BHUBANESHWAR: The Odisha Government has taken a proactive step to ensure the purity of the Mahaprasad at the revered Jagannath Temple in Puri. Amidst allegations of animal fat being used in Tirupati laddu in Andhra Pradesh, the government has decided to conduct quality tests on the ghee used in the temple’s Rosha ghara (kitchen). This move aims to prevent any potential adulteration and maintain the sanctity of the centuries-old tradition.
“Although no allegations have been reported regarding the quality of ghee used in the preparation of Kotha Bhoga (Prasad for deities) and Barati Bhoga (Prasad on order) at Srimandir, we will still examine the ghee’s standard. Due to the possibility of adulteration, we plan to consult with Omfed, the supplier of ghee to Srimandir, as well as the Suara and Mahasuara Nijog of the temple to ensure the ghee is standardized,” said Puri Collector Siddharth Shankar Swain on Tuesday.
It is noteworthy that following the recent news about the use of animal fat in preparing Laddu Prasad in Tirupati, questions have arisen regarding the quality of ghee used to prepare Prasad in major Hindu temples. As a result, both the devotees and the sevayats of the Shrimandir are seeking to ensure the quality of Ghee.
Jagannath Swain Mahapatra, the sevayat of Puri Srimandir and Badagrahi of Bhagwan Jagannath, emphasized the importance of checking the quality of ghee used in the preparation of Mahaprasad for Lord Jagannath.
Mahapatra stated that, given the reports of adulterated ghee used in the preparation of Laddu Prasad in Tirupati, it is natural for doubts to arise. All devotees desire a thorough investigation. Once this investigation is conducted, clarity will be achieved. Therefore, we urge the Chief Administrator and District Magistrate of Srimandir to ensure the quality of ghee is verified before it enters the temple. If this occurs, devotees will be very satisfied. Consequently, the investigation should be conducted promptly.
