Sacred No More: An Unbiased Look at the Tirumala Laddu Scandal
How Adulterated Ghee Found Its Way into the Holiest of Offerings, Putting Devotees’ Faith and Health at Risk
The revered Tirumala Laddu, a symbol of devotion and faith for millions, has been tainted by a shocking scandal. Adulterated ghee, containing animal fat and lard, was supplied to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) by a Tamil Nadu-based dairy firm, AR Dairy. This disturbing revelation raises questions about the sanctity of the offerings and the health risks posed to devotees.
A Cherished Prasadam
The Tirumala Laddu, made from Bengal gram, clarified butter, sugar, cashew nuts, raisins, and almonds, is a cherished prasadam for devotees visiting the hill shrine. With over 3.5 lakh laddus prepared daily, the TTD earns Rs 500 crore annually through sales.
The Rise of AR Dairy
In March 2024, TTD floated an e-tender for ghee supply. Karnataka Milk Marketing Federation (KMMF), the previous supplier of Nandini Ghee, opted out due to increased costs. AR Dairy from Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, emerged as the new supplier through reverse tendering on May 5, 2024, at a rate of Rs 319.80 per litre. AR Dairy began supplying ghee to TTD from June 12, 2024.
The Scandal Unfolds
On July 6, 2024, and July 15, 2024, two tankers of ghee supplied by AR Dairy were found to be of poor quality during physical verification. Suspecting adulteration, TTD collected four samples and sent them confidentially to the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) Lab in Anand, Gujarat, for testing.
Damning Evidence
The NDDB lab reports, received on July 16, 2024, and July 23, 2024, confirmed the presence of vegetable and animal fat-based adulterants, including lard. The adulterated ghee tankers were returned to AR Dairy, and further supplies were stopped. Show-cause notices were issued to AR Dairy Pvt Ltd on July 22, 2024, July 23, 2024, and July 27, 2024.
Questions and Concerns
Why did TTD not conduct rigorous quality control testing? Why the news was kept under wraps until September 2024? What measures will be taken to ensure the sanctity of offerings in other temples?
Call to Action
We should demand accountability from temple authorities and governments. Ensure rigorous quality control testing for all offerings. Protect the faith and health of devotees.
The Way Forward
TTD has decided to set up a state-of-the-art testing lab at Tirumala, with the National Dairy Development Board donating equipment worth Rs 75 lakh.