Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of The Art of Living and global spiritual leader, shares his views on the Tirupati Laddoo Prasadam controversy.
Today, Hindus around the world are deeply saddened. The Tirupati Laddoo controversy has caused immense pain and outrage in the Hindu community, reminiscent of the 1857 Sepoy Mutiny. In that rebellion, Hindu soldiers revolted against the British for forcing them to use cartridges greased with animal fat, an act that violated their religious beliefs, especially their reverence for the cow. Similarly, this current controversy has once again wounded the sentiments of Hindus worldwide.
This offense is inexcusable. It is malicious and reflects the sheer greed of those involved. They must face strict punishment for disrespecting the faith and feelings of millions of Hindus. Anyone connected to this disgraceful act should be imprisoned, and their assets confiscated.
To prevent such incidents from happening again, it is essential that the management of temples be entrusted to Hindu saints, spiritual leaders, and religious figures. Placing this sacred responsibility in the hands of devotees ensures that temples are run with reverence and dedication, rather than being controlled by self-serving officials, businesspeople, or politicians whose primary motives are financial gain or personal interests. A true devotee would never even consider committing such sacrilege.
We should establish a committee of spiritual leaders from both North and South India to oversee temple management and safeguard their sanctity. This committee could include a government representative to step in during conflicts, but major decisions should be made by religious boards, similar to those governing other faiths, such as the Waqf Board, SGPC, or CCI.
This issue also raises a broader concern about the adulteration of food consumed daily by the general public. If the ghee used in the laddoos was adulterated, how can we trust the quality of ghee and other food products in the market? It is crucial to ensure that all food items, especially those labeled vegetarian, are thoroughly checked for any adulteration, particularly involving non-vegetarian ingredients. Those found guilty of using non-vegetarian substances in vegetarian-labeled products should be punished under the law. We need to create a more ethical and humane society where such values are upheld.
On Monday, priests at the Tirumala Temple in Tirupati performed the Shanti Homam, a purification ritual.
We need to foster a more humane society where ethics and values are upheld. Many devotees are deeply troubled by the recent events, to the point where some are unable to sleep. In such times, devotion and practices like pranayama can provide peace. For those seeking a purification ritual, you can fill a cup with water and chant the following mantra:
Apaha punantu pruthvIm prutivI pUtha punathu mAm ।
punanthu brahmanaspathihi brahma-pUta punatumAm. yaduchishtam abhojyam yadvA
duscaritam mama sarvam punanthu mamApo asatAm cha pratigraham svAhA ॥
Meaning: Water purifies the entire earth. Let this water purify my body and remove all impurities. If I have consumed something touched by others or eaten what should not have been consumed, may I be cleansed of that. May Divine love dispel untruth and restore my mind to its original purity.
After reciting this mantra three times, drink the water. Additionally, chanting the Pavamana Suktam can offer solace and uplift the mind.
