Religious sites hold significant importance in India, and the Tirupati Balaji temple stands out as one of the most revered. Located in Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh, this temple is renowned not only for its spiritual significance but also for its famous Laddu Prasad, which devotees receive with deep reverence. Recently, however, allegations have surfaced claiming that the Prasad has been made with beef fat and fish oil.

Reports indicate that during the tenure of Jananag Mohan Reddy, lard was used in place of ghee for preparing the Tirupati temple Prasad. This sparked a considerable controversy in Andhra Pradesh, particularly due to Chandrababu Naidu's claims. Naidu asserted that since his government took over, they have reverted to using only pure ghee for the laddus and improved the quality of the food served in the temple’s Annadanam (free meal service).

The controversy ignited when Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu made remarks during a National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Legislature Party meeting, alleging that the previous government led by YSR Congress Party under Jagan Mohan Reddy had used substandard ingredients and animal fats in preparing the Tirupati laddu.

Naidu accused the YSR Congress Party of undermining the sanctity of Tirumala over the past five years, claiming they compromised on the quality of Annadanam and used animal fat instead of pure ghee in the holy laddus.

The preparation of Tirupati laddu is a highly sacred process, conducted by specially selected cooks who follow strict purity and religious guidelines within the temple premises. These recent allegations have raised serious concerns regarding the sanctity of the Prasad.

The story of the famous Tirupati Laddu Prasad is quite remarkable. When the idol of Lord Venkateshwara was to be installed, priests were uncertain about the first offering (Bhog) to present. An elderly woman appeared with a plate of laddus, which was accepted as the initial offering. The taste was exceptional, and when the priests inquired about the recipe, she shared it before mysteriously disappearing. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi herself provided the recipe, and since then, this laddu has been a cherished offering at the Tirupati Balaji temple.