Tirupati Laddoo Controversy: Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad suggests safer prasad options for Hindu temples

The recent row over the holy Tirupati Laddoo has raised eyebrows over the purity of prasads being sold at the temples. Amidst the ongoing controversy, Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad suggested another option for prasads at the temples to avoid any such adulteration. Scroll down to find out.

As per the latest PTI report, the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad said mishri, cardamom seeds, and dry fruits to be offered traditionally to the Hindu deities as 'bhog' should be distributed among devotees as prasad at temples instead of prepared dishes such as laddoo to prevent adulteration.

From the health perspective too, these items for prasad makes for a healthier choices. Eating mishri (rock sugar) and cardamom aids digestion, freshens breath, and soothes the throat. This combination also helps relieve acidity and promotes oral health due to its antibacterial properties.



Mahant Ravindra Puri, President of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, an important body of seers said that the system of prasad should be operational in all temples across the country until the government and the management of temples guarantee the purity of ghee used to prepare prasad.

"Items like rock sugar, cardamom and dry fruits are traditionally offered as Bhog to Hindu deities. Their distribution as prasad will leave no room for adulteration," he said. Expressing his disgust at the adulteration of 'prasadam' at the Tirupati Balaji Temple, Puri said it had hurt the sentiments of Hindus all over the world.

Also Read: Amid Tirupati Laddoo controversy, 43 food samples collected from Mathura & Vrindavan, ‘Peda’ sent for testing

The PTI report also mentioned that he suggested that Hindus feeling guilty about having eaten adulterated prasad unknowingly at Tirupati Balaji can purify their system by consuming Ganga jal or Gomutra (cow urine).

For the unversed, this is happening after the row over the holy Tirupati Laddoo that was recently found to be adulterated with beef tallow and fish oil. Beef tallow is made by removing, simmering and clarifying the fatty tissue of beef. It is typically used for cooking at high temperatures such as deep frying and roasting. It is made of saturated fat and is similar in texture to soft butter.

Interestingly, despite adulteration claims, according to the temple authorities, over 1.4 million Tirupati laddoo were sold in just four days. Specifically, 3.59 lakh laddus were sold on September 19, 3.17 lakh on September 20, 3.67 lakh on September 21, and 3.60 lakh on September 22, a news portal reported. It is also reported that these numbers are in line with the temple’s usual average of selling 3.50 lakh laddus daily.

Thumb Image Courtesy: istock