Puri Jagannath temple urges devotees not to consume 'Mahaprasad' on dining tables
The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) on Saturday (May 18, 2025) appealed to devotees to show the highest respect to 'Mahaprasad', the sacred cooked offering to Lord Jagannath, and to refrain from consuming it while seated at dining tables.
The appeal follows reports and social media showing people eating the 'Mahaprasad' in a hotel in Puri while seated at tables and wearing shoes — an act the SJTA described as "against the age-old traditions of Sri Mandir."
Stating that Lord Jagannath's 'Mahaprasad' is highly sacred and considered as "Anna Brahma" (rice soul), the SJTA said in accordance with tradition, devotees should consume the cooked 'bhog' by sitting on the floor with gratitude.
"Mahaprasad holds immense religious significance and must be treated with the utmost reverence," the administration emphasised.
"Eating it on a dining table is considered disrespectful to the divine offering and contradicts the spiritual customs associated with it," they added.
In its advisory, the SJTA also called upon hotels, restaurants and eateries in Puri to discourage such practices and educate visitors on the proper way to consume the 'Mahaprasad'.
Establishments were urged to inform guests of its religious importance and the traditional manner of partaking in the sacred food.
The administration said the photo and video of some people taking the 'Mahaprasad' while sitting on a dining table had hurt the religious sentiments of scores of devotees.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Gundicha Temple gets a facelift ahead of Rath Yatra
Bhubaneswar: Gundicha Temple, where the deities of Jagannath temple were born, is being prepared for a visual transformation through enhancement work before Rath Yatra on June 27. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "The beautification work includes stone-cladding of the outer boundary wall, landscaping and illumination arrangements to welcome the deities at their place of birth during Rath Yatra. The aesthetic transformation will give a visual delight to the deities and devotees," chief administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), Arabinda Kumar Padhee told TOI. The temple's exterior boundary wall, previously constructed of bricks, has received fresh plastering and Khondalite stone cladding, showcasing Odisha's architectural heritage. A protective fence is being installed around the wall to maintain its sanctity and restrict public access. Ornamental trees are being planted near the shrine as part of landscaping effort. "The initial phase involves stone cladding of the shrine's front wall, with plans to extend the treatment to the side and rear walls in subsequent phases after Rath Yatra," Padhee said. A new room has been built near the temple entrance for administrative purposes, complementing the existing information centre. An LED display will be installed outside to provide devotees with information about rituals at the Jagannath temple, located about 3 km away on the Grand Road. "Post-Rath Yatra, the Odisha Bridge & Construction Corporation Limited will undertake comprehensive renovation inside Gundicha Temple, including improvements of the kitchen and Nata Mandap. Murals highlighting Jagannath culture will be crafted on walls inside the shrine," Padhee said. Gundicha Temple, recognised as the deities' garden home due to its abundant trees, remains vacant except during Rath Yatra when the deities stay in it.
India Today
3 days ago
- India Today
Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: Date, schedule and all you need to know
The Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra, one of India's most revered festivals, is scheduled to commence on June 27, 2025, in Puri, Odisha. This annual event, also known as the Festival of Chariots, celebrates the journey of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple. The festival attracts millions of devotees from around the world, eager to partake in its rich traditions and spiritual DATES AND RITUALSAkshaya Tritiya (April 30, 2025): Marks the beginning of the festival preparations, including the commencement of chariot Purnima (June 11, 2025): The deities are bathed in 108 pots of holy water in a grand ceremony known as the 'Snana Yatra.' Anavasara (June 13–26, 2025): Following the Snana Purnima, the deities are believed to fall ill and rest in isolation for 15 days, during which they are not available for public Marjana (June 26, 2025): The Gundicha Temple is thoroughly cleaned to prepare for the arrival of the Yatra (June 27, 2025): The main event where the deities are placed on their respective chariots and pulled to the Gundicha Temple by thousands of Panchami (July 1, 2025): A ritual that marks Goddess Lakshmi's visit to the Gundicha Temple in search of Lord Darshan (July 3, 2025): An auspicious evening viewing of the deities at the Gundicha Yatra (July 5, 2025): The return journey of the deities to the Jagannath Besha (July 6, 2025): The deities are adorned with gold ornaments in a grand Pana (July 7, 2025): A sweet drink is offered to the deities on their Bijay (July 8, 2025): Marks the deities' return to the sanctum of the Jagannath Temple, concluding the DETAILSEach deity has a dedicated chariot, constructed anew each year from specific types of wood:Nandighosha: Lord Jagannath's chariot, featuring 16 wheels and standing approximately 44.2 feet Lord Balabhadra's chariot, with 14 wheels and a height of about 43.3 Goddess Subhadra's chariot, comprising 12 wheels and reaching a height of 42.3 chariots are ornately decorated and are pulled by devotees through the streets of Puri, symbolising the communal devotion and unity amongst Ratha Yatra is not only a religious event but also a cultural spectacle that embodies themes of devotion, equality, and community. It offers devotees a rare opportunity to have a direct glimpse of the deities, as they are traditionally housed within the temple and not visible to the in the chariot pulling is considered highly auspicious, believed to bring spiritual merit and those planning to attend, it's advisable to arrange accommodations well in advance due to the large influx of festival's vibrant atmosphere, combined with its deep spiritual roots, makes the Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra a truly transformative experience for all who partake.
India Today
4 days ago
- India Today
ISKCON fits Sukhoi fighter jet tyres to Lord Jagannath's chariot in Kolkata
This year's Rath Yatra in Kolkata is set to be a remarkable one as Lord Jagannath's chariot will roll on tyres originally designed for the Sukhoi fighter jet — notably the ones used in India's successful Operation Kolkata has spearheaded the initiative to replace the old tyres of Lord Jagannath's tyres which were first fitted in 1977 and sourced from a Boeing aircraft. With the original manufacturer, Dunlop ceasing operations years ago, the search for suitable replacements were on for the past few had been using second-hand aircraft tyres for many years,' said Radharaman Das, Vice President of ISKCON Kolkata. 'After thorough research, we found that the tyres of Sukhoi fighter jet matched the size and specifications of the old Boeing ones.' In 2024, tyre manufacturer MRF assessed the requirements and delivered the new tyres in early 2025. A 24-kilometre trial was carried out to ensure the tyres could withstand the weight of the chariot and move smoothly through Kolkata's added, 'It is a coincidence that the tyres came from Sukhoi jets that participated in Operation Sindoor, a significant achievement for Indian defence.'While the change is a technical enhancement, it also carries symbolic significance. Das drew parallels with the Mahabharata, noting that Lord Krishna attempted to prevent war between the Kauravas and Pandavas. When diplomacy failed, the Pandavas emerged victorious, reinforcing a message of peace backed by year's Rath Yatra conveys a dual message — of devotion and determination. It reflects Sanatani values and India's readiness to rise against adversity,' said Das, hinting at current tensions with Lord Jagannath's chariot now mounted on tyres built for a combat aircraft, this year's procession is set to combine tradition with a powerful reminder of cultural resilience and national Watch
