One of India's most revered temples, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam, is embroiled in controversy over claims that animal fat has been found in the ghee used for preparing its iconic prasadam, the Tirupati ladoo. This allegation has caused an uproar, with temple authorities pointing fingers at their supplier from Tamil Nadu, while the current ruling government has placed blame on the previous Jagan Mohan Reddy administration. Meanwhile, the central government has ordered an investigation into the claims.

The renowned Tirupati ladoo prasadam, distributed at the Lord Venkateswara shrine in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, is famous for its distinct taste and is a part of the temple’s long-standing tradition. These ladoos are made daily in the temple’s kitchen, called the Potu, following a strict recipe known as dittam, which governs the ingredients and their proportions. Over the centuries, the recipe has been modified only six times, and originally included ingredients like besan (chickpea flour) and jaggery syrup.

Massive scale of production and revenue

The temple produces approximately 3 lakh ladoos every day, contributing to an annual revenue of around ₹500 crore, according to The Times of India. This large-scale production has helped maintain the Tirupati laddu’s status as a symbol of faith for devotees.

A tradition dating back over 300 years

The offering of the Tirupati laddu has a history that spans over 300 years, dating back to 1715. In 2014, the ladoo was granted Geographical Indication (GI) status, ensuring that no other entity can market laddus under the same name, cementing its unique cultural and religious significance.

The allegations: What was found?

A lab report, now widely circulated on social media, allegedly indicates the presence of "foreign fat" such as beef tallow, lard, and fish oil in the ghee used to prepare the ladoos. The sample in question was reportedly submitted on July 9, 2024, with the lab report dated July 16.


The Congress party has called for a full-scale investigation into the claims, warning that if the allegations are true, the responsible parties must be held accountable. However, they also cautioned that if the claims are false or politically motivated, those responsible for stirring controversy could face backlash from millions of Tirupati devotees whose faith is being challenged.

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