Tirupati Laddu Scandal: Betrayal of Hindu Faith, Says Shankaracharya

Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati of Jyotirmath has raised serious concerns over the ongoing controversy surrounding the alleged adulteration of the famous Tirupati laddu prasadam. The Shankaracharya compared the incident to the 1857 revolt led by Mangal Pandey, highlighting its significance as a betrayal of the Hindu community. He emphasized that this was not merely a controversy but an “organized crime” against Hindus and called for swift justice.

The row began after reports surfaced alleging the use of adulterated ghee, possibly mixed with animal fat, in the laddus offered as prasadam at the Tirupati temple. This has sparked outrage among devotees and religious leaders alike. Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand, during a press conference, expressed deep dissatisfaction with the temple’s trustees, accusing them of failing in their duties. He stated that while investigations are ongoing, those in charge should be held accountable regardless of the outcome, and any delay in the investigation would only add to the growing mistrust.

He further called the incident a “big betrayal,” akin to forcing impurity upon millions of devout Hindus. Drawing parallels to Mangal Pandey’s refusal to use cartridges rumored to be greased with animal fat, which sparked the 1857 rebellion, he invoked a similar level of importance to the adulteration allegations, urging immediate action and punishment for those responsible.

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The controversy has also seen political leaders get involved, with various parties targeting each other. Andhra Pradesh Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan blamed former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy for the contamination, while religious groups demanded stringent laws to protect the sanctity of religious practices. The Andhra Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, has ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter and ensure the incident is not repeated. Meanwhile, purification rituals have been conducted at the temple to restore faith among devotees.