Pawan Kalyan reaches Tirupati temple on foot as penance amid laddu row

Andhra Pradesh's Deputy Chief Minister and Jana Sena Party (JSP) leader Pawan Kalyan made a pilgrimage to the Lord Venkateswara temple at Tirumala. This visit came amidst a storm of controversy surrounding allegations of adulterated ghee being used in the preparation of the temple's famous laddus. Kalyan's journey to the hilltop temple was notable not only for the occasion but also for his unique approach; he walked to the temple, demonstrating his devotion and commitment to the cause. Accompanying Kalyan were his daughters, Palina Anjani Konidela and Adya Konidela. As a non-Hindu, Palina was required to sign the mandatory faith declaration papers before entering the temple. This declaration, a procedural requirement for non-Hindus and foreigners, emphasizes the temple's adherence to traditional practices.

This visit marked the conclusion of Kalyan's 11-day penance, known as Prayaschittha Deeksha, which he undertook in response to the alleged sins committed during the previous YS Jagan Mohan Reddy government. Earlier this month Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu claimed that animal fat had been used in the preparation of the laddus. Naidu's allegations were backed by laboratory reports that purportedly confirmed the adulteration, triggering widespread public outrage and political backlash.

Kalyan expressed his dismay over the alleged use of animal fat in the laddus, describing it as a stain on the Hindu faith. "Tirumala Laddu Prasadam, which is considered sacred, has become impure due to the depraved tendencies of past rulers," he stated. He emphasized that it was his duty to ensure the purity of sacred offerings and called for accountability from those in power. Kalyan urged for the establishment of a ‘Sanatana Dharma Rakshana Board’ at the national level to address all temple-related issues, advocating for the protection of Hindu traditions and practices across India.

After his prayers, Kalyan received Teertha Prasadams and a memento from Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams officials at the Ranganayakula Mandapam. His visit included an inspection of the Tarigonda Vengamamba Nithya Annaprasadam complex, which provides free meals to devotees.