In a significant development, concerns have been raised over the alleged adulteration of ghee used in preparing the famous Tirumala Tirupati laddoos, sparking outrage among devotees and prompting legal action. Renowned historian and author Vikram Sampath, alongside spiritual discourser Dushyanth Sridhar, has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Supreme Court of India.
On September 19, 2024, Hindus across India were shocked when the results of tests on the ingredients of the Tirupati temple prasadam were made public.
A lab report revealed that beef tallow, fish oil, and palm oil could have probably been used to prepare the laddus distributed as prasad at the famous Sri Venkateswara temple in Tirupati.
The findings indicated that the ghee used to make the iconic Tirupati laddu prasadam during the YSRCP government contained traces of animal fat, including beef tallow and fish oil.
This sparked widespread outrage, with many accusing the authorities of disrespecting religious sentiments.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has assured that action will be taken against those responsible. Pawan Kalyan, the Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, is undergoing an 11-day penance to atone for the sin committed at the sacred pilgrimage site.
In light of this, Dushyanth Sridhar and Vikram Sampath have moved the Supreme Court to establish accountability in Hindu temples managed by government bodies.
Dushyanth Sridhar noted that the renowned Tirupati temple, celebrated in the Rig Veda, the Puranas, Sangam literature, and the works of various bhakti poets, is considered one of India’s most sacred pilgrimage sites.
“Whenever I think of Tirumala-Tirupati, it is this line (prapadyē taṃ giriṃ prāyaḥ śrīnivāsānukampayā) of Swami Vedanta Desika that comes to my mind. Venerated in the Rig Veda, the Puranas, the Sangam literature and by a galaxy of bhakti poets, this kshetra holds a special place in our hearts. But it was painful even to digest the news about the alleged ‘adulteration’ in the ghee meant for the ladoo-making.”, Dushyant said in an X post.
He further added, “My good historian-friend (also my college senior) Sri @vikramsampath and I decided to file a PIL in the Supreme Court of India that would bring accountability and, most importantly, ‘shraddha’ in the functioning of Hindu temples across the country. Our friends—Sri @ExecutiveListX and Sri @ThisIsTheMukesh—helped achieve this. We sincerely pray that the SC admits and hears our petition.“
Whenever I think of Tirumala-Tirupati, it is this line (prapadyē taṃ giriṃ prāyaḥ śrīnivāsānukampayā) of Swami Vedanta Desika that comes to my mind. Venerated in the Rig Veda, the Puranas, the Sangam literature and by a galaxy of bhakti poets, this kshetra holds a special… https://t.co/gahXy5MjtI
— Dushyanth Sridhar (@dushyanthsridar) September 24, 2024
Vikram Sampath too in his X post noted that him and Dushyant being Vaishnavites themselves have chosen to file PIL in the Supreme Court to divest government/bureaucratic hold over temples.
Like several other astikas, @dushyanthsridar & I , as Srivaishnavas ourselves, were deeply distressed about the defilement at Tirumala. To bring in change & accountability in functioning of this & other Hindu shrines & to divest the govt/bureaucratic hold, we have filed a PIL…
— Dr. Vikram Sampath, FRHistS (@vikramsampath) September 24, 2024
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