Pawan Kalyan performs purification ritual at Kanaka Durga temple amid Tirumala laddu controversy

VIJAYAWADA: Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan initiated a purification ritual at Vijayawada’s Kanaka Durga temple on Tuesday as part of his penance over the alleged adulteration of the sacred Tirumala laddu.

The Jana Sena Party leader, in a bid to seek forgiveness for not addressing the issue earlier, conducted a series of purification activities at the temple, including the cleaning of temple steps and offering special prayers.

Pawan Kalyan had earlier announced his penance following reports that the sacred laddu distributed at the Tirumala temple had been adulterated. Expressing regret for not identifying the issue sooner, Kalyan embarked on an 11-day purification vow. During this vow, he plans to visit Tirumala on 1st October, walk the Alipiri steps, and conclude his penance after offering prayers at the Tirumala temple on 2nd October.

Upon arriving at the Kanaka Durga temple, temple officials welcomed Pawan Kalyan. He cleaned the steps leading to the temple, applied turmeric and vermillion to them, and participated in a special prayer ceremony performed by Vedic scholars. The purification ritual was carried out with full religious observance, including chanting mantras and offerings to the goddess Kanaka Durga.

During a media interaction following the ritual, Kalyan voiced his concerns regarding recent incidents affecting Hindu temples in Andhra Pradesh, specifically criticising the YSR Congress Party leadership. He accused YSRCP leaders of mocking and disrespecting Sanatan Dharma, noting that despite wrongdoings occurring in temples, the ruling party had failed to acknowledge or rectify the issues.

Referring to the alleged desecration of the Tirumala laddu, Pawan Kalyan said that those responsible for temple activities, such as Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) officials Subba Reddy and Karunakar Reddy, should be held accountable. He expressed deep disappointment over the lapses in religious sanctity. He demanded a proper explanation for the lapse in maintaining the holiness of the laddu, an offering considered sacred by millions of devotees.

"Criticising me is not the issue. The problem is the failure to uphold the sanctity of Hindu rituals and practices. The laddu is a symbol of our devotion, and its desecration has caused a lot of pain. Those in positions of responsibility must answer for this,” Pawan Kalyan remarked.

In his criticism of YSRCP, Kalyan referred to comments made by YSRCP leader P Sudhakar Reddy during a press conference in Delhi. He condemned the remarks as disrespectful to Hindu beliefs and warned that such irresponsible statements would not be tolerated. “Speaking ill of Sanatan Dharma or mocking our rituals is unacceptable. If a mistake has been made, one should either own it or remain silent, but speaking arrogantly about sensitive religious issues will not go unchallenged,” Kalyan asserted.

He also addressed actor Prakash Raj, advising him to speak responsibly on religious matters. He said, “You should understand the sensitivity of such issues before making public comments. It is crucial to respect all faiths and avoid unnecessary criticism.”

Pawan Kalyan made it clear that his protest was not just about the Tirumala laddu controversy but a broader defense of Sanatan Dharma. He stressed that no one could stop him from fighting to protect his faith. He reiterated that the land of Andhra Pradesh respects all religions and that people should speak up when any injustice or sacrilege occurs.

After concluding his penance at Tirumala, the Deputy CM announced that he would hold a public rally in Tirupati on 3rd October, underlining his commitment to safeguarding Hindu traditions and religious practices.

As part of his penance, Pawan Kalyan will complete his vow by visiting Lord Venkateswara’s shrine at Tirumala and ending the purification on 2nd October. He remains determined to continue speaking against those who he believes undermine the sanctity of Hindu religious practices.