Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) executive officer J. Shyamala Rao on Monday said devotees can allay their concerns over laddus in temples as ‘prasadam’ The sanctity has been restored through a four-hour purification ritual. The purpose of this ritual is to liberate Lord Venkateswara Swamy from so-called evil practices such as mixing animal fat while making Tirupati Laddu.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu recently claimed that the quality of laddus at Tirupati temple came into focus during the previous YSRCP government and substandard raw materials and animal fat were used in making laddus. YSRCP president Jagan Mohan Reddy has denied all the allegations.
“Innocence Ceremony”
Shyamala Rao was quoted as saying in the press release: “This sacred ritual is a sin-free ritual. Under this ritual, Vaastu Shuddhi (and) Kumbhajala Samprokshan is performed by Ritwikas (priests).”
According to the temple staff, Shanti Homa is held between 6 am and 10 pm to ward off evil influences, restore the sanctity of Laddu Prasadam and other naivedyam (foods offered to gods) and for the welfare of devotees of Srivari (gods) as per ” Vaikhanasa Agama” principles are organized at the “Yagyashala” (ceremonial place) of the Tirumala temple.
Temple priests are seen sprinkling holy water on the pottu (the kitchen where laddus are made) and ingredients. After the ceremony, Rao discussed how devotees can clear their doubts about the quality of Laddu Prasadam and Naivedyam.
Similarly, Venugopal Dikshitulu of Mohanrangacharyulu, one of the chief priests of the temple and ‘Aagam’ advisor said: “‘Sankalpam’, ‘Vishvaksena Aradhana’, ‘Punyavachanam’, ‘Vastu Homam’, ‘Kumbha Pratishtha’ and ‘Panchagavya Aradhana'” Monday morning A series of rituals were performed. “
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After ‘Poornahuti’, ‘Kumbh Prokshana’ is performed and ‘Special Naivedyam’ is offered. “Laddus Prasad and Naivedyam have become sacred from now on and devotees can leave it if in any doubt,” the TTD said in a release.
The temple body said the TTD is also preparing devotees to chant the ‘Kshama Mantra’ while performing Deeparadhana (rituals) at home.
