The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), the trust managing the renowned Tirumala Temple in Andhra Pradesh, has been shaken by the revelation of a massive Rs 54 crore silk shawl scam spanning a decade from 2015 to 2025. The scandal came to light following an internal vigilance inquiry which discovered that a contractor consistently supplied 100% polyester shawls while billing them as pure mulberry silk, as per the tender documents. This fraudulent activity, affecting one of India's most famous religious institutions, has raised serious concerns about internal oversight and procurement integrity.
Shawls are an integral part of temple rituals and are traditionally presented to major donors. The contractor substituted cheaper polyester material for the mandated mulberry silk, undermining both the quality of temple offerings and the trust of devotees. Samples were sent to scientific analysis in two laboratories, including one under the Central Silk Board, confirming the shawls were made of polyester. Additionally, the mandatory silk hologram intended to authenticate genuine silk was missing from the supplied samples, further highlighting the extent of the fraud.
The irregularities are estimated to have occurred over a ten-year period, leading to a financial loss exceeding Rs 54 crore to the temple trust. A shawl that costs approximately Rs 350 was billed at Rs 1,300, culminating in massive overbilling. Following the report, the TTD Trust Board cancelled all tenders with the implicated firm and referred the case to the State Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) for a comprehensive criminal investigation. The scam adds to a series of procurement and theft controversies that have plagued TTD in recent years.
Details of the Scam
The contractor responsible for the scam, along with sister concerns, supplied the bulk of shawls to TTD over the decade. By substituting polyester for genuine silk, the contractor not only defrauded the temple financially but also compromised the sanctity of temple rituals. Vigilance officers discovered that the shawls lacked the silk hologram meant to guarantee authenticity, providing further evidence of deliberate malpractice. This organized deception reflects systemic weaknesses in vendor management and oversight within the temple's procurement process.
The internal vigilance inquiry was initiated after TTD Chairman BR Naidu raised concerns about procurement irregularities. The probe revealed that over a ten-year span, the contractor billed for silk while delivering polyester, amounting to a loss of more than Rs 54 crore. The scandal has since prompted urgent action by temple authorities and law enforcement to safeguard the institution’s integrity and prevent similar fraud in the future.
Impact on Temple Operations and Reputation
The scam has severely impacted TTD’s reputation, raising questions about vendor selection, monitoring, and internal control mechanisms. As one of the wealthiest religious institutions in the world, TTD handles extensive financial and material resources, making transparency and accountability crucial. The repeated controversies, including adulteration of ghee in laddu prasadam and the Parakamani (hundi money counting) theft case, have put the temple management under immense pressure and scrutiny.
With the revelation of the shawl scam, devotees and stakeholders are demanding stricter oversight and more stringent vetting processes for contractors. The incident has also highlighted the importance of technology-enabled checks, such as mandatory authentication holograms and third-party verification, to prevent such fraud in future procurement cycles.
Action Taken by TTD and Authorities
Upon receiving the vigilance report, the TTD Trust Board immediately cancelled all existing tenders with the implicated contractor and referred the matter to the State Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) for a thorough criminal investigation. Scientific tests confirming polyester in place of silk were key evidence in triggering these swift actions. The ACB’s involvement is expected to uncover the full extent of the fraud and hold responsible parties accountable under the law.
Additionally, TTD is reviewing internal procurement policies and procedures to prevent recurrence. Measures such as improved vendor selection, periodic audits, and enhanced verification systems are being considered to strengthen institutional governance. This proactive approach is crucial for restoring public confidence and ensuring that future temple operations adhere to ethical and legal standards.
Historical Context and Previous Controversies
The shawl scam is part of a broader pattern of controversies within TTD over the past decade. Previous high-profile incidents include allegations of ghee adulteration in the sacred laddu prasadam and irregularities in Parakamani money counting. These recurring issues underline systemic vulnerabilities and highlight the need for stronger institutional oversight to maintain the trust of devotees and stakeholders.
Over the years, TTD has taken steps to modernize operations and improve transparency. However, the scale and duration of the shawl scam demonstrate that even well-established systems can be manipulated if monitoring and accountability measures are insufficient. The case serves as a wake-up call for religious institutions managing significant resources to adopt robust governance practices and independent auditing mechanisms.
Broader Implications for Religious Institutions
The Rs 54 crore shawl scam underscores the challenges faced by large religious institutions in ensuring ethical procurement and financial management. Vendors exploiting gaps in oversight can compromise not only finances but also the sanctity of religious practices. The TTD case emphasizes the importance of integrating modern technology, periodic audits, and strict regulatory compliance to safeguard institutional integrity.
For other religious organizations across India, the incident serves as a lesson to implement rigorous vetting of contractors, monitor procurement activities continuously, and ensure that ceremonial and devotional materials meet the highest standards. Maintaining transparency is key to preserving public trust and protecting the sanctity of religious traditions.
Conclusion
The polyester shawl scam at Tirupati Temple represents a significant breach of trust and financial malpractice, spanning a decade and involving over Rs 54 crore. Swift action by TTD authorities, combined with the State ACB investigation, aims to bring accountability and prevent recurrence. The case highlights the need for robust procurement oversight, transparency, and adherence to ethical standards in religious institutions managing large-scale operations.
Ultimately, addressing systemic weaknesses, strengthening internal controls, and enforcing rigorous audits are critical steps toward restoring confidence among devotees and stakeholders, ensuring that sacred rituals and ceremonial practices remain authentic and untainted by fraudulent activities.
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About the Author:
Harshit Raj
