Jagannath Rath Yatra 2023: How Should You Eat The Jagannath Maha Prasadam At The Puri Temple?

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Our usual experience of visiting temples, includes offering prasad to the deity and then consuming it there. Almost in all the temples, we follow similar rules.

We have certain rituals that we follow while consuming prasad. Puri Jagannath temple prepares prasad of 56 varieties to almost 200000 people.

Prasad offering and distribution is an important part of all the rituals that are observed in the temple. It is a matter of great punya to receive this prasad as it rids you of the birth death cycle itself.

There are certain rules that need to be followed while consuming the prasad. Here they are.

Mahaprasad comes as a blessing from God who does not discriminate between creed, caste, or gender. In Gods eyes, all souls are equal. Do we should not discriminate between devotees while distributing the mahaprasad of Jagannath.

Wash your hands and mouth clean, before consuming prasad.

Do not consume mahaprasad in a sitting position. One should not sit on any asana (sitting mat) while eating Mahaprasad.

Do not consumer other cooked foodstuffs along with mahaprasad.

Before you begin eating the Mahaprasad. Touch your forehead a bit with a little bit of prasad. That shows your respect and devotion towards Jagannath's Mahaprasad..

Do not waste the prasad on the banana leaf. Take only as much as you can chew and digest.

See that you preserve the sanctity of Mahaprasad by not serving it on metal, plastic or thermocol plates. It should be served on a banana leaf.

Eating by spoon is a western practice. We Indians used to eat using our hands from time immemorial. Mahaprasad also should be consume using fingers.

If you are receiving Mahaprasad outside of the temple, remove your shoes or slipper and then receive the prasad. Give it the respect that it deserves.

Do not wash off the remnants of mahaprasad on your hand near a dirty place.

Sit on the floor and eat as our brain gives the stomach the command to digest the food when it enters the stomach.

It is observed that the food, till it reaches Jagannath, does not have any flavour and aroma even though it is cooked in clay pots. Once it reaches the altar of God and offered to him, and Goddess Vimala, it emits a heavenly flavour and aroma as the food receives the divine blessings from Jagannath.

Do not step on the mahaprasad which is spilt on the ground.

banana leaf is hygienic, and one time use, biodegradable and environment friendly.

Banana leaves contain natural antioxidants in huge amounts. It also has antibacterial properties.

Banana leaf improves health and averts skin issues, constipation and indigestion.