Our Correspondent
Tirupati: In a significant move aimed at restoring and strengthening public confidence in the preparation of Srivari Prasadam, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has entered into a first-of-its-kind partnership with the CSIR–Central Food Technological Research Institute (CSIR-CFTRI), Mysuru, to introduce scientific protocols across the entire prasadam production chain.
The initiative comes in the wake of allegations surrounding contamination of the world-famous Srivari Prasadam, one of the most revered offerings among millions of devotees visiting the shrine of Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala.
With the objective of eliminating any scope for future criticism and ensuring the highest standards of safety, nutrition and quality, TTD signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CSIR-CFTRI on Monday during the two-day RISE Conclave 2026 (Research, Innovation, Start-ups and Entrepreneurship) held in Bengaluru.
The agreement, the first of its kind in the country’s temple sector, was signed in the presence of Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shri Pralhad Joshi.
Addressing the conclave, the Union Minister called upon innovators, entrepreneurs and researchers to strengthen research and development, expand manufacturing capabilities and foster a culture of innovation driven by indigenous technologies.
Under the partnership, TTD and CSIR-CFTRI will jointly implement rigorous quality-control measures, standard operating procedures and monitoring mechanisms covering every stage of prasadam preparation — from procurement of raw materials to preparation, storage and distribution.
As part of its broader modernisation drive, TTD will also receive scientific guidance to upgrade its storage, testing and procurement systems. CSIR-CFTRI will recommend validated technologies and best-practice workflows to minimise contamination risks and ensure consistency in quality.
The collaboration will also focus on preservation techniques. Research-based packaging and shelf-life interventions will be developed to enhance product stability without compromising the authentic taste, texture and cultural significance of the prasadam.
Capacity building will form another key component of the initiative. CSIR-CFTRI will provide structured training programmes for TTD’s in-house food analysts and handlers in advanced analytical techniques, sampling procedures, contaminant detection, ghee purity assessment and aroma profiling.
In addition, senior scientists from CSIR-CFTRI will undertake regular visits to TTD facilities to support implementation, validation studies and improvements in storage management and procurement planning.
The initiative marks a major step towards integrating science and tradition, with TTD seeking to establish a robust and transparent food safety framework for one of the world’s most sacred and widely distributed temple offerings.
By embracing scientific validation without compromising religious sanctity, TTD hopes to set a new benchmark for temple administrations across the country.
