Sales Of Tirupati Laddu Surge Despite Adulteration Controversy

Recent concerns over the purity of the famed Laddu prasadam from Tirumala Hills, the sacred site of Lord Venkateswara Swamy, have not deterred devotees from purchasing the iconic sweet. Following lab reports revealing the presence of adulterated materials in the ingredients, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) board quickly reassured the public that the sanctity and purity of the prasadam remain intact.

Remarkably, sales of the Laddu have actually increased amid the controversy. Official figures indicate that on September 19, a total of 3.59 lakh Laddus were sold. Although sales dipped slightly to 3.16 lakh the following day, they rebounded significantly, reaching 3.66 lakh on September 21. This surge underscores the deep emotional connection that devotees have with the Tirupati Laddu, which holds a cherished place in Hindu culture.

In recent years, complaints regarding the quality and taste of the Laddu have surfaced, prompting scrutiny of the TTD board’s management. Under the leadership of Chandrababu Naidu, significant changes have been initiated to enhance the quality of the prasadam. Naidu recently stirred controversy by alleging that animal fat was mixed with ghee used in Laddu preparation during the tenure of the previous government led by YS Jagan. A subsequent lab report substantiated these claims, igniting widespread outrage among the Hindu community across the nation.

In light of these developments, the TTD board is taking proactive measures to restore the temple’s sanctity. One significant initiative includes the planning of a ‘Maha Shanthi Yagam,’ a ritual intended to purify the temple from any perceived desecration resulting from the past administration’s practices. As the TTD works to address these challenges, the unwavering devotion of devotees remains a testament to the enduring legacy of the Tirupati Laddu.