Mahaprasad (also known as Abhada) refers to the sacred food offered to Lord Jagannath and then distributed among the devotees. This food is believed to be blessed by the deity and is considered very auspicious. It is a major attraction for pilgrims visiting the temple.
According to Skanda Purana, Lord Jagannath blesses devotees by allowing them to partake in his Mahaprasad, offering them his darshan, and inviting their worship through rituals and offerings. Revered as 'Anna Brahma,' Mahaprasad is prepared exclusively in earthen pots over firewood in the temple kitchen, with the capacity to cater to thousands of devotees daily. Following offerings to Lord Jagannath and Goddess Bimala, Mahaprasad is freely distributed to people of all backgrounds, fostering unity and inclusivity.
1. Sankudi Mahaprasad: This is the cooked food consisting of rice, dal (lentils), and other items. It includes dishes like Khechudi (rice cooked with lentils), Ghee Rice, Rice Cakes, and various other preparations made from rice and lentils.
2. Sukhila Mahaprasad: This is the dry food which includes items like dry sweets, Nirmalya (dried rice), and other dry offerings that have a longer shelf life.
• Chappan Bhog: Mahaprasad consists of 56 different food items, commonly referred to as Chappan Bhog, which are prepared in the temple's kitchen. This kitchen is reputed to be one of the largest in the world.
• Clay Pots: The food is cooked in clay pots using firewood, and the pots are placed on earthen ovens. This traditional method of cooking is believed to infuse the food with a divine taste.
• Nitis: The preparation and offering of Mahaprasad follow a strict ritualistic schedule. The food is prepared by temple cooks, known as Suaras, who adhere to centuries-old traditions.
• Sacred Offering: Once the food is prepared, it is first offered to Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings, Balabhadra and Subhadra. After the offering, it becomes Mahaprasad.
• Ananda Bazaar: The Mahaprasad is then sold and distributed to devotees at Ananda Bazaar, located within the temple complex. Devotees believe that consuming Mahaprasad grants them the deity's blessings and purifies their soul.
• Unity and Equality: Mahaprasad is a symbol of unity and equality. It is believed that once the food is offered to Lord Jagannath, it loses any caste or social distinctions. Everyone, regardless of their background, can partake in Mahaprasad together.
• Spiritual Benefits: Consuming Mahaprasad is considered spiritually beneficial. Devotees believe that it has the power to absolve sins and bestow good fortune.
• Largest Kitchen: The kitchen of the Puri Jagannath Temple is one of the largest in the world, capable of cooking food for thousands of devotees daily.
• Ancient Tradition: The tradition of offering Mahaprasad is ancient, dating back to the time when the temple was first established. The rituals and recipes have been meticulously preserved over centuries.
Mahaprasad at the Puri Jagannath Temple is not just food but a divine offering that carries immense religious and cultural significance. It symbolizes the blessings of Lord Jagannath and promotes a sense of community and equality among the devotees.
Transported in earthen pots to the temple, Mahaprasad emits a delightful aroma, signifying its sanctity. Sold at the Anand Bazaar, the temple's open-air market, Mahaprasad serves as a unifying force, transcending barriers of caste and status as devotees come together to partake in communal meals. Widely cherished, Mahaprasad is a staple at social gatherings and cherished as a sacred offering, with items like Khaja and Nirmalya being favored choices for devotees and tourists alike.