In the wake of the controversy surrounding the famous Tirupati temple's Prasadi Laddu, the Odisha government has taken steps to test the quality of ghee used in the prasad of the Jagannath Temple in Puri. Recently, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu accused the previous YSR Congress government of using animal fat and fish oil in the Tirupati temple’s prasadi laddus.
Naidu claimed that after he came to power, the laddus were made with pure ghee. These accusations have sparked nationwide concern, leading to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) being filed in the Supreme Court. Lab tests later confirmed the use of cow fat and fish oil in the Tirupati prasads. This incident has put other major temples in India on high alert. Although there have been no complaints about the quality of prasad at the Jagannath Temple in Puri, the Odisha government has decided to take precautionary measures. Puri District Collector Siddharth announced that the quality of ghee offered to the deities and used in the prasad will be tested to ensure its purity.
The Odisha Milk Federation is the sole supplier of ghee for Jagannath Temple's prasad, and no previous issues have been reported. However, in light of the Tirupati controversy, the authorities will conduct tests to maintain the highest standards. Additionally, the prasad makers will also be consulted to ensure the best practices are followed.
