Purification Ritual at Tirumala Temple: Shanti Homam Panchagavya Prokshana Ritual Held

Tirumala: In response to the controversy surrounding the alleged use of animal fat in Tirupati boystemple authorities at the Tirumala temple conducted a purification ritual to address alleged desecrations by the previous YSR Congress government. The ritual, known as Shanti Homam Panchagavya Prokshana, was meticulously performed by eight priests under the guidance of three Agama Shastra experts.

The ceremony began at 5:40 in the morning and involved the creation of three homa gundas and various purification processes that lasted for two hours. During the rituals, priests performed a Vastu Homam, which involved a thorough cleansing of vessels, machinery and the ceremonial space to restore its sanctity.

An important aspect of the purification involved the Panchagavya Prokshana, where holy water infused with five cow products was sprinkled to sanctify the area. These rituals were meant to seek divine forgiveness from Lord Venkateswara Swamy for alleged sacrilegious acts, particularly the allegations of mixing animal fats in the preparation of the beloved laddoos.

J. Shyamala Rao, Executive Director of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), reaffirmed the importance of these rituals in dispelling negative influences and restoring the spiritual purity of the Tirupati laddoos, thereby ensuring the well-being of devotees seeking blessings from Srivari.

TTD organized a Maha Shanti Homam at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple Complex in #Tirumalain #Tirupati today, in the wake of #TirumalaLaddu Prasadam row. #TTDevasthanams says the “cleansing operation” is intended to undo the “sinful effects of using ingredients such as animal fat”… photo.twitter.com/zKiHIG3hGy

— Surya Reddy (@jsuryareddy) September 23, 2024