Tirupati laddu row: Seers call it conspiracy against Sanatan Dharma

Prayagraj: Reacting angrily to the controversy over the alleged use of animal fat in making of Tirupati laddu, prominent seers of Prayagraj have called it a conspiracy against Sanatan Dharma and demanded a thorough investigation. Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad (ABAP) president Srimahant Ravindra Puri has demanded a CBI inquiry into the matter. "This is a very serious matter which cannot be taken lightly, neither by Hindus across the country nor by the govt because it is associated with our belief. The culprits should be given the death penalty and the govt should come out with a suitable law which would act as a deterrent to any such attempt to tarnish Sanatan Dharma in the future," he said.Puri has also objected to the govt acquisition of temples. "Our traditions are not being followed in the temples which are under the control of the govt. The govt should free all the temples and run them according to the Vedic traditions," Puri said.Senior member of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerthkshetra Trust, Jagadguru Swami Vasudevanand Saraswati, said adding cow's fat in the prasad is extremely disgusting and inexcusable. "The tradition of Sanatan Dharma is being violated brazenly. What is the govt doing? This is raising questions about the entire system. The sentiments of the followers of Sanatan Dharma are hurt by this happening in a religious place. The central and state govts should get the matter investigated at a high level and take action against the culprits," he said.Secretary of Shrimahanivangi Akhara, Shrimant Yamuna Puri, said "What was the food safety department doing, which checks adulterated food items? Adulteration is happening openly, and no one has a clue. This is a big conspiracy, which should be exposed."Mahant Swami Harichaitanya Brahmachari of Tikramafi Aashram, Jhunsi, said the basis of Sanatan Dharma is purity. The followers of Sanatan Dharma go to holy places after purifying their body, mind, and clothes. "At the holy place, it is forbidden to have wrong thoughts in mind. Mixing cow's fat and fish oil in the prasad is a heart-breaking misdeed and the culprits should be punished," he said. Meanwhile, officials of Shringverpur Tirtha Kshetra Trust and Shri Tulsi Sahitya Prachar Samiti called a meeting in Shri Ram Sandhya Math of Shringverpur and condemned the issue. The saints said if the allegations are true, it is a matter of great concern and worry for the followers of Sanatan Dharma. The matter should be investigated thoroughly and the guilty must be punished.