The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam Board (TTD) has decided that non-Hindu employees will no longer be allowed to work at the Tirupati temple. The board has asked these employees, around 300 people, to retire voluntarily. This decision has sparked a political debate. BJP leader Madhavi Latha supported the move, stating that only Hindus should be employed in temples. This has led to various reactions, with some agreeing with the decision and others opposing it. The change is seen as a significant shift in how the temple operates, and it has raised questions about religious identity and employment policies in religious institutions.
20 November,2024 02:32 PM IST
AAP Convener Arvind Kejriwal, along with his wife Sunita Kejriwal, visited the famous Tirupati Temple in Andhra Pradesh on November 14. The temple is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites for Hindus and holds great historical and spiritual importance. It is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who is believed to reside there in the current age of Kali Yuga. The temple attracts millions of devotees every year due to its significance in Hindu mythology. During their visit, Kejriwal and his wife offered prayers and participated in the temple's rituals. The Tirupati Temple is known for its rich tradition, cultural heritage, and devotion that draws people from across India and beyond.
14 November,2024 11:15 AM IST
On October 4, the Supreme Court established an independent Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the Tirupati Laddoo Row, which erupted after Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu accused the YSRCP government of using substandard ingredients in the famous Tirupati Laddoos. The new SIT comprises two members from the CBI, two from the state police, and one from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. The Supreme Court emphasized its intent to prevent the situation from devolving into a political spectacle, stating it remains open to being approached during the investigation but will not serve as a platform for political disputes. The controversy intensified after a lab report revealed the presence of “animal fat” in the prasad, sparking heated exchanges among political leaders. Amid this turmoil, Andhra Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan has called for the creation of robust legislation to protect Sanatana Dharma, adding another layer to the ongoing debate.
04 October,2024 04:45 PM IST
Pawan Kalyan, Andhra Pradesh's deputy chief minister and Jana Sena chief, has publicly declared himself an "unapologetic Sanatani Hindu" during an event in Tirupati. He introduced the 'Varahi Declaration,' which calls for a Sanatan Dharma Parirakshana law and the establishment of a dedicated board at both national and state levels to protect Sanatana Dharma. Kalyan criticized the judiciary, alleging that it offers protection to those who insult Hinduism while remaining unresponsive to similar offenses against Islam. He referenced Tamil Nadu's deputy chief minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, who had previously likened Sanatan Dharma to a virus, emphasizing the need for stronger legal measures to safeguard Hindu beliefs. Kalyan's statements reflect a growing concern among some political leaders regarding the perceived injustices faced by Hinduism in the current socio-political landscape
04 October,2024 11:54 AM IST
The Tirupati Laddoo Row has sparked widespread outrage across India, drawing significant attention to the issue. The controversy intensified after a heated exchange on social media between actor Prakash Raj and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan. Pawan responded vehemently to Prakash’s criticisms, asserting, “Don’t make a mockery of our sentiments,” in defense of the sacred prasadam. This public dispute highlights the deep emotional ties many have to religious offerings. In a symbolic gesture, Pawan also performed a purification ritual at Kanaka Durga as part of his 11-day ‘Prayaschitta Diksha,’ aiming to reaffirm his commitment to the spiritual and cultural integrity of the prasadam. The exchanges between the two have captivated social media users and dominated news cycles, illustrating the potent intersection of faith, politics, and public sentiment in contemporary India.
25 September,2024 12:21 PM IST
In response to Tirupati Laddoo row, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) organized a Maha Shanti Homam to restore sanctity to the temple. TTD Executive Officer Shamala Rao, along with board officials and priests, participated in the rituals. To further uphold the temple's sanctity, an annual Pavitrotsavam will be conducted during Sravana Masam, aimed at seeking forgiveness for any errors by officials, priests, or devotees. Guided by Agama Shastra advisors, including Pedda Jiyangar, and upon the recommendation of Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu, the Homam will take place at three key locations: the Yagasala, Bangaru Bavi, and near the Garbhagudi. The culmination of the ritual will feature a ‘Panchagavya Prokshana’ ceremony, designed to purify significant areas of the temple, reinforcing the spiritual integrity of this revered site. This initiative reflects TTD’s commitment to maintaining the temple’s sanctity and addressing concerns from the community.
23 September,2024 01:18 PM IST
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of The Art of Living, addressed the Tirupati laddoo row, likening the situation to historical grievances like the sepoy mutiny of 1857. He expressed that the feelings of Hindus are profoundly hurt by the alleged mismanagement of the prasadam, calling it a "malicious" act driven by greed. He demanded strict penalties for those involved, including asset seizure and imprisonment. Ravi Shankar emphasized the need for rigorous oversight of all food products, particularly addressing concerns about adulteration. He proposed that temple management should be supervised by spiritual leaders, suggesting the formation of a committee comprising representatives from various religious communities, with minimal government involvement. His remarks highlight the importance of maintaining the sanctity of religious practices and ensuring transparency in food offerings.
22 September,2024 04:48 PM IST
Amid the ongoing controversy over the Tirupati temple laddoos, Andhra Pradesh DY CM Pawan Kalyan said, "We are hurt and shocked...When people of no commitment and no value and no respect for the sanctity of the temple, if they take charge this is what happens...It is not just about prasad, maybe liquor and non-veg was supplied, people were having parties there," Pawan Kalyan told ANI.The Jana Sena chief suggested establishing a 'Sanatana Dharma Rakshana Board' to ensure the purity of the sacred offerings. Raising concern over the quality of prasad and the functioning of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD), he said that the quality of prasad is always quite superior and are sourced from highly trusted groups and companies to ensure its purity and sanctity.
21 September,2024 04:36 PM IST
Amid the ongoing controversy over the Tirupati temple laddoos, Executive officer of Tirumala Tirupathi Devastanam (TTD), Shamala Rao said that when he took over as executive officer TTD, the CM expressed concern on the ghee procured and the quality of the laddu which is considered to be very sacred and offered as 'Prasadam' to Lord Venkateswara Swamy, then they send it to the lab for testing result of which has been shocking.
21 September,2024 12:45 PM IST
After a lab report confirmed ‘animal fat’ in Tirupati’s ‘Prasadam’, followers of Sanatana Dharma are in shock. Hindu saints across states have slammed the previous Andhra Govt for their alleged involvement in this controversy. Meanwhile, the priests have suspected the mixture of ‘animal fats’ in Tirupati’s laddoo that were sent for Ayodhya’s Pranpratistha. Notably in Jan 2024, the Tirupati Trust had prepared 1 lakh laddus for the grand Ayodhya Ram Temple ‘Pranpratistha’. Day after the Tirupati Laddoo controversy surfaced, devotees at the Tirupati Balajee Temple blamed YSRCP for the ‘Prasadam’ row.
20 September,2024 06:06 PM ISTADVERTISEMENT
