According to the latest reports, the devotees visiting Tirupati Temple will get free 'Laddus' hereafter. As per the new scheme, all the devotees will be given one free 'Laddu'.
The 'Laddu prasad neivethiyam' was introduced in Tirupati on October 2 1715. Initially, only 'Bundhis' were distributed as 'Prasadam'. It was only in 1940 that 'Laddus' were distributed to the devotees.
As Tirupati temple became popular, 'Tirupati Laddu' gained great reception. Over a period of time, black markets started making business in the name of selling 'Tirupati Laddus'. Therefore in 2008, the Tirupati devastanam acquired Geographical Indication tag.
Earlier people who walk via mountain routes were only given free laddus as reported by Puthiya Thalaimurai.
Reports also say that 4 laddus for Rs 70 have also been cancelled by the management. People who are in need of more laddus can pay Rs 50 for 1 laddu and get it from the counters available. Reportedly 12 more counters have been established to facilitate the devotees.
