Pawan Kalyan prays at Durga Temple, warns Prakash Raj.Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan has undertaken an *11-day Prayaschitta Deeksha* (penance) following the confirmation of adulterated ghee, containing animal fat, in the Tirumala Laddu Prasadam. As part of this penance, he visited the Kanakadurgamma Temple at the Indrakiladri shrine in Vijayawada on Tuesday morning. Upon arrival, he was welcomed by the Commissioner of the Devdaya Department. Pawan Kalyan actively participated in the temple’s cleaning program, particularly cleaning the steps leading to the sanctum, and performed a special puja. MPs Keshineni Shivnath Chinni, Balashauri, and MLC Hariprasad also joined the ceremony.
While addressing the media, Pawan Kalyan spoke about his penance, which had reached its third day. He emphasized his devotion to Lord Rama and Anjaneyaswamy, pointing out that Hindus, in general, do not harbor hatred towards other religions. He condemned the leaders of the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) for mocking incidents like the disappearance of the lions from the Kanakadurgamma chariot, questioning the religious conversions of leaders like YV Subbareddy and Bhumana Karunakar Reddy. Though he refrained from directly blaming CM Jagan Mohan Reddy, he urged the government to take responsibility for the misdeeds that occurred during its tenure.
Pawan Kalyan further expressed his dismay at the lack of respect shown toward Hindu traditions, particularly by some members of the film industry. He stated, "Secularism should be mutual. It's offensive when fellow Hindus insult their own religion. If a similar incident occurred in a mosque, would the response be the same? Why, then, should we remain silent when Sanatana Dharma is attacked?" He also criticized actor Prakash Raj for his remarks, adding, "Secularism is a two-way street, not one-sided. I respect Prakash Raj, but he should speak responsibly."
In the wake of this controversy, Pawan Kalyan announced his upcoming pilgrimage to Tirumala on October 1, where he plans to ascend the steps of Alipiri as part of his penance. He will offer prayers to Sri Venkateswara Swamy on October 2, concluding his penance, followed by a public meeting (*Varahi Sabha*) in Tirupati on October 3.
Pawan Kalyan's penance began with a visit to Sri Dashavatara Venkateswara Swamy temple in Nambur, Guntur district, where he sought forgiveness from Lord Venkateswara for the desecration of the Tirumala Laddu Prasadam. His strong stance on the adulteration of the sacred prasadam highlights his determination to protect the sanctity of Hindu traditions and to hold accountable those responsible for the wrongdoing.