Tirupati temple sells 1.4 million laddoos in four days as animal fat row fails to deter devotees

Amid the controversy over the alleged use of beef fat in the laddoos in Tirupati temple, the sale of the revered prasad continued unaffected at the Sri Venkateshwara Temple, where more than 60,000 pilgrims have still been flocking daily, reported NDTV.

As per the report, the temple authorities managed to sell more than 1.4million laddoosin just four days.

Speaking to NDTV, a devotee Venkateshwar Rao said, "Our faith is too strong to be shaken." The devotees also said that the controversy over Tirupati laddoos is a "thing of the past now".

It was reported that on September 19, 0.35 million laddoos were sold; on September 20 0.317 million laddoos; on September 21 0.367 million laddoos and on September 22 0.36 million laddoos.

According to the report, the data reflected that the purchase of laddoos did not witness any decline because of the controversy, as usually 0.35 million laddoos were sold on a daily basis.

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The temple makes more than 0.3 million laddoos every day, which are subsequently bought by the devoteesas prasad and gifts for friends and family.

The temple uses Bengal gram, cow ghee, sugar, cashews, raisins, and almonds to make the revered laddoo. On a daily basis, they use around 15,000 kg of cow ghee in their preparation.

Tirupati laddoo controversy

The controversy over the Tirupati laddoo erupted after it was alleged by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu that animal fat was mixed with the ghee during the tenure of the YSRCP government led by YS Jagan Mohan Reddy. After this, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was set up by the state government to investigate the matter.

Reacting to allegations, former chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy said that the ruling TDP has been "politicising religious matters".

Watch:Tirupati Laddu Row: New vendor appointed, promises of purity

"The tender process occurs every six months, and the qualification criteria have not changed for decades. Suppliers must provide an NABL certificate and a product quality certificate. The TTD collects samples of the ghee, and only products that pass certification are used. The TDP is politicising religious matters," Reddy said, further saying that Naidu is a "pathological and habitual liar".

(With inputs from agencies)