Jagadguru Shankaracharya condemns alleged adulteration of Tirupati’s prasad

 

 

 

Jyotishpeethadheeshwar Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati while addressing a press conference, on Friday expressed his strong condemnation to the alleged adulteration of Lord Tirupati's prasadam. He stated that mixing impure ingredients in the prasadam (holy offering) is an offense against the entire Hindu community. He urged the government and judiciary to register the case and conduct a fast-track trial to punish the culprits as soon as possible.

 

The Shankaracharya further said that he, along with other three Shankaracharyas, will consult with each other to plan a comprehensive campaign to protect religious practices. He said they are already in discussions with the Shankaracharyas of Sringeri and Dwarka, as well as legal experts to ensure that after thorough legal consultation, they will move to the courts to safeguard the fundamental religious freedoms of Hindus. Referring to reports, Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati stated that Andhra Pradesh's Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu had revealed that during the 2019-2024 period, Tirumala laddus were made using substandard ingredients, including the use of animal fat instead of clarified butter (ghee). This revelation has deeply hurt the faith of millions of Hindus and appears to be part of a larger conspiracy to degrade Hindu religious practices.

 

He emphasized that such allegations should be thoroughly investigated and those responsible must be given the harshest punishment according to the law and the Constitution. Shankaracharya also raised concerns over the continued lack of control Hindus have over their own temples, even after 77 years of independence. He demanded that Hindu society be given full control over the management and security of its temples, free from government interference. At least, religious management of temples must remain in the hands of the religious community. He also highlighted that the 36-day ‘Gaupratishtha Dhvajsthapana Bharat Yatra’ that started two days ago from Ayodhya is timely and justified. The Yatra underlines the importance of protecting cows, as they are a source of pure ghee, whereas their slaughter leads to the use of animal fat.