Context:
Amid a growing controversy over the quality of the Tirupati Laddu, AR Dairy, the supplier of ghee to the renowned Lord Balaji temple, has come forward to defend the integrity of its products. The company recently announced that samples of their ghee have been officially cleared by relevant authorities, affirming their commitment to maintaining high-quality standards. This statement aims to reassure devotees and consumers about the purity and safety of the offerings used in one of the most famous religious treats in India.
Relevance:
GS I: History
About Tirupati Balaji Temple:
- Location:
- The Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, commonly known as Tirupati Balaji Temple, is a Hindu temple situated in Tirumala, near Tirupati in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh.
- Elevation:
- The temple is located at an altitude of 853 meters on Venkata Hill, one of the seven hills (Saptagiri) of the Tirumala Hills.
- Deity:
- The temple is dedicated to Lord Sri Venkateswara, an incarnation of Vishnu.
- Scriptural Mentions:
- The temple is mentioned in several holy scriptures, including the Garuda Purana, Brahma Purana, and others.
Historical Background:
- Pallava Dynasty:
- The temple’s origins trace back to the Pallava dynasty during the 9th century, which played a significant role in the region.
- Chola Dynasty:
- The Chola dynasty further developed and supported the temple.
- Vijayanagara Empire:
- During the reign of the Vijayanagara Empire, the temple received generous contributions, establishing it as a significant religious center in South India.
- Revival by Ramanuja:
- In the 12th century, the renowned saint Ramanuja revitalized the temple’s rituals and traditions, leaving a lasting impact.
Religious and Cultural Significance:
- Richest Temple:
- It is one of the richest temples globally in terms of wealth and donations.
- Devotional Practices:
- A notable practice at the temple is the donation of hair by devotees, along with offerings of riches to seek divine blessings.
- Tirupati Laddu:
- The famous Tirupati Laddu, distributed as prasad, holds a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
Architecture:
- Dravidian Architecture:
- The temple is built in Dravidian architectural style, with construction dating back to 300 AD.
- Entrances:
- The temple has three entrances leading to the sanctum sanctorum, with the first entrance called Mahadwaram.
- Gopuram:
- The temple’s gopuram (gateway) stands at a height of 50 feet, situated in front of the entrance.
- Circumambulation Paths:
- The temple features two parikrama (circumambulation) paths.
- Main Shrine:
- The central shrine has a gold-plated tower known as Ananda Nilayam, and the deity is housed inside the tower.
- Sculptures and Courtyards:
- The temple’s courtyards, pillars, and halls are decorated with intricate sculptures, reflecting the spiritual essence of Hinduism.
-Source: The Hindu
