Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan recently performed a purification ritual at the Kanaka Durga Temple in Vijayawada as part of his 11-day “Prayaschitta Diksha” (penance). This religious vow was initiated to atone for the alleged adulteration of the Tirumala Temple’s Laddu Prasadam, where reports claimed that animal fat and other impurities were used in the sacred offering. Kalyan expressed his commitment to protect the sanctity of Hindu traditions and strongly condemned the actions that led to the desecration of the temple’s sacred offerings.
#WATCH | Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan performs purification ritual at Kanaka Durga Temple, as part of his 11-day 'Prayaschitta Diksha, over the alleged adulteration of the Tirumala's Laddu Prasadam. pic.twitter.com/BElSdj2eLB
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During the purification ritual, Kalyan cleaned the steps of the temple and participated in traditional prayers, emphasizing his devotion to Sanatan Dharma and his desire to restore religious purity. He criticized the current YSRCP government, accusing them of allowing the destruction of 219 temples and failing to maintain the sanctity of Hindu religious practices. He also expressed frustration with the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) board, which he believes has been compromised for political gains.
This penance comes amid growing protests by Hindu groups in Andhra Pradesh, who are demanding accountability for those responsible for the Laddu Prasadam controversy. Kalyan plans to culminate his 11-day vow with a pilgrimage to Tirumala, walking the Alipiri route to offer prayers and conclude his penance on October 2.
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His actions are seen as part of a broader effort to defend Hindu rituals from political interference and desecration. The controversy has sparked significant debate and drawn public attention to the governance of temples in the state.