Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan expressed his deep distress over the recent allegations regarding the sanctity of the Tirumala laddu, which is considered sacred and akin to nectar. He stated that this offering has been tarnished by corrupt officials and has become impure due to animal by-products. “Hearing this has troubled my heart, and I feel a sense of guilt,” he said, announcing his intention to undertake a penance. He plans to observe a fasting ritual for 11 days starting from September 22.
Pawan Kalyan will conduct his penance at the Sri Dasavatara Venkateswara Swamy temple in Namburu, Guntur district. After the 11-day observance, he intends to visit the Tirumala Venkateswara Swamy temple. He expressed his desire to seek forgiveness from Lord Balaji for the sins committed by past rulers. He criticized those without faith in God for being complicit in such wrongdoings.
Pawan also shared his disappointment on social media, highlighting that even members of the board and employees associated with the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams have failed to identify the errors occurring within the institution. He condemned the previous government’s administration, stating that their actions have sullied the sanctity of Tirumala, a place revered as Vaikuntha Dham, and have hurt every follower of Hinduism. He expressed particular anguish over the use of animal by-products in the preparation of the laddu.