Tirupati laddu

Last updated

Tirupati laddu
Geographical indication
Stamp of India - 2017 - Colnect 805329 - Bhog Prasad Tirupati Laddoo (cropped).jpeg
Tirupati Laddu on Indian stamp
Alternative namesశ్రీవారి లడ్డూ -- Srivari Laddu
Description Laddu sweet offered as Naivedhyam to Lord Sri Venkateswara, at Tirumala Venkateswara Temple of Tirupati
TypeFoodstuff
AreaTirupati, Andhra Pradesh
CountryIndia
Registered2009
Material Gram flour, cashew nuts, cardamom,
Official website http://www.tirumala.org

Tirupati Laddu, also known as Tirumala Laddu or Srivari Laddu, is a popular sweet offered as prasadam at the Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India. First introduced in 1715, the laddu evolved from a sweet called Manoharam and is now prepared in the temple's kitchen, Laddu Potu, by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). Over 600 people, including skilled cooks known as Pachakas, are involved in its production. The laddu received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2009 to protect its authenticity. There are variations of the laddu, including the Proktham Laddu and Asthanam Laddu. In 2024, it was at the centre of a controversy over alleged adulteration, leading to investigations and a purification ritual.

Contents

History

The practice of offering laddus at the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple began on August 2, 1715. [1] [2] Initially prepared as a loose, chunky sweet known as Manoharaṃ, the laddu underwent several modifications over the centuries. By the 21st century, it had gained significant prominence, becoming an iconic prasad associated with Lord Venkateswara. [3] The preparation of this sweet has historical roots that trace back to the Pallava dynasty, with references in inscriptions from the 1480s [ citation needed ]. The current spherical form of the laddu was standardized under the Madras Government in 1940. Today, the preparation of laddus at the temple employs around 620 people, including 270 cooks, and modern methods have been adopted to enhance efficiency. [4]

Geographical indication tag

To prevent black marketing of Tirupati laddus, in 2008, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams registered for a geographical indication tag. In 2009, it obtained patent rights to Tirupati laddus under the category of foodstuff under the GI Act 1999. [5] This has prevented others from preparing or naming the sweet with the same name. [6] In 2017, as part of their cuisine series, the India Post unveiled a postal stamp that commemorated the Tirupati Laddu. [7]

Laddu potu

The kitchen where Tirupati laddus are prepared has been referred to since olden days as Laḍḍū pōṭu. It lies inside the Sampangi pradakshinam of the temple. The Potu is equipped with three conveyor belts used for carrying ingredients into the potu and finished laddus to the selling counters from Potu. [8] Out of three conveyor belts the first one installed during 2007 can transfer only laddus and the second installed in the year 2010 can transfer both Laddus and Būṃdi. The third conveyor belt was installed in 2014 as a backup for the two conveyor belts should they malfunction. [9] In olden days only firewood was used to cook laddus, which was replaced by LPG in the year 1984. [2]

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams prepare an average of 2.8 lakh laddus a day in the Laḍḍū pōṭu. At present, the pōṭu can make 800,000 laddus a day. [2]

Dittam

Diṭṭam is the list of ingredients, and their proportions used in the making of Tirupati laddu in adherence with Agamas. To meet the increasing demand for laddus, changes were made to Dittam six times in its history. [2] At present the ingredients include Gram flour, cashew nuts, cardamom, ghee, sugar, sugar candy and raisins. [6] Per day it uses about 10 tonnes of Gram flour, 10 tonnes of sugar, 700 kg of cashew nuts, 150 kg of cardamom, 300 to 500 litres of ghee, 500 kg of sugar candy and 540 kg of raisins used to prepare laddu. TTD procures all these items based on tenders yearly. [10]

Pachakas

Pachakas, traditionally known as Pōṭu kārmikulu are the skilled cooks in the temples under the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). [11] They are responsible for preparing the Naivedyam, the sacred food offerings for the deities, and managing the temple kitchens. These cooks hold a significant position within the temple hierarchy, second only to the priests (Arcaka) and scholars (Adhyāpaka). Despite their important role, they have long been referred to as Pōṭu kārmikulu, a term they feel does not reflect the dignity of their work. The term Pācaka derived from Sanskrit, is preferred as it better honors their traditional and spiritual role in the temple. In the Laḍḍū pōṭu alone, around 620 cooks work to prepare the laddus, with 150 being regular employees and over 350 on a contract basis, including 247 chefs. [10] [12]

Tirupati laddu variations

Proktam Laddu

The Prōktaṃ Laḍḍū is regularly distributed to all the common pilgrims visiting the temple. It is small in size and weighs 65-75 grams. These laddus are prepared in large numbers.[ citation needed ]

Astanam Laddu

The Āstānaṃ Laḍḍū is prepared only on special festive occasions. It is large and weighs 750 grams. It is prepared with more cashews, almonds, and saffron strands.[ citation needed ]

Kalyanotsavam laddu

The Kaḷyānōtsavaṃ Laḍḍū is distributed to devotees who participate in Kalyanotsavam and in a few Arjitha seva. There is a huge demand for these laddus. These are prepared in very few numbers when compared to the Proktham Laddu.[ citation needed ] The Shelf life of the laddu is about 15 days with the advanced packaging system implemented by TTD.

Laddu distribution

Due to high demand, both domestically and internationally, TTD noticed that Tirupati laddus were being sold at inflated prices in black markets. To address this, TTD identified middlemen involved in these activities and implemented measures to curb black marketing. Devotees can now receive laddus by presenting darshan tokens, and those not attending darshan must present an Aadhaar card to purchase up to two laddus per day. Additionally, TTD has expanded the distribution of laddus to affiliated temples and information centres in cities like Chennai, Bangalore, Amaravati, and Visakhapatnam. These steps have improved access to laddus and reduced black market activities. [13]

Controversies

On 19 September 2024, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Chandrababu Naidu, claimed that the Tirupati laddu contained beef tallow, fish oil, and pig lard in its ingredients during the administration of the former Chief Minister, Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. The following day, a laboratory report from Gujarat suggested findings that some interpreted as confirmation of these allegations, leading to concerns among certain Hindu communities and devotees. The laboratory, established in 2009 by the National Dairy Development Board a statutory body of the Indian government, conducted tests that raised questions about the integrity of the prasadam served at the temple. A subsequent news report clarified that the claims were linked to a consignment of ghee produced by a Tamil Nadu dairy firm, with rejected batches of ghee not utilized in the preparation of the laddu prasadam. This clarification aimed to address concerns regarding the religious sanctity of the offerings. [14]

Response to Allegations

In light of the allegations, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) took prompt action. The Central Health Ministry issued a show cause notice to the ghee-supplying company after one of the tested samples failed quality checks, indicating adulteration. [15] Additionally, a purification ritual known as Shanti Homam was conducted at the temple to help restore devotees' confidence and ensure the sanctity of the prasadam. [16] Former TTD chairman Y. V. Subba Reddy approached the Supreme Court, requesting the formation of an independent committee led by a retired apex court judge to investigate the claims. [17] Furthermore, TTD established a sensory panel to assess food samples based on aroma, taste, and texture to mitigate future controversies related to prasadam quality. [18]

The controversy surrounding the Tirupati Laddu also drew reactions from various political figures and celebrities. Political leader Pawan Kalyan raised concerns about adherence to worship protocols under the previous administration, referencing incidents he claimed involved the desecration of temples. [19] Meanwhile, Tamil actor Karthi apologized to Pawan Kalyan for his earlier comments regarding the controversy, reflecting the political sensitivity surrounding the issue. [20] Prominent actor Prakash Raj's comments to brush off the laddu controversy attracted criticism from leaders of the ruling NDA government such as Pawan Kalyan. [21]

In response to the allegations regarding the adulteration of the Tirupati laddu, Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, head of the YSR Congress Party, called upon devotees across Andhra Pradesh to participate in special poojas on September 28, 2024. He urged the public to address what he termed false claims regarding the use of animal fat in the preparation of the laddu prasadam, highlighting the significance of restoring the temple's sanctity. Reddy expressed concern that the allegations could mislead devotees and tarnish the esteemed image of the Tirumala Tirupati temple. He stated that the sanctity of the temple and its offerings had been undermined by the claims, which he suggested may have been motivated by political interests. The YSRCP has denied allegations regarding the quality of ghee supplied to the temple, asserting that all protocols were observed by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). [22] In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Reddy emphasized that the processes in place at TTD were designed to ensure the quality of ingredients used in the preparation of prasadam. He reiterated that any ghee found to be substandard was not allowed into the temple's premises, underscoring the necessity to maintain the sanctity of the temple’s offerings amid the controversy. [23]

Supreme Court Intervention and SIT Investigation

Following the allegations, Andhra Pradesh officials announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the claims of adulteration in the prasadam. The team, comprising officers of IGP rank and above, was tasked with submitting a report to the government to inform further actions. This initiative aimed to thoroughly address any concerns about the quality of prasadam and maintain the trust of devotees in the temple's offerings. [24] Social media also played a role in the controversy, with various platforms witnessing discussions and skits about the issue. Some content creators faced backlash for perceived insensitivity towards Hindu sentiments and were compelled to remove their videos in light of public criticism. [25]

On September 30, 2024, the Supreme Court stated that there was no conclusive evidence to suggest using animal fat in preparing Tirupati laddus during the previous YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) regime. [26] The Court criticized Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for making public statements without solid proof, stating that religious matters should not be politicized. The Special Investigation Team (SIT), formed by the Andhra Pradesh government to probe the allegations, was halted following the Supreme Court's instructions. The investigation was paused pending further orders from the Court, scheduled for October 3. [27] During the hearing, Justices B.R. Gavai and K.V. Viswanathan questioned the Chief Minister's decision to publicize unverified claims, noting that the lab test results did not clearly show contamination of the ghee used in the 'Prasadam'. The Court asked the Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to advise on whether the SIT should proceed or if the investigation should be handed over to an independent agency. Meanwhile, AP Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan clarified that the Court did not confirm the laddus were unadulterated, stressing that his government would continue investigating violations from the previous regime once the Court allows. [28] [29]

Varahi declaration

On October 3, 2024, the deputy chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, Pawan Kalyan called for a public meeting at Tirupati where he lamented partisan attitudes towards the issues related to Hindu temples, the prevalence of pseudo-secularism and the dire need for the formation of a national board to safeguard the sanctity of temples. [30] In this regard, he announced the Varahi declaration, a 7-articled document to protect the Hindu interests and the need for non-cooperation to forces that show anti-Hindu sentiment. [31]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Venkateswara</span> Major deity in Hinduism

Venkateswara, also known as Venkatachalapati, Balaji and Srinivasa, is a Hindu deity, described as a form or avatar of the god Vishnu. He is the presiding deity of Venkateshwara Temple, Tirupati. His consort, Padmavathi is avatar of the goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Vishnu.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams</span> Hindu organization in Andhra Pradesh, India

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) is an independent government trust in India managed by the Government of Andhra Pradesh. The trust primarily oversees the operations and finances of the richest and the most visited religious center Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala. It is also involved in various social, religious, literary and educational activities. TTD is headquartered at Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh, India and employs about 16,000 people.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tirumala</span> Temple town in Andhra Pradesh

Tirumala is a spiritual place in Tirupati district of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the neighbourhoods of the Tirupati city. The town is a part of Tirupati Urban Development Authority and located in Tirupati (urban) mandal of Tirupati revenue division. The town is strictly vegetarian. It is a hill town where Tirumala Venkateswara Temple is located, a popular shrine of Vishnu. Vishnu was considered to reside here with his full power, as in Vaikuntha, and thus the place was also called 'Bhuloka Vaikuntha'.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tirupati</span> City in Andhra Pradesh, India

Tirupati is a city in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is the administrative headquarters of the Tirupati district. The city is home to the important Hindu shrine of Tirumala Venkateshwara Temple and other historic temples. It is located at a distance of 150 km from Chennai, 250 km from Bangalore, 406 km from Amaravati. It is one of the eight Svayam vyakta kshetras dedicated to Hindu deity Vishnu. Tirupati is a municipal corporation and the headquarters of Tirupati district, Tirupati (urban) mandal, Tirupati (rural) mandal, Tirupati revenue division,Andhra Pradesh Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (APSPDCL) and the Tirupati Urban Development Authority (TUDA).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Srivari Brahmotsavam</span> Annual lunar festival

Sri Venkateswara Swami vari Brahmotsavam or Srivari Brahmotsavam or Purattasi Brahmotsavam is the most significant annual fête celebrated at the Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala-Tirupati, Tirupati district, Andhra Pradesh, India. which falls between the Telugu calendar of Aasveeyujamu and the Gregorian calendar months of September or October.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala</span> Hindu temple in Andhra Pradesh, India

The Venkateswara Temple of Tirumala, called Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple, is a Hindu temple situated in the hills of Tirumala at Tirupati Urban Mandal in the Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh, India. The temple is dedicated to Venkateswara, a form of Vishnu, who is believed to have appeared on the earth to save mankind from trials and troubles of Kali Yuga. Hence the place is also known by the name Kaliyuga Vaikuntha and the deity here is referred to as Kaliyuga Prathyaksha Daivam. The temple is also known by other names like Tirumala Temple, Tirupati Temple and Tirupati Balaji Temple. Venkateswara is also known by other names including Balaji, Govinda, and Srinivasa. The temple is run by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which is under control of Andhra Pradesh Government. The head of TTD is appointed by Andhra Pradesh Government.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alipiri</span> Neighborhood of Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh, India

Alipiri Padala Mandapam or Alipiri is the place at foot of seven hills in Tirupati, the pilgrim city of Sri Venkateswara Swami, in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is a neighbourhood of Tirupati city.

Balireddy Prudhviraj is an Indian actor and politician who appears in Telugu films. Known for his comic roles, he has acted in over 100 films. He is popularly known by the moniker 30 Years Industry, which was a dialogue mouthed by him in the 2002 film Khadgam.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kodandarama Temple, Tirupati</span> Hindu temple in India

Sri Kodandaramaswamy Temple is a well known temple in the city of Tirupati located in Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh, India. The temple is dedicated to Hindu deity Rama, an incarnation of Vishnu along with Sita and Lakshmana. The temple also has a sub-shrine for Rama's mount Anjaneya.

Vakula Devi is the foster-mother of the Hindu god Venkateshvara, a form of Vishnu. As per the legend of Tirumala, the legend of Vakula Devi dates back to the Dvapara Yuga. In the legend, Yashoda, the foster-mother of Krishna, an avatara of Vishnu, complained to him that she could not witness his wedding with Rukmini, an avatara of Lakshmi. To this, Krishna replied he would ensure that she would get such an opportunity to see his marriage to a form of Lakshmi in the Kali Yuga.

Chadalawada Krishnamurthy is an Indian politician and social activist. He was an MLA in Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly from Tirupati assembly constituency. He was a Chairman of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) Board of Trustees. He belongs to the Balija social community.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Prasanna Venkateswara Temple, Appalayagunta</span> Hindu temple in India

Sri Prasanna Venkateswara Swamy Temple is a temple at Appalayagunta, Tirupati located in Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh, India. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu deity Venkateswara, referred to as Prasanna Venkateswara. Unlike other typical Venkateswara temples, the presiding deity has its right hand in Abhaya posture.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kalyana Venkateswara Temple, Srinivasamangapuram</span> Hindu temple in India

Kalyana Venkateswara Temple is an ancient Hindu temple at Srinivasamangapuram in Tirupati. It is located in Tirupati District of Andhra Pradesh, India. The temple is dedicated to the god Venkateswara, a form of Vishnu and is referred to as Kalyana Venkateswara. The temple is one of the centrally protected monuments of national importance.

Sri Narapura Venkateswara Temple is an ancient Hindu temple situated in Jammalamadugu, YSR Kadapa District, Andhra Pradesh India. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Venkateswara, a form of Vishnu, who is referred to as Narapura Venkateswara. According to the temple history, the temple derives its name from Narapuraiah, a devotee of Venkateswara, who constructed this temple based on what he considered the deity's wishes. Within the main premises of the temple, there is Anjaneya temple, Kalyana Mantapam, and Goshala. The temple has been under the control of TTD since 2008. The temple is generally crowded on Saturdays being it a significant day for Venkateswara.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vedanarayana Temple, Nagalapuram</span> Hindu temple in India

Vedanarayana Temple or Matsya Narayana Temple is a Hindu temple in Nagalapuram, Andhra Pradesh, India. It is a Vaishnava temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the form of Matsya, the fish avatar, who is referred to as Matsya Narayana or Veda Narayana. This is one of the few temples in India where Lord Vishnu is depicted in Matsya avatar, the first incarnation of the Dashavatara, Lord Vishnu's 10 main incarnations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Varahaswamy Temple</span> Hindu temple in Tirupati

The Sri Varahaswamy Temple, also called Bhu Varahaswamy Temple, is a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Varaha, situated at hill town of Tirumala in Tirupati, located in Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh state, India. The temple is situated on the northern premises of Venkateshvara Temple, Tirumala, on the north-west corner of Swami Pushkarini. This temple is believed to be older than the Venkateshvara shrine.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kalyana Venkateswara Temple, Narayanavanam</span> Hindu temple in India

Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy Temple is a Hindu temple situated at Narayanavanam, a town in Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh state, India. The Temple is dedicated to Kalyana Venkatesvara, a form of Vishnu. The temple is situated at 2 km east of Puttur and 45 km south of Tirupati. It is believed that Venkatesvara married his consort Padmavathi at this place and then moved to Tirumala.

Venkateswara Temple is an important Vaishnavite temple situated in the hill town of Tirumala in Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh, built by a Tamil king Tondaiman and later expanded and renovated under the Chola and Vijayanagara Empire. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Vishnu, who is believed to have appeared here to save mankind from the trials and troubles of Kali Yuga. The temple is situated at a height of 853 metres on Tirumala Hills which are part of Seshachalam Hills and is constructed in South Indian Tamil Architectural Style.

The Varahi declaration is a bilingual document set in Telugu and English by the Indian politician Pawan Kalyan at Tirupati on October 3, 2024, for the protection of Hindu interests through the enactment of a strong law by the Indian government. Pawan Kalyan is the leader of Janasena Party, a political party that is part of the ruling coalition government in Andhra Pradesh since June 2024.

References

  1. "Tirupati laddu: Since August 2, 1716". Sify. Archived from the original on 10 August 2015. Retrieved 22 September 2015.
  2. 1 2 3 4 "Tirupati laddu all set to regain its old taste". Deccan Herald . Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  3. "Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams Laddu: Origins, ingredients, preparation, types, and other interesting facts". The Economic Times. 22 September 2024. ISSN   0013-0389 . Retrieved 26 September 2024.
  4. "Tirupati Sri Vari Laddu History, How is it Prepared: Check Tirumala Laddu Recipe". Sakshi Post. 20 September 2024. Retrieved 26 September 2024.
  5. "Geographical Indications of India". Archived from the original on 26 August 2013. Retrieved 27 January 2016.
  6. 1 2 "Tirupati laddu gets global patent". The Times of India . 16 September 2009. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  7. "Hyderabad's signature cuisine: Biryani, Tirupati laddoo & idli-dosa get India Post stamp". The Times of India. 5 November 2017. ISSN   0971-8257 . Retrieved 14 July 2023.
  8. Shukla, G. P. (21 September 2014). "Extra laddu-boondi conveyor at Tirumala". The Hindu. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  9. "Laddu conveyor launched". 21 September 2014. Retrieved 28 January 2016.
  10. 1 2 "TIRUPATI LADDUS WILL NO LONGER USE K'TAKA GHEE" . Retrieved 27 January 2016.
  11. "Tirumala temple cooks want to be called Pācakulu". The Hindu. 4 October 2015. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved 26 September 2024.
  12. Rangarajan, A. d. (5 October 2015). "Tirumala temple cooks want to be called 'Pachakas'". The Hindu.
  13. "TTD Cracks Down Black Marketing Of Tirupati Temple Laddus, Sets New Measures". News18. 13 September 2024. Retrieved 26 September 2024.
  14. Brijesh Doshi, ed. (20 September 2024). "Tirupati laddoos row: All about Gujarat lab that confirmed 'animal fat' in prasadam". India Today . Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  15. "Tirupati Laddu controversy: Centre issues show cause notice to ghee supplier over quality concerns". Financialexpress. 23 September 2024. Retrieved 26 September 2024.
  16. "Shanti Homam restores sanctity of Tirumala laddu". www.thehansindia.com. 24 September 2024. Retrieved 26 September 2024.
  17. Tripathi, Ashish. "Tirupati laddu row: Plea filed in Supreme Court for probe into use of animal fat in prasadam". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 26 September 2024.
  18. "Tirupati Laddoo Row: Centre Issues Show Cause Notice To Ghee Supplier". NDTV.com. Retrieved 26 September 2024.
  19. "Pawan Kalyan's big charge: '300 temples desecrated under YSRCP, even Ayodhya received contaminated laddus from TTD'". Business Today. 22 September 2024. Retrieved 26 September 2024.
  20. "Tirupati laddu: Pawan Kalyan dons 'angry Hindu' role, Karthi apologizes for comment". The News Minute. 24 September 2024. Retrieved 26 September 2024.
  21. "Pawan Kalyan vs Prakash Raj over Tirupati laddu row: 'Attack on Sanatana Dharma'". www.mangaloretoday.com. Retrieved 26 September 2024.
  22. "Jagan Reddy calls for temple pooja in Andhra to cleanse Chandrababu Naidu's 'sin'". India Today. 25 September 2024. Retrieved 26 September 2024.
  23. "Jagan Mohan Reddy writes to PM Modi, wants CM Naidu to be reprimanded for spreading 'lies'". The Hindu. PTI. 22 September 2024. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved 26 September 2024.
  24. "Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu forms SIT to investigate Tirupati Prasadam controversy". ANI News. Retrieved 26 September 2024.
  25. "Tamil YouTube Channel removes controversial 'Tirupati Laddu' video after backlash". News9live. 25 September 2024. Retrieved 26 September 2024.
  26. "Supreme Court never said it was unadulterated: Pawan Kalyan on Tirupati laddu row". India Today. 1 October 2024. Retrieved 2 October 2024.
  27. Jain, Debby (30 September 2024). "Tirupati Laddu Row: 'Lab Report Doesn't Prima Facie Show Impure Ghee Was Used': Supreme Court Slams AP CM For Public Comments". www.livelaw.in. Retrieved 2 October 2024.
  28. Rajagopal, Krishnadas (30 September 2024). "Tirupati laddu row: Gods should be kept away from politics, says Supreme Court". The Hindu. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved 2 October 2024.
  29. "Tirupati laddu row: Supreme Court orders CBI-monitored SIT probe, says 'won't allow court to be used as political battleground'". Indian Express.
  30. Rangarajan, A.D. (3 October 2024). "Varahi Declaration: Pawan administers pledge to save Sanatana Dharma, respect all faiths". The Hindu . Retrieved 8 October 2024.
  31. "Andhra Pradesh Dy CM Pawan Kalyan Advocates For Sanatana Dharma With Varahi Declaration". The Commune. 4 October 2024. Retrieved 7 October 2024.