Puri: Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has issued an urgent appeal to devotees and the public to maintain the sanctity of Mahaprasad, the sacred food offered to Lord Jagannath. This appeal comes in response to a concerning incident where it was noticed that in a hotel in Puri, some individuals were consuming Mahaprasad while seated at dining tables and wearing shoes.
The SJTA emphasized that Mahaprasad holds immense religious significance and should be treated with utmost reverence. Traditionally, devotees partake in Mahaprasad while seated on the floor, considering it a sacred act. Eating it on a dining table, especially with footwear on, is deemed disrespectful to the divine offering and goes against the age-old customs associated with it.
“Mahaprasad is not ordinary food; it is blessed and carries the divine grace of Lord Jagannath,” stated a senior official of the SJTA. “We urge everyone to respect the traditions and consume it in the prescribed manner, which is typically sitting on the floor in a clean and respectful environment.”
The Administration has requested all hotels, restaurants, and other establishments in Puri to educate their patrons about the proper way to honor and consume Mahaprasad. They have also appealed to the general public to be mindful of these customs and to uphold the sanctity of the sacred offering.
The incident has caused dismay among devotees and servitors of the temple, who view Mahaprasad as an integral part of their faith and cultural heritage. They hope that this appeal will raise awareness and prevent such disrespectful practices in the future, ensuring that the sanctity of Mahaprasad is preserved for generations to come.