Tirupati Laddu News: Shankaracharya flags ’big betrayal done to Hindus’, invokes Mangal Pandey’s rebellion in 1857

Amid the controversy over the alleged use of adulterated ghee to prepare 'laddoo prasad' at Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple in Tirupati, Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati of Jyotirmath on Tuesday compared the incident with Mangal Pandey's revolution against the English East India Company.

The row erupted when Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu claimed last week that ghee contaminated with animal fat was used to make Tirupati laddoos under the previous government run by the YSR Congress.

Terming the revelation as a big betrayal to the Hindu community, Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati sought stern steps to punish the culprits.

Speaking to the media, Shankaracharya said, as quoted by PTI, "It is not a controversy, it is more than that. One Mangal Pandey was asked to open cartridge from mouth, there was a revolution in the country. Today, it was put in the mouths of crores of Indians. It is not a small thing. It is a big betrayal done to Hindu community, 4-5 days have gone, we don't know who has done it. The investigation will be delayed and then other issues will be brought. We cannot forget this incident."

"This is a big crime, an organised crime, a crime against the Hindu community. Whoever is responsible, should be brought forward and strictly punished. As long as 'Gaumata' is there, we cannot become impure, and that is why they are killing 'Gaumata'," he added.

Andhra sadhus seek action

Andhra Pradesh Sadhu Parishad also sought strict action against those responsible for the alleged use of adulterated ghee in 'laddoo prasad'. They staged a protest outside Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams' administrative building on Tuesday.

Swami Srinivasananda Saraswati, President of Andhra Pradesh Sadhu Parishad, accused YSRCP President and former Andhra Pradesh CM Jagan Mohan Reddy of 'ruining the sanctity' of Tirumala temple.

"We are very disturbed. YSRCP President Jagan Mohan Reddy belongs to the Christian community and he never gave importance to Lord Venkateswara. He never believed in Hinduism. He always employed Christians in the post of chairman and other positions. These employees always saw Lord Venkateswara with a business purpose," ANI quoted Swami Srinivasananda Saraswati as saying.

"In five years, Jagan Mohan Reddy ruined the sanctity of Tirumala temple. He has taken a lot of money from the offerings given by Hindu devotees in the temples. We demand the government take strict action against those involved," the seer added.

Pawan Kalyan hits out at opposition

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan accused former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy of being responsible for the alleged 'contamination' of the Tirupati laddus.

Kalyan stated that he was ready to die for Sanatana Dharma. The deputy CM also participated in a cleansing programme at the Kanaka Durga temple in Vijayawada.

"I don't know whether YV Subbareddy and Karunakar Reddy have converted to Christianity and I didn't bother about it and under your (Jagan Mohan Reddy) regime, a board was established, and you are responsible and accountable for this contamination. We are raising these questions only after receiving reports," ANI quoted Pawan Kalyan as saying in Vijaywada.

During the previous YSRCP government, YV Subbareddy and Karunakar Reddy held the position of chairman of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams.

Tirupati laddu prasadam row

Last week, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu claimed that the ghee used in the preparation of Tirupati laddus during the previous YSRCP government was contained with animal fat.

He also claimed that the state government formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the alleged adulteration in the prasadam.

"We are forming a Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising officers of IGP and above ranks. The SIT will submit a report to the government, and we will act on that report to ensure such incidents are not repeated. I am addressing three aspects: first, purification according to tradition; second, ordering an inquiry at the IGP level; and third, ensuring only believers are part of the management committee. Finally, we will establish standard operating procedures for all temples," Naidu had said.

But former chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy dismissed all allegations, stating ruling TDP government is "politicising religious matters."

"The tender process occurs every six months, and the qualification criteria have not changed for decades. Suppliers must provide an NABL certificate and a product quality certificate. The TTD collects samples of the ghee, and only products that pass certification are used. The TDP is politicising religious matters. In our regime, we have rejected products 18 times," Reddy had said.

With agency inputs.