Following the recent controversy surrounding the लड्डू scam at the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) temple in Andhra Pradesh, another significant issue has emerged. The trust alleges that silk shawls gifted to devotees and donors between 2015 and 2025 were actually made of 100% polyester, not the advertised pure silk.
Tirupati Temple Silk Shawl Scam: Following the recent controversy surrounding the लड्डू scam at the world-renowned Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) temple in Andhra Pradesh, another major scandal has come to light. This time, the issue revolves around the silk shawls presented to donors and devotees. Allegations have surfaced that between 2015 and 2025, 100% polyester shawls were supplied under the guise of pure Tussah silk, resulting in a loss of approximately ₹55 crore to the temple trust.
The TTD board has handed over this serious matter to the Andhra Pradesh Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB). Following the investigation, a nationwide uproar has ensued regarding this alleged fraud.
How the Silk Shawl Scam Came to Light?
At Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam, silk shawls are traditionally presented to donors and pilgrims during VIP darshans and special religious ceremonies. Recently, doubts arose regarding the quality of these shawls, prompting the TTD administration to conduct scientific testing by collecting samples from warehouses and the temple premises.
These samples were sent to laboratories in Bengaluru and Dharmavaram, operated by the Central Silk Board. Both lab reports confirmed that the shawls presented as pure Tussah silk were, in fact, entirely made of polyester.
Accusation of Fraud Worth ₹55 Crore Against Supplier
The TTD alleges that the concerned supplier firm defrauded the temple trust by selling inexpensive polyester products as expensive silk over the past decade, amounting to approximately ₹55 crore. According to regulations, each shawl was mandatory to be made of pure Tussah silk and should have an official silk hologram, but the supplied material did not meet these standards.
Media reports indicate that VRS Exports, Nagari, the firm supplying the shawls recently, was awarded a contract for the supply of 15,000 new shawls. Following the exposure of the scam, this new contract has been immediately suspended. The TTD board has instructed the ACB to identify all responsible officials and private agencies involved in the case and take strict legal action against them.
What is the Official Standard for Tirupati Temple Shawls?
According to the rules of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam, strict quality standards are in place for shawls, including:
- The shawl must be woven from 100% pure Tussah silk.
- The yarn count must be 20/22 denier.
- The minimum thickness must be 31.5 denier.
- One side must be printed with Sanskrit and the other with Telugu in ‘Om Namo Venkateshaya’.
- Religious symbols such as conch shells, chakra, and namam must also be present on the shawl.
- Size, weight, and border design are also clearly defined.
The investigation revealed that the supplied shawls did not meet any of these standards. This scandal has emerged at a time when the Tirupati Temple is already grappling with questions surrounding the quality and supply of its Prasad. Now, the shawl case has raised serious questions about the temple administration’s supply system and the transparency of its tender process.
