is a member of the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP).
