Concerns Over Ghee Quality at Srikalahasti Temple after Tirumala Scandal
Tirupati: Concern over suspected use of adulterated ghee in temple prasadam has escalated, with complaints that this could be happening in the Srikalahasti Temple and several other shrines across Andhra Pradesh.
The alleged use of adulterated ghee in the Tirumala laddu prasadam is currently under a high-level investigation by the state government.
The Srikalahasti temple requires around eight tonnes of ghee every month for prasadam and rituals. Complaints about the quality of ghee used there have been raised for years by devotees and temple staff. They claim that the ghee lacked its signature aroma, taste and colour. Temple staff said the ghee solidified even during the summer months, strengthening the suspicions about its quality.
While these concerns were being brought to the attention of temple authorities, no significant action has been taken so far. However, the raising of the Tirumala ghee issue has heightened the concern at Srikalahasti. This prompted the state endowments department to order inspections of the ghee and other ingredients being supplied to various temples, including Srikalahasti.
Prior to the change in the state government three months ago, the Srikalahasti temple used to source its ghee from well-known brands like Vijaya and Nandini. The temple currently procures its ghee from the Vaishnavi and Tirumala brands. Contractors from Tirupati are supplying the required quantities.
Devotees have questioned the decision of the new dispensation to switch from established brands like Vijaya and Nandini to the newer suppliers.
"Between April 1 and July 31, 2023, Vaishnavi and Tirumala ghee were supplied at `497 per kg. From August 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024, Vaishnavi ghee was being supplied at `569 per kg. Despite the availability of more affordable options from the earlier brands, it is unclear why the temple trust board switched the suppliers," said a temple official.
Temple authorities had stated that quality control measures would be improved after Srikalahasti MLA Bojjala Sudheer Reddy inspected temple departments and expressed dissatisfaction over the prasadam's quality.
However, these promises remain unfulfilled. In addition, concern about transparency and quality checks on temple supplies persists.
"There is no dedicated team or mechanism in place to inspect items like rice, pulses and ghee. This raises fears that substandard products might be used," lamented former MLA SCV Naidu, demanding a thorough investigation to safeguard the integrity of the prasadam.
Responding to these issues, the MLA alleged that the previous temple administration had sourced ghee from a fake company with the name, Vaishnavi Dairy. “After assuming office, I ensured that the ghee was procured from the genuine Vaishnavi Dairy.”
He also said the quality of ghee and of the other supplies would be inspected by a vigilance committee.
