September 24th 2024.
In a recent decision, the government of Odisha has announced plans to test the quality of ghee used for offerings at the revered Jagannath temple in Puri. This decision comes amidst the controversy surrounding the use of animal fat in the ghee used for the famous Tirumala temple in Andhra Pradesh.
According to District Collector Siddharth Shankar Swain, there have been no allegations of such practices in Puri, but the administration wants to ensure the quality of ghee used for the temple's 'Kotha Bhoga' and 'Baradi Bhoga' offerings. He also mentioned that the only supplier of ghee for the Puri temple is the state-run Odisha Milk Federation (Omfed).
"We have decided to examine the standard of ghee supplied by Omfed to dispel any concerns about adulteration," Swain stated. He further added that discussions will be held with both Omfed and the temple's servitors, who are responsible for preparing the 'prasad'.
One of the temple's servitors, Jagannath Swain Mohapatra, revealed that in the past, adulterated ghee was found to be used for lighting lamps on the temple premises. However, he assured that this practice has been stopped and the servitors will request the temple's chief administrator for a thorough test of the ghee used for offerings. Mohapatra emphasized the importance of maintaining the faith of devotees by using pure and high-quality ingredients.
The issue of the quality of offerings at temples gained national attention when Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu accused the previous government of using substandard ingredients and animal fats in the laddus offered at the famous Tirupati temple. This move by the government of Odisha to test the ghee used at the Jagannath temple shows their commitment to ensuring the purity and authenticity of offerings at this historic shrine.
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