CBN is no saint when it comes to protecting Tirumala Sanctity

Amid rising concerns from devotees regarding the quality of ghee used in the renowned Tirupati laddu prasadam, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has assured devotees that the sanctity of this sacred offering is being restored. On Friday, TTD confirmed that substandard ghee, along with traces of lard, were discovered in samples tested for quality. This revelation validates earlier claims made by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, intensifying the ongoing debate about the purity of the prasadam at the revered temple.

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) released a test report from the Gujarat-based NDDB CALF laboratory, which allegedly confirmed the presence of beef tallow, lard, and fish oil in the sample. The sample was received on July 9, and the lab report was dated July 16. This disclosure has raised six critical questions in the minds of the public:

1. **What quality assurance processes are in place at Tirumala?**

In response to a prior price dispute with the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF), TTD Executive Officer AV Dharma Reddy emphasized that ghee suppliers must meet stringent quality and cost criteria. Before being awarded contracts, potential suppliers undergo rigorous on-site inspections by experts to assess their capabilities.

2. **How is ghee quality monitored after contracts are awarded?**

According to a 2016 report from the TTD, the temple boasts a state-of-the-art laboratory for testing prasadam, including laddus. The TTD’s Health Wing ensures that prasadam undergoes regular and random quality checks daily, with tests conducted on approximately 1,000 laddu trays each day to ensure the quality of ingredients.

3. **Why did the lab fail to detect animal fat?**

Despite having a sophisticated laboratory, the failure to detect any animal fat raises concerns about the effectiveness of the quality checks. The TTD lab needs to clarify whether these checks are operational and functioning as intended, especially given that approximately 1 crore laddus are sold each month.

4. **How many companies supply ghee to TTD, and how much are they paid?**

There are currently five suppliers providing ghee to TTD: Premier Agri Foods, Kriparam Dairy, Vaishnavi, Sri Parag Milk, and AR Dairy. Notably, AR Dairy was found to have animal fat in its ghee, according to TTD’s Executive Officer J. Syamala Rao. Four ghee tankers sent by AR Dairy were flagged for substandard quality, with tests indicating the presence of foreign fats like soybean, sunflower, palm kernel fat, and potentially lard and beef tallow. The price for ghee per kilogram ranges between Rs 320 and Rs 411.

5. **Why doesn’t the TTD establish its own gaushala for ghee production?**

   Although TTD reportedly loses Rs 200 crore annually in procuring materials for laddus, it has not established its own gaushala. Doing so would allow the temple to have full control over both the supply and quality of ghee, reducing reliance on external suppliers.

6. **What exactly was tested: the ghee or the laddu itself?**

It remains unclear whether the NDDB CALF laboratory tested the ghee directly or the laddu. Clarification is needed, especially to determine whether other laddus from the same batch were distributed to devotees and which supplier provided the ghee used in the contaminated batch.

This controversy raises broader questions about food safety and the need for stricter market regulations to protect public trust, especially in revered institutions like TTD.

### Historical Perspective

There is a historical and spiritual significance surrounding the practices at Tirumala. It’s believed that around 1000 AD, Lord Venkateswara was consecrated by Ramanujacharya. Despite changes in ingredients over time, the temple retains its deep-rooted traditions, including daily Lalita Sahasranama recitations and sacred rituals involving Lord Shiva.

However, concerns have emerged about the current TTD board, with allegations that Christian and Muslim influences are affecting traditional practices. Some devotees believe that the appointment of non-Hindu members and the presence of non-vegetarian food courts on the hill are contributing to a deviation from the temple’s sacred customs.

### Criticism of Chandrababu Naidu

Though Chandrababu Naidu has raised concerns about the purity of the laddus, critics argue that he himself is not beyond reproach. During his tenure, he appointed Christians to the TTD board and made controversial decisions regarding ancient temples, such as demolishing sacred structures. While he presents an orthodox image, some accuse him of harboring a more secular or non-traditional agenda beneath the surface.