Amid ongoing concerns regarding the adulterated ghee allegedly used for making laddu at Sri Venkateswara Temple in Andhra Pradesh, the Supreme Court stated on Monday that the lab report does not definitively indicate that “impure” ghee was used. The Tirupati Laddu, also known as the ‘Srivari Laddu,’ has been the primary offering at the temple for over 300 years.

Justice Viswanathan raised questions about the lab report, stating, “There are some disclaimers in the lab report. It is not clear, and it is prima facie indicating that it was rejected ghee, which was subjected to test.” Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing the State of Andhra Pradesh, was present during this discussion. Justice Gavai added, “It could also be soyabean…does not mean it was fish oil.”

Matter of Faith

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta emphasized to the bench that this issue pertains to faith, asserting that the use of contaminated ghee in laddu preparation would be unacceptable. The Supreme Court is currently considering whether to transfer the investigation to a Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the Centre or to an independent agency.

Temple Purification Ritual

In response to the concerns, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams conducted a purification ritual last week. This ceremony, known as the ‘Shanti Homam,’ was performed in the kitchens where the laddus are made for offerings. “The state government came up with a proposal that what to do to purify the places of the temple. So, we went to the management with the proposal to perform a Shanti Homam. After approval, we decided last evening to perform it today after 6 am,” said Krishna Seshachala Deekshitulu, one of the head priests of the temple.

“After 6 am, we all went to the sanctum sanctorum to take the blessings of and permission from Lord Venkateswara…Now everything has been purified, I request all devotees that they need not worry anymore. Come have the darshan of Lord Balaji and take the prasadam back home,” he added.