Daijiworld Media Network - Tirupati
Tirupati, Mar 10: Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) on Tuesday clarified that there is no shortage of cow ghee for preparing the famed Tirupati Laddu prasadam at Tirumala Temple, dismissing viral social media claims suggesting disruption in laddu preparation.
The clarification came after a video of a ghee tanker accident circulated online with posts alleging that the vehicle was carrying ghee meant for the temple and that the spill had caused a shortage affecting the preparation of the Srivari Laddu prasadam.
In an official statement, TTD urged devotees not to believe “false propaganda” and assured that sufficient stocks of cow ghee are available to continue laddu preparation and distribution without any interruption.
According to TTD, the ghee used for preparing the prasadam is sourced through a three-tier procurement system, under which supplies are obtained from three different firms to ensure stability in the supply chain.
“Instead of depending on a single firm, ghee is procured from three different companies so that supply continues without interruption,” the temple body said.
TTD confirmed that a tanker belonging to Indapur Dairy, which was transporting ghee to Tirumala, recently met with an accident near Kondapur, Kadapa district. However, authorities stated that the incident has not affected the availability of ghee as supplies from the other two companies are continuing as scheduled.
The temple administration said around seven lakh Srivari Laddu prasadams are currently available for distribution to devotees, indicating that both preparation and supply remain unaffected.
With pilgrim numbers expected to increase during the summer season, TTD said advance arrangements have already been made to ensure uninterrupted production of laddus. Regular maintenance of machinery and conveyor belts at the laddu preparation unit, known as the Potu, is also being carried out to maintain smooth operations.
Reiterating its appeal, TTD stated that claims about ghee shortage or disruption in laddu preparation are misleading and could hurt the sentiments of devotees, adding that the preparation and distribution of Srivari Laddu prasadam continue smoothly.