Karnataka Mandates Nandini Ghee for Temples Amid Tirupati Laddu Quality Controversy

GG News Bureau
Bengaluru, 20th Sept. Amid the growing controversy over the quality of Tirupati Laddu prasadam, the Karnataka government on Friday issued a circular instructing all temples under the Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Department to ensure high standards in the preparation of ‘prasada.’

The government has specifically mandated that only Nandini brand ghee, produced by the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF), be used in all temple services. “It is hereby instructed that all notified temples under the Karnataka State Religious Endowment Department must compulsorily use Nandini ghee for sevas, lamps, and in the preparation of all prasadas, as well as at Dasoha Bhavans where food is served,” the circular stated.

The directive comes in the wake of revelations from the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which manages the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple, regarding the presence of sub-standard ghee and lard in prasadam samples. These concerns were initially raised by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu two days ago.

The Karnataka government’s circular emphasizes the need to maintain the highest quality in temple offerings, reflecting a commitment to uphold religious standards and address public concerns over food safety in temples.