Tirupati: In the wake of allegations regarding adulteration of the cow ghee used for preparing the Srivari laddu prasadam, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has announced that a Shanti Yagam will be performed at the Tirumala Temple on Monday.
TTD executive officer (EO) J. Syamala Rao, addressing a press conference along with additional EO Ch. Venkaiah Chowdary, said on Sunday that the yagam will be performed from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Yaga Sala near the Bangaru Bavi within the hill temple premises.
He explained that the ritual aims to ward off the ill effects, ensure the sanctity of laddu prasadams, and safeguard the well-being of Srivari devotees.
The TTD EO said steps have already been taken to ensure the purity of ghee used in laddu preparation. He informed that TTD is currently purchasing pure cow ghee from Karnataka Milk Federation’s Nandini and Alpha Foods at a cost of Rs475 per litre. He stated that only ghee procured from reliable sources is being used for preparing the prasadam.
Acknowledging that the reports of adulteration have hurt the sentiments of devotees, Syamala Rao explained that TTD has taken several corrective measures to prevent any future lapses.
“TTD has set up an 18-member sensory panel with members trained at the Mysore’s Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI). This panel is responsible for testing the ghee and assigning ratings on a scale of 0 to 9. Only batches of ghee that receive a rating of 7 or above will be used in the preparation of the prasadam,” the EO maintained.
Syamala Rao said they are procuring equipment with the support of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) to ensure the highest quality standards in ghee procurement. He urged devotees not to worry, assuring them that TTD is committed to maintaining the purity of the ghee used in laddu preparation at all stages.
