Chennai: The controversy over alleged use of animal fat in making Tirupati laddoos is yet to die down. And now comes another serious and shocking claim concerning the renowned temple in Andhra Pradesh.
Some devotees said that insects were found in the Anna Prasadam served to them at the Tirupati temple.
They even shared pictures and videos on social media to back their claim.
“This is unacceptable and reflects the negligence of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) authorities. We demand strict action against those responsible,” said a devotee.
Another person, who travelled from Warangal for darshan, shared his experience.
“After getting my head shaved, I went for lunch. While eating, I discovered a millipede in the curd rice. When I raised the issue with the staff, their response was shockingly casual. They said, ‘It happens sometimes.’ Despite a change in government, these problems persist,” he said.
However, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which looks after the temple, dismissed the claims.
The Chief Public Relations Officer, TTD, said in a statement the claims were “false and unfounded.”
TTD appealed to the devotees to disregard such “baseless and false news” and maintain their faith in Sri Venketeswara and TTD.
One of the devotees said that after he had documented the incident through photos and videos, one official tried to downplay the situation.
“He claimed the insect came from the leaf used for serving. This negligence is unacceptable. If children or others were to consume contaminated food, who would be held responsible for potential food poisoning?” the devotee questioned.
According to TTD, hot Anna Prasadam is prepared for thousands of devotees who come for Srivari Darshan.
“It is an unconvincing claim by the devotee that a centipede fell in the Anna prasadam. Even if rice is mixed with curd, the creature could not go unnoticed,” the trust explained.
They also claimed it could be a means to defame the institution, and an attempt to lead devotees astray of their faith in Lord Venkateswara.
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