Hyderabad: In a development that has shocked devotees and raised serious questions about procurement practices at one of India’s most venerated temples, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has ordered a comprehensive investigation into an alleged ₹54 crore fraud in the supply of shawls between 2015 and 2025. The temple, which manages the Tirumala Venkateswara shrine in Andhra Pradesh, is renowned not only for its religious significance but also for the meticulous rituals that surround the deity and the offerings made by devotees.

The scandal comes on the heels of controversies over the famed Tirupati laddus, further denting the temple administration’s credibility and prompting calls for greater transparency in procurement and oversight.

Discovery of the Fraud

According to TTD trust board member G Bhanuprakash Reddy, the board took the decision to initiate an Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) investigation following an internal inquiry conducted by the chief vigilance and security officer of TTD. The internal investigation revealed that contractors, allegedly colluding with some temple officials, had supplied 100% polyester shawls while billing them as pure mulberry silk, in violation of tender specifications. The board highlighted that this substitution had occurred over a decade-long period from 2015 to 2025.

The discovery is particularly alarming given that the shawls are not merely decorative items but are used in rituals and offerings, making their authenticity a matter of religious as well as financial concern. The report suggested that even the Melchat Vastram, a sacred silk cloth used to adorn the presiding deity after Abhishekam (anointment), may have been made of polyester during the previous regime. Board members described this as a “blasphemous” violation of ritual sanctity.

External Confirmation

Adding weight to the internal findings, a team from the Union Ministry of Textiles visited Tirumala last month and conducted an independent inquiry into the quality of the shawls. Their confidential report, submitted to the TTD board, corroborated the internal investigation’s findings, confirming that the shawls supplied by contractors did not meet the specifications for pure mulberry silk.

The board has emphasised that this is not merely a case of procurement inefficiency but a deliberate act of financial misconduct, as the pricing of these items was significantly inflated. B R Naidu, chairman of the TTD board, told reporters that shawls costing ₹350–₹400 in the open market were purchased for ₹1,334, pointing to “significant corruption” in the procurement process. Over the decade, materials worth nearly ₹50 crore were procured under these inflated rates.

Involved Suppliers

The shawls in question were procured primarily from VRS Exports, Nagari, and its affiliated companies including Tirumala Fabrics, Nanna Cottages, and VM Raja Powerloom. According to the board, the total value of shawls purchased from these suppliers amounted to ₹54.95 crore over the ten-year period. The allegations suggest that the suppliers, in collusion with certain temple officials, misrepresented polyester as silk and overcharged the temple, thereby defrauding it of significant funds.

The case has drawn attention not only because of the amount involved but also due to the religious significance of the items purchased. Shawls used in temple rituals are considered sacred, and any compromise on their authenticity is viewed as a serious violation of religious norms.

Board Response and Next Steps

The TTD board has decided to escalate the matter to the Andhra Pradesh Anti-Corruption Bureau, requesting a detailed inquiry into the fraudulent procurement. The board’s October 28 meeting formally passed the resolution, which has since been publicised.

Reddy stated that the ACB inquiry will examine the role of the contractors and the officials involved, and recommend appropriate legal action. The board has also indicated that further scrutiny will cover whether other ritual items procured during the same period were similarly compromised.

The next TTD board meeting, scheduled for December 16, will reportedly discuss the matter in detail, including potential disciplinary or legal action against those implicated. The issue has sparked widespread concern among devotees and public stakeholders who expect greater accountability and transparency from temple authorities.

Broader Implications

This alleged fraud has multiple layers of significance. Firstly, it raises serious questions about oversight mechanisms and procurement policies within TTD, an institution managing a vast number of financial and religious operations. Secondly, it highlights the potential for collusion between private suppliers and insiders in large-scale religious establishments, a risk that can affect not only finances but also the sanctity of religious practices.

Experts suggest that the case may lead to reforms in procurement processes across religious institutions, including mandatory quality verification, third-party audits, and stricter compliance checks. Given the scale of the alleged fraud, the investigation by the ACB could uncover additional irregularities beyond the shawls themselves.

Religious and Public Concerns

The scandal has triggered public outrage because of the religious dimension. The TTD temple is a sacred site attracting millions of devotees annually, and items like the Melchat Vastram are considered essential to ritual purity. Reports that these sacred items may have been substituted with polyester—a material considered inappropriate for religious offerings—have been perceived as highly disrespectful to tradition.

Board members have stressed that ensuring authenticity and proper handling of ritual materials is now a top priority. Measures to prevent recurrence may include stricter tender specifications, regular inspections, and tighter supervision of both procurement and storage of ritual items.

Historical Context

The Tirupati temple has faced scrutiny in recent years over other issues, including allegations related to ghee used in the famous Tirupati laddus. While these controversies differ in nature, together they indicate the vulnerability of religious institutions to financial and operational malpractice when robust oversight mechanisms are lacking.

The alleged shawl scam, given its scale and religious implications, is likely to remain under close public and media attention. Authorities have reiterated that all suppliers involved, along with any officials found complicit, will face strict legal action, including possible criminal charges under the Anti-Corruption Act.

Conclusion

The Tirupati temple shawl scandal underscores the critical importance of transparency, accountability, and strict enforcement of procurement standards in religious institutions. With alleged misrepresentation of polyester as pure silk over a decade-long period, and substantial overpricing of items, the fraud—if proven—represents both a financial and ethical breach.

As the ACB conducts its investigation, the TTD board has signalled a commitment to corrective measures and safeguarding the sanctity of temple rituals. The upcoming board meeting in mid-December is expected to address these issues comprehensively, and the findings of the ACB inquiry could lead to further legal action against the contractors and officials involved.

In the meantime, devotees and public stakeholders will be watching closely, hoping that lessons are learned and faith in one of India’s most important temples is restored through rigorous accountability and reform.

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