A controversy surrounding the use of animal fat-based ghee in the Tirupati Balaji temple prasadam has sparked a heated debate on social media, leading to public outrage and political discourse. The issue has drawn attention from prominent figures, including South Indian film stars Prakash Raj and Pawan Kalyan, the latter also serving as the Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. Meanwhile, Tamil film director Mohan G was arrested on Tuesday following controversial remarks about another temple.
Mohan G, known for his films like Draupadi, Rudratandavam, and Bagasuran, made statements about the Palani temple during a discussion on a YouTube channel regarding the Tirupati Balaji controversy. During the conversation, he claimed that a medicine allegedly causing male impotence had been mixed into the Panchamrit (a sacred mixture used in Hindu rituals) at the Palani temple. His remarks ignited a social media firestorm, resulting in his arrest.
The director said, “I have heard that medicine that causes impotence in men was mixed in Panchamrit. But this news was hidden. I believe that we should not talk without evidence. But it is also true that no clear explanation was given in this matter. Some temple employees had said that contraceptive pills were an attack on Hindus.”
Mohan G’s comments came as part of a broader discussion about the purity of temple offerings, especially after allegations surfaced regarding the use of animal fat in the ghee at Tirupati Balaji. His statements, however, shifted the focus to the Palani temple, another major religious site in Tamil Nadu, accusing the temple of an unsubstantiated act that triggered public outrage.
In response to the uproar, the Cyber Crime Cell of Trichy Police arrested Mohan G in Chennai on charges of spreading false information and hurting religious sentiments. His comments were deemed inflammatory and accused of instigating unrest within the religious community.
The controversy continues to fuel debates both online and offline, with discussions over the sanctity of religious practices and offerings. As the issue gains momentum, the temple authorities and those involved in the debate have yet to provide a formal response regarding the allegations surrounding the Tirupati and Palani temples.