Tirupati Laddoo Controversy Has Minimal Impact On Sales, 14 Lakh Laddoos Sold in 4 days
Tirupati Laddoo Controversy Has Minimal Impact On Sales, 14 Lakh Laddoos Sold in 4 days
Amid the ongoing controversy regarding the allegations of “animal fat” being incorporated into the laddoos offered as ‘prasadam’ at the Tirupati temple in Andhra Pradesh, new developments emerge daily. There were concerns that this controversy might adversely affect the sales of Laddoo, which is cherished throughout India. Nevertheless, this issue has not deterred the sales of this revered prasad at the Sri Venkateshwara Temple, which continues to attract more than 60,000 pilgrims each day.
Daily, over 300,000 laddoos are produced at the temple, with visitors purchasing them in large quantities, often to share with loved ones. Interestingly, sales experienced an increase after temple authorities confirmed that over 1.4 million laddoos were sold in just four days. The sales figures for this period were as follows: 359,000 laddoos on September 19; 317,000 on September 20; 367,000 on September 21; and 360,000 on September 22. These numbers are in close alignment with the daily average of 350,000 laddoos sold.
The controversy regarding the alleged presence of animal fat in Tirupati laddus has ignited a considerable political dispute in Andhra Pradesh. The Tirupati temple has become the center of a significant debate following accusations from Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, who asserted that the ghee used in making Tirupati laddoos during the previous YSRCP administration was adulterated with animal fat. The central government has indeed sought a report from the Andhra Pradesh state government regarding this matter.
On Monday, J Shyamala Rao, the executive officer of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), assured devotees that their concerns regarding the temple’s laddus have been addressed, as the sanctity of the ‘prasadams’ has been restored following a four-hour purification ceremony.
The temple authorities indicated that the Shanti Homam was conducted in accordance with the ‘Vaikhanasa Agama’ principles at the ‘Yagashala’ (ritual site) of the Tirumala temple from 6 AM to 10 AM.
