Priests of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) on Monday performed a cleansing ritual following alleged reports of the presence of animal fat, including beef tallows in the famous Tirupati laddu offe

As the controversy continues to reverberate nationwide, various quarters are demanding steps to safeguard the sanctity of Hindu temples and their 'prasadam'.

A four-hour cleansing ritual was performed at the Tirumala temple on Monday (23 September) amid the controversy surrounding allegations of animal fat being used in Tirupati laddus when YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) was in power.

J Shyamala Rao, executive officer of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, which oversees the temple, said the rituals will “ward off the ill effects and restore the sanctity of laddu prasadams (consecrated food) along with the well-being of Srivari devotees.

The ritual began at 6 am and lasted till 10 am. It was aimed at propitiating Lord Venkateswara Swamy from the alleged sacrilegious practices such as mixing animal fats in making Tirupati laddus (consecrated sweet) and others.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu criticized the previous YSRCP government for altering ghee procurement procedures at Tirumala Tirupa

Eight temple priests, guided by three Agama Shastra advisors, led the rituals for the Shanti Homam, which began at 5:40 am and concluded within two hours.

A cleansing ritual was performed at the Tirumala temple in response to allegations of desecration and the alleged use of animal fat in the preparation of the sacred Tirupati laddus. Temple officials confirmed that the ritual was carried out to restore the sanctity of the offerings following accusations tied to the previous YSR Congress regime.