Bhubaneswar: The Shree Jagannatha Temple Administration (SJTA) on Saturday issued a request to all devotees, urging them to refrain from practices that deviate from the tradition, specifically eating Mahaprasad (the sanctified food offered to Lord Jagannath) at a dining table.
This appeal follows reports of individuals consuming Mahaprasad while seated at hotel dining tables, a practice that has sparked concern among the temple’s followers.
In an official statement, the SJTA noted that the temple administration became aware of a social media image depicting individuals dining on Mahaprasad at a hotel in Puri. The image quickly garnered attention and raised questions about the proper reverence for the sacred food.
— Shree Jagannatha Temple Office, Puri (@SJTA_Puri) May 17, 2025
The SJTA emphasized that Mahaprasad is not just food, but a divine offering known as ‘Annabrahma’, considered to be a sanctified substance after being offered to Lord Jagannath. The long-standing tradition, which dates back centuries, dictates that Mahaprasad should be consumed while seated on the ground, as a sign of respect and humility.
In light of this, the temple administration called on all devotees to uphold this time-honored practice and avoid consuming Mahaprasad at dining tables. Furthermore, the SJTA urged hotels and restaurants to be mindful of this cultural and spiritual tradition and to advise their patrons accordingly.
Devotees are reminded that the sanctity of Mahaprasad is a crucial aspect of the religious experience and should be treated with the utmost respect, both within the temple and outside it.
