Jagannath Puri Temple Prasad, commonly referred to as Mahaprasad. To get Mahaprasad at the Jagannath Puri Temple, head to the Ananda Bazaar within the temple complex. Food, prepared in the temple’s kitchens, is available daily.

What is Jagannath Puri Temple Prasad (Mahaprasad)?

Jagannath Puri Temple Prasad, popularly known as Mahaprasad, is a sacred offering prepared in the kitchen of the Jagannath Temple, called the “Rosha Ghara.” This offering is considered holy and is a key part of the rituals in the temple. Devotees believe that consuming Mahaprasad brings spiritual blessings and helps in the purification of the mind and soul. It is unique not only in terms of religious significance but also for the method of its preparation.

Mahaprasad is cooked in earthen pots over wood fires in an open-air kitchen, using ingredients like rice, lentils, vegetables, and various spices. Around 56 different types of dishes are prepared and offered to Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra daily, making the offering a grand feast.

The Concept of Mahaprasad and Abhada

In Puri, Mahaprasad is also referred to as Abhada. The word “Abhada” essentially means cooked rice and a variety of vegetarian dishes that are sanctified by offering them to the deities. Mahaprasad is then distributed among devotees inside the temple premises, allowing everyone to partake in this holy food. Beauty of Abhada is its simplicity and its ability to connect people from different walks of life, regardless of caste or creed, through the sacred offering.

Where and How to Get Mahaprasad in Jagannath Puri Temple?

One of the most common questions that visitors to Puri ask is: Where and how can I get Mahaprasad? Let’s walk through the process step by step.

1. Ananda Bazar: The Main Distribution Point

Primary place where you can buy Mahaprasad in Puri is the Ananda Bazar, located inside the Jagannath Temple complex. Ananda Bazar is a marketplace where Mahaprasad is sold in large quantities every day. Devotees gather here to purchase the prasad, and it is available in both cooked and uncooked forms.

Purchase different varieties of Puri Mahaprasad depending on the size of your group or family. The food is typically served on plates made of dried leaves, giving it an authentic, rustic touch. After purchasing the Mahaprasad, devotees can sit within the temple premises and consume it.

2. Types of Mahaprasad Available

At Ananda Bazar, you will find various types of Mahaprasad, including:

  • Dry Mahaprasad: Includes items like Khaja (a sweet made of wheat and jaggery) and Nadiya (coconut-based sweets). These can be taken home and consumed over a period of time.
  • Wet Mahaprasad: Includes rice, dal, vegetables, and other cooked items that should be consumed immediately or within a few hours.

3. Purchasing Mahaprasad Outside the Temple

Although Mahaprasad is primarily sold inside the temple complex, there are also authorized outlets outside the temple, in and around Puri. Places sell pre-packaged Jagannath Puri Temple Prasad for those who may not be able to visit the temple. It is always recommended to purchase the prasad directly from the temple complex to ensure its authenticity and sanctity.

4. Puri Abhada Price

Price of Puri Abhada or Mahaprasad varies depending on the items and quantity you wish to buy. Price structure is generally affordable to ensure that everyone can partake in the holy offering. Full meal for one person may cost around INR 100 to INR 200, but the price can increase if you purchase larger quantities or special items like sweets and desserts.

Importance of Mahaprasad in Jagannath Temple Rituals

Mahaprasad holds a unique position in the daily rituals of the Jagannath Temple. Every day, a series of offerings are made to the deities, starting early in the morning and continuing until late evening. The food is cooked in accordance with strict traditional guidelines that have been passed down for generations.

Puri Jagannath Temple Mahaprasad is cooked by special cooks known as “Suara,” who are considered to be the descendants of an ancient lineage that has been preparing the prasad for centuries. Once the food is cooked, it is offered to the deities in a ritualistic manner, known as “Sakala Dhupa.”

How Mahaprasad is Distributed?

Once the offering is made to Lord Jagannath and the other deities, the prasad is taken to the Ananda Bazar, where it is distributed among devotees. Interestingly, the amount of food prepared every day is enormous, yet none of it is wasted. Devotees believe that Mahaprasad has a divine blessing, and it must be consumed entirely, reflecting the idea of abundance and the absence of scarcity in the realm of the divine.

FAQs About Jagannath Puri Temple Prasad

1. What is the significance of Mahaprasad in Jagannath Temple?

Mahaprasad is considered the direct blessing of Lord Jagannath, and consuming it is believed to purify the mind and soul. It symbolizes unity and equality, as it is shared among people from all social backgrounds.

2. Where can I buy Mahaprasad in Puri?

Buy Mahaprasad from Ananda Bazar, located within the Jagannath Temple complex. Also find authorized outlets outside the temple that sell the prasad, though it’s best to buy it from the temple for authenticity.

3. How much does Puri Mahaprasad cost?

The price of Puri Mahaprasad varies depending on the quantity and type of prasad you wish to buy. A meal may cost around INR 100 to INR 200 for one person, but special items like sweets may have different prices.

4. Can I take Mahaprasad home?

Yes, you can take certain types of Mahaprasad, especially dry items like Khaja, back home. Cooked prasad should be consumed within a short period of time.

5. Is Mahaprasad available every day?

Yes, Mahaprasad is available every day, as it is a part of the daily rituals at the Jagannath Temple. Kitchen operates throughout the day to prepare fresh offerings for the deities.

6. What is the difference between Abhada and Mahaprasad?

There is no difference between Abhada and Mahaprasad. Both refer to the sacred food offered to the deities. Abhada is a term commonly used in Odisha to describe this prasad.

7. Can non-Hindus receive Mahaprasad?

While non-Hindus are not allowed inside the Jagannath Temple, they can still receive Mahaprasad from authorized outlets outside the temple complex.

8. How is Mahaprasad prepared?

Mahaprasad is prepared in the temple’s kitchen using traditional methods. The food is cooked in earthen pots over wood fires and is entirely vegetarian, in accordance with the rituals of the temple.

9. What are the most popular dishes in Mahaprasad?

Most popular dishes include rice, dal, mixed vegetables, and sweets like Khaja and Nadiya. Over 56 varieties of food are prepared as part of the Mahaprasad offering every day.

10. What is the best time to buy Mahaprasad?

Best time to buy Mahaprasad is after the main offerings have been made to the deities, usually in the late morning and early afternoon. It is recommended to reach Ananda Bazar early to avoid long queues.

Visiting the Jagannath Temple in Puri and partaking in the Mahaprasad is not only a culinary experience but also a spiritual journey. Significance of this sacred offering goes beyond just food, as it connects people from all walks of life in a shared sense of devotion. Whether you are a local or a pilgrim from afar, Mahaprasad is an essential part of your experience in Puri.

Must visit Puri for the divine Mahaprasad! For groups of more than 2, use our calculator to get your price details instantly. Start planning your trip today!

Visit the Jagannath Temple, make sure to partake in the Mahaprasad, enjoy the blessings of the divine, and feel the joy of being part of a tradition that has been kept alive for centuries.