The Hindu Dharma Acharya Sabha expressed concern over the adulteration of ghee used in the preparation of Tirupati laddus and said the episode should serve as a warning to governments to remain vigilant and ensure that temple affairs are managed only by dharmic and responsible individuals.
Swami Avadeshanand Giri, president of the Ahmedabad-based Hindu Dharma Acharya Sabha, and its general secretary Swami Paramatmananda Saraswati said that seers discussed the issue of adulteration in Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams laddu prasadam, which has now been confirmed by a special investigation team appointed by the Supreme Court.
They said that while the exact nature of the adulterer was debated, the fact that the ghee was impure was established. According to the Shastras, only pure ghee was allowed in temple offerings, they noted.
The seers deplored the government’s neglect of the purity of temple rituals, especially the Naivedyam, which is the most sacred in Hindu tradition. They pointed out that the Vedas describe ghee as sacred and cosmically significant in the performance of rituals and temple sacrifices.
They said adulteration of ghee in laddu prasadam is not only a violation related to food but a serious violation of the norms prescribed in the sastras. The incident deeply hurt the sentiments of the Acharyas as well as the Hindu community worldwide.
The Sabha further said that since the temple administration was under the government which functions as a Yajman, the then Andhra Pradesh government was fully responsible for this lapse. It added that Hindus have traditionally entrusted the government with the responsibility of temple management.
The Hindu Dharma Acharya Sabha has recommended that a seminar on Shastra and Agama principles, especially Dravya Shuddhi, be held to prevent such violations in future and to strengthen dharma accountability.
Published – March 9, 2026 8:41 PM IST
