The Odisha government has taken a proactive step amid the ongoing Tirupati laddu controversy by deciding to test the quality of ghee used for preparing offerings at the historic Jagannath Temple in Puri. This move comes in light of recent allegations concerning the use of animal fat in the ghee used for making laddus offered at the Tirumala Temple in Andhra Pradesh.

According to Puri's District Collector, Siddharth Shankar Swain, there have been no specific allegations regarding the ghee used at the Jagannath Temple. Nevertheless, the administration has decided to proceed with testing the quality of ghee utilized for Kotha Bhoga (the daily offerings to the deities) and Baradi Bhoga (prasad prepared on request) at this revered 12th-century shrine.

The Odisha Milk Federation (Omfed) is the sole supplier of ghee for the offerings at the Jagannath Temple. Collector Swain stated that while Omfed has been a reliable supplier, the government felt it necessary to examine the quality of the ghee to dispel any fears of adulteration. Discussions will be held with Omfed and the temple's servitors, who are responsible for preparing the prasad.

Adding to the seriousness of the situation, Jagannath Swain Mohapatra, a servitor at the Jagannath Temple, revealed that instances of adulterated ghee were previously identified, specifically being used for lighting diyas (lamps) within the temple premises. However, he assured that such practices have since ceased, and there will be a request to the temple's chief administrator for a comprehensive testing of the ghee used in temple offerings. Maintaining the faith of devotees is paramount, and the administration is taking the necessary steps to uphold that trust.

The controversy was ignited when Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu claimed on September 18 that substandard ingredients, including animal fat, were used in the preparation of Tirupati laddus during the tenure of the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) government. Following these claims, Naidu announced the establishment of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the alleged incident involving the famous prasadam containing "animal fat".

In response, former Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy vehemently refuted Naidu's allegations, asserting that there were no violations during his administration. He further accused Naidu of engaging in "politics in the name of God," stirring up controversy for political gain.

As the Odisha government moves forward with its testing plans, the focus on quality control in temple offerings highlights the importance of maintaining faith and trust among devotees. The situation serves as a reminder of the critical relationship between spirituality and governance, particularly in a country where religious practices and rituals are deeply ingrained in cultural identity.

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