Tirupati Laddu: A row erupted over the alleged use of animal fat and substandard ingredients in making Tirupati Laddu served as ‘prasad’ at the famous Sri Venkateswara temple. The Laddu prasadam at Tirumala is offered to crores of followers visiting the Lord Venkateswara Swamy Temple. The allegations made by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu sparked a controversy.

Amid the allegations, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Friday called for a detailed investigation into Andhra Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu's allegation that the previous YSRCP government had used substandard ingredients and animal fat in making Tirupati laddu, a consecrated sweet.

"Whatever the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister said is a very serious matter; it should be investigated in detail and whoever is guilty should be punished," Joshi told reporters here.

As the news Tirupati Laduu is making the rounds on the internet, let's take a look at some lesser-known facts about Tirupati Balaji Mandir:

1. Earthen Lamps Are Flickering Since Forever

The three earthen lamps placed in the temple before the idols in the sanctum sanctorum never blow out. It's been lit since forever.

2. Tirupati Balaji Is The Richest Temple Of India

Tirupati Balaji is the richest temple of India that gets massive amounts of cash, jewellery, property deeds, gold, and even Demat shares transfers from the devotees. 

3. Real Sweat Of Diety

It is believed that the image of Lord Balaji that is carved out of stone is very lively. Every morning following the sacred bath known as Abhishekham, sweatdrops emerge on the picture of Balaji, which the priests must wash off with a silken cloth.

4. Illusion Of Balaji Temple Idol

The idol appears to be standing in the center of the sanctum sanctorum when viewed from the exterior of the temple. It is actually situated on the Garba Gudi's right side. 

5. Strong Idol That Even Survives Chemical Reactions

Even though the idol of Shri Tirupati Balaji is frequently covered in camphor, it is impervious to the substance's volatile chemical reactions and shows no signs of marks.