Tirupati Laddu|| Tirumala Temple|| UPSC Current Affairs

TIRUPATI LADDU AND TIRUMALA TEMPLE

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Context

Amid the growing controversy over the Tirupati Laddu, AR Dairy, which supplies ghee to the renowned Lord Balaji temple, has defended the quality of its products, asserting that their samples have been approved by the authorities.

Tirumala Venkateswara Temple

It is located in the town of Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh. It is positioned on Venkata Hill, which is one of the saptagiri (seven hills) of Tirumala Hills. It is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Vishnu. The temple's history spans centuries, with notable contributions from South Indian dynasties like the Pallavas, Cholas, and Vijayanagara rulers. It represents traditional South Indian temple design, with a towering gopuram (gateway) and intricate carvings. A popular practice in the temple is the donation of hair.

Historical Significance

The Tirumala temple's history dates back to ancient times, with references found in early Tamil literature and inscriptions. Its importance grew under the Vijayanagara Empire, with rulers like Krishna Devaraya contributing significantly to its expansion and wealth. Even today, the temple is known for its vast resources and offerings, making it one of the wealthiest religious institutions globally.

Temple Architecture

The temple complex is built according to Dravidian architectural principles, with key structures like the Ananda Nilaya Vimana, which houses the deity, and the Vimana Pradakshina, a path for circumambulation. The sanctum sanctorum is surrounded by walls called prakarams, which feature carved pillars. Rituals at the temple include daily poojas and major festivals like Brahmotsavam.

Tirupati Laddu

The Tirupati Laddu is the prasadam that has been in existence since 1715. During 2009, it was given Geographical Indication (GI) status that would protect the authenticity of the same and only the temple kitchen would have the rights to produce it.

These laddus are prepared in a special kitchen called the Laddu Potu, within the temple complex. These are made from gram flour, sugar, ghee, and cardamom.

Read about food adulteration: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/food-adulteration-related-provisions-in-india

Read about food adulteration: THE DEATH OF BUSINESS ETHICS: https://www.iasgyan.in/blogs/food-adulteration-the-death-of-business-ethics

Sources:EconomicTimes

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q:Consider the following

Vrushabhadri
Neeladri
Venkatadri
Garudachalam

Which of the above is/are a part of the saptagiri hills in Tirumala?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 3 and 4 only

Answer: c

Explanation:

The seven hills, called Saptagiri, represent the Saptarishi (seven sages). Hence, one of the names of Shri Venkateshwara is Saptagirinivasa or Saptagirishwar. The following are the seven hills:

Vrushabhadri – Hill named after an Asura Vrushabha who preached on Lord Srinivasa.

Anjanadri – Hill named after Lord Hanuman. It is said Hanuman's mother Anjanadevi did penance (Tapashcharya) for 12 years.

Neeladri – Hill of Neela Devi – It is believed that hair offered by the devotees is accepted by Neela Devi. It is because of a boon granted by Lord Venkateshwara to Neela Devi.

Garudadri or Garudachalam – Hill of Garuda, the vahana of Lord Vishnu.

Seshadri or Seshachalam – Hill of Shesha, the dasa of Lord Vishnu.

Narayanadri– Hill named after the Lord Himself.

Venkatadri – Hill of Lord Venkateshwara