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

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.

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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.

Stating that action would be taken against the guilty based on the SIT report, he vowed to purify Tirumala and restore its glory.

Laddu prasadam was displayed in Sri Venkateswara Swamy TTD temple in Vijayawada. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) transport the Srivari Laddus across the country. | Photo Credit: G.N. RAO

In response to the ongoing ghee adulteration controversy at the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has ordered a purification ritual for the templ

This comes after Naidu and the TDP alleged that during the previous YSRCP government, ingredients such as beef tallow, lard, and fish oil were used in the preparation of Tirumala laddus.

Naidu said that government will consult with leading Hinduism experts to determine the future course of action.

Devotees visited the Tirumala Venkateshwara Temple in Tirupati in the month of Purattasi, amid Laddu Prasadam row. Purattasi is of great importance as it is believed that Lord Venkateswara appeared on the earth in this month.