Tirupati: Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) is one of India’s holiest temples, drawing millions of devotees every year.
Beyond its spiritual significance, the temple houses a vast goshala, where thousands of cows are sheltered for religious purposes, their milk used for sacred rituals. However, recent concerns about the wellbeing of these animals have sparked debate, prompting calls for better facilities and a more sustainable dairy operation to meet temple needs.
Despite their sacred status, the cows face harsh living conditions, often confined to overcrowded enclosures with inadequate space. Reports suggest cow mortality rates have risen, with some sources claiming over 100 deaths in three months, largely due to heat, insufficient veterinary care, and substandard fodder.
This has led to growing frustration among devotees, who argue that the revered animals deserve far better treatment. The situation has reignited discussions about expanding the goshalam, ensuring a larger, well-ventilated stable where cows can roam freely, reducing their stress and improving their health.
With Tirupati’s extreme summers, conditions inside the current shelter can become unbearable, intensifying the urgency for more space and better care.
Another solution gaining traction is the revival of TTD’s in-house dairy production, instead of relying on external suppliers. Historically, the temple’s cows provided enough milk to meet ritual requirements, but recent declines in output have forced reliance on commercial dairies-raising questions about purity and ethical sourcing.
Advocates insist that TTD should not treat its goshala as merely a symbolic gesture, but rather as a true sanctuary for these sacred animals. Expanding the stable and reviving independent dairy operations would not only honor the cows’ spiritual significance but also improve their quality of life, ensuring they receive proper care and respect.
As the debate unfolds, the TDP and YSRCP leaders continued to cross swords over the cow deaths, while devotees continue to push for action.
