FAKE GHEE SCANDAL HITS TIRUPATI TEMPLE LADDU WORTH ₹250 CRORE

The Tirumala Tirupati Temple, one of the most sacred and richest temples in India, has been shaken by a shocking revelation. Over the past five years, nearly 68 lakh kilograms of fake and low-quality ghee were allegedly supplied to the temple by a company based in Uttarakhand. This adulterated ghee was used in preparing the famous Tirupati Laddu, the holy prasadam received by millions of devotees every year. The estimated value of this fake ghee supply stands at a staggering ₹250 crore. The discovery has sparked outrage, not only because of the financial scale of the fraud but because it involves the sanctity of one of India’s most revered religious offerings.

The Temple and Its Sacred Laddu

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, or TTD, manages the temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara in Andhra Pradesh. The temple draws lakhs of devotees daily from across the world. One of its most iconic features is the Tirupati Laddu prasadam, which devotees carry home as a divine blessing. It is made from ingredients like gram flour, sugar, cashews, cardamom, and pure ghee, which is considered the soul of the recipe. The authenticity and purity of this ghee have always been a matter of pride for the temple and an assurance of faith for devotees. Therefore, the use of fake or adulterated ghee has deeply hurt public sentiment.

How the Scam Unfolded

The alleged scam came to light during routine quality checks and audits. It was found that the ghee supplied by a certain Uttarakhand-based company did not meet the quality standards expected for temple use. Further investigation revealed that the supplier had been mixing cheap vegetable oils and chemical-based substances to reduce production costs. These adulterated mixtures were then passed off as pure ghee and delivered to the temple over several years. Reports suggest that around 68 lakh kilograms of such fake ghee were used between 2019 and 2024. The total loss to the temple administration is estimated to be ₹250 crore, though the emotional and spiritual damage is far greater.

Reaction from Devotees and Authorities

The news has triggered outrage among devotees, many of whom feel betrayed. For millions, the Tirupati Laddu is not just a sweet but a divine offering believed to carry the Lord’s blessings. The idea that fake ingredients were used in its preparation has caused widespread disappointment and anger. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams board has launched a high-level inquiry and has suspended the officials responsible for procurement. Andhra Pradesh government authorities have also ordered an investigation to identify everyone involved in the supply chain. Devotees are demanding stricter action and better quality control to prevent such incidents in the future.

What Is Adulterated Ghee and Why It Is Dangerous

Adulterated ghee is a product that looks and smells like pure ghee but is made by mixing other cheap oils, fats, or synthetic chemicals. These mixtures can be harmful to health if consumed regularly. Some adulterants, such as industrial oils, can cause digestive issues, liver damage, and even long-term health problems. In the case of the Tirupati Temple, using such fake ghee in prasadam not only raises health concerns but also violates the purity and sanctity expected of temple offerings. Experts say that chemical-based adulteration can easily go unnoticed without proper laboratory testing, which might explain how the scam continued for years.

The Role of the Supplier

According to initial reports, the supplier company from Uttarakhand presented fake certificates of purity and cleverly packaged the adulterated ghee to resemble branded products. The temple procurement team, relying on these certificates, continued to approve deliveries without thorough independent testing. Investigators now believe the company deliberately misled the temple authorities to secure long-term contracts. The fraud may have also involved internal collusion, as such a large-scale supply could not have gone unnoticed by officials for so long. The state police and food safety department are jointly probing the matter, and arrests are expected as evidence is gathered.

The Temple’s Response and Corrective Measures

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams has assured devotees that immediate steps are being taken to restore faith and transparency. The board has stopped all further dealings with the supplier and begun sourcing ghee from certified and reputed dairy cooperatives. Fresh batches of ghee are now being tested by government laboratories before being used in any temple offering. The temple has also introduced a new quality control committee to regularly inspect all ingredients used in prasadam preparation. These actions are aimed at rebuilding the trust of devotees and ensuring that no such incident ever occurs again.

Emotional Impact on Devotees

For many believers, this scandal feels deeply personal. The Tirupati Laddu is more than just food; it symbolizes faith, blessings, and tradition. Every year, millions stand in long queues for hours, not just to have a glimpse of Lord Venkateswara but also to take home a piece of that divine experience in the form of laddus. Learning that fake ghee was used in their preparation has caused distress and disillusionment. Social media has been flooded with reactions, ranging from shock to anger to sadness. Many are urging the temple management to make the investigation findings public and to punish those who allowed this sacrilege.

Wider Questions About Food Safety and Trust

This case also brings up larger concerns about food safety in religious institutions and large-scale kitchens across India. Temples, gurudwaras, and other religious places serve millions of meals daily, and devotees trust that the food is prepared with purity and devotion. This incident is a reminder that even religious institutions are not immune to commercial greed. It underlines the need for strict regulations, routine audits, and transparency in all procurement processes. It also calls for public awareness about the dangers of food adulteration and the importance of testing ingredients before mass distribution.

Legal and Financial Consequences

The fake ghee supplier may face serious legal action under food safety laws, fraud charges, and breach of contract. If found guilty, the company’s owners could be imprisoned and fined heavily. The temple authorities may also face internal disciplinary actions for negligence. Meanwhile, the temple board is reviewing its vendor selection process and exploring legal options to recover financial losses. Experts say that the case could set an example for other religious and charitable institutions to tighten their quality controls and ensure every offering remains pure in both body and spirit.

A Lesson in Faith and Accountability

The Tirupati fake ghee scandal is not just about money or fraud; it is about faith and accountability. When something as sacred as a temple prasadam becomes the target of corruption, it shakes public confidence. Yet, this incident can also serve as a turning point. It is a chance for the temple administration to reform its systems, strengthen quality checks, and rebuild trust through honesty and transparency. For devotees, it is a reminder that even places of worship need vigilant oversight. Faith is pure, but systems must also be pure to keep that faith alive. The Tirupati Temple, despite this setback, remains a symbol of devotion and hope. With stricter measures and genuine commitment, it can restore its image and continue to serve devotees with purity and pride.