Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh) [India], September 22 : The executive officer of Tirumala Tirupathi Devastanam (TTD) said that a one-day 'Samprokshnas' and 'Shanti Homam' will be conducted on September 23 to restore the sanctity of the Devalayam as the allegations over Tirupati Prasadam containing animal fat escalated on Sunday.
Shamala Rao said, "A sensory panel has been established which will evaluate food samples on the parameters of aroma, taste and texture. To ensure that any 'doshas' which may have taken place during various programs or religious ceremonies conducted for Lord Venkateshwara, every year TTD conducts 'Pavitraotsavams' which involve 'Samprokshnas' in different areas. To ensure confidence is restored in devotees and they pray with a peaceful mind, one-day 'Samprokshnas' and 'Shanti Homam' will be conducted tomorrow. With this, we are hoping that the sanctity of the Devalayam and faith of devotees is restored."
He further said that the sensory panel has got training from Central Food Technological Research Institute is an Indian food research institute and laboratory headquartered in Mysore.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the allegations about the adulteration of Tirupati Prasadam (laddus).
"We are forming a Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising officers of IGP and above posts. The SIT will submit a report to the government and we will take action based on that report so that such things are not repeated," Naidu said.
Andhra Pradesh CM Naidu further stated, " I am taking three angles, first, purification, according to traditions. I am ordering an inquiry at the IGP level. Only those who have beliefs will be there in the management committee. Finally, we will prepare standard operating procedures for all the temples."
Responding to Jagan Mohan Reddy's claim that Naidu was playing diversion tactics to cover failed promises, Naidu said, "What nonsense he (Jagan Mohan Reddy) is talking. Not even 100 days we have been in government. You tell the policies, criticise my policy, and I'll answer what you have done, what I have done. But, you wanted to divert, but if you do so, more and more sentiments will hurt."
On September 19, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu stirred a political controversy after he claimed that the ghee used in the preparation of Tirupati laddoo prasadam, offered at Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple in Tirupati, contained animal fat during the previous YSRCP government.
Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple is a Hindu temple situated in the Tirumala hills of Andhra Pradesh's Tirupati district.