Puri: The Sri Jagannath Temple Administration has adopted “Amrut Anna,” to make the Mahaprasad of the Lords tastier and healthier.
Under this initiative only organically grown rice will be used for offering to the deities in Kotha Bhoga, said SJTA Chief Administrator Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee.
Organic farming means that no chemical fertilizers or pesticides should be used in the cultivation of paddy intended for the offering.
The Chief Administrator said that a recent meeting was held with the officials of Department of Agriculture. Five varieties of rice from Koraput and other parts of the state were tested yesterday. The Mahaprasad was prepared separately using these rice varieties and then offered to the Trinity in Kotha Bhoga.
The SJTA Chief Administrator, officials, and members of the Suar and Mahasuar Nijog evaluated the quality and flavor. They recommended the Govind Bhog and Jhilly varieties of rice for use in Kotha Bhoga, Dr Padhee said.
The Suar and Mahasuar Nijog have also given their consent, he added. Kotha Bhoga refers to the statutory offerings of Mahaprasad by the administration in prescribed quantities, while the Mahaprasad sold in Anand Bazar is prepared by the supakaras for commercial purposes, catering to devotees.
He further said that officials have been directed to ensure large-scale production of these two rice varieties for use in Kotha Bhoga. Other rice varieties may still be used in commercial Mahaprasad, he added.
Earlier, the Temple Administration had banned the use of spurious ghee in the preparation of several items, including the famous Khaja offered to the deities, as well as in diyas. The state milk company, OMFED, was authorized as the sole supplier of ghee and other dairy products for temple use.