The dispute over the Tirupati temple offerings intensifies daily, especially after complaints emerged about animal fat and fish oil mixed into the meat offered as prasad. Consequently, this controversy has fueled political tensions. In response, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan recently announced his plan to undertake a significant act of penance: he will fast for 11 days.
Starting today, Pawan Kalyan will undergo an 11-day ‘Prayashchit Diksha’ at the Sri Dasavatar Venkateswara Swami Temple in Nambur, Guntur district. He expressed deep sorrow over what he views as an insult to Tirupati Ladoo Prasadam, stating that the incident during Jagan Mohan Reddy’s government has profoundly affected him.
In a heartfelt social media post, Pawan Kalyan declared, “O Lord Balaji! Lord forgive me.” He emphasized the sacred significance of Tirumala Ladoo Prasad and lamented that it was defiled by the actions of previous rulers. Furthermore, he stated, “Only those with a cruel heart commit such sins.”
Moreover, he conveyed his personal pain over the attempts to desecrate the prasad of Sri Tirupati Balaji Dham, a center of culture, faith, and respect. “Honestly, I feel hurt inside. Therefore, I am asking God for forgiveness and vowing to fast for 11 days,” he explained. After completing his fast, he plans to visit Tirupati to seek personal forgiveness from the Lord and, in doing so, fulfill his penance.
In addition, Pawan Kalyan urged all followers of Sanatan Dharma to atone for what he described as a terrible sin against Lord Balaji. “Lord, I beg you to give me the strength to wash away the sins committed against you by the previous government,” he wrote.
Ultimately, the controversy surrounding the preparation of Ladoo Prasadam with adulterated ghee has sparked strong sentiments among followers of Sanatan Dharma across the country.