Pawan Kalyan Concludes 11-Day Penance at Tirumala Temple Amid Laddu Adulteration Row

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan recently concluded his 11-day penance at the Tirumala temple, a visit that was marked by controversy and a commitment to protect Hinduism. Kalyan, who is also the president of the Jana Sena Party, undertook this penance to atone for what he described as the 'sins' committed by the previous YSRCP government, led by Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.

The visit to the Lord Venkateswara temple at Tirumala was significant due to the ongoing controversy over the alleged use of adulterated ghee in the preparation of laddus, a sacred offering at the temple. The issue gained traction after Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu alleged that animal fat was used in the making of these laddus during the previous government's tenure. Lab reports had indicated the presence of fish oil, beef tallow, and lard in the ghee samples.

Penance and Visit Details

Pawan Kalyan reached the Tirumala temple on foot, a three-hour march, as part of his penance. He was accompanied by his daughters, Palina Anjani Konidela and Adya Konidela. Before entering the temple, Palina Anjani Konidela, who is reportedly a non-Hindu, signed the mandatory faith declaration papers, a requirement for non-Hindus visiting the temple. Her father, Pawan Kalyan, also endorsed the documents due to her minor status.

During his visit, Kalyan carried the 'Varahi Declaration' with him to the deity, which he planned to proclaim in a meeting in Tirupati on the following day. This declaration is part of his broader initiative to protect and preserve Hinduism, or Sanatana Dharma.

Controversy and Political Implications

The controversy surrounding the laddus has been a point of contention between the current TDP government and the previous YSRCP government. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu had announced a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the allegations, but the investigation was stalled after the Supreme Court intervened, questioning the handling of the probe and the claims of animal fat usage.

Pawan Kalyan has been vocal about the need for a national debate on the desecration of temples and has called for the establishment of a Sanatana Dharma Rakshana Board at the national level to address such issues. His penance and subsequent actions are seen as a commitment to this cause.

The visit and the associated declarations assume significance in the context of recent demands by BJP leaders and Hindu outfits that YSRCP chief Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, a Christian, should also issue a similar faith declaration before visiting the temple.

Pawan Kalyan's actions are part of a larger narrative of protecting religious institutions and upholding the principles of Hinduism, a stance that has garnered both support and criticism in the political and social spheres.

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