Odisha’s Law Minister, Prithviraj Harichandan, announced on Monday that the state government has rejected proposals from several organizations to sell ‘Mahaprasad’ from the Lord Jagannath Temple in Puri through online platforms.
Explaining to the reporters, Harichandan stated that some organisations recently requested the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) to deliver ‘Mahaprasad’ and ‘dry prasad’ of the Puri temple to devotees through online platforms.
He further stated that while the idea of delivering the holy offering to devotees worldwide seemed good, the government and SJTA ultimately decided against it to protect the sanctity of the Mahaprasad.
“Though it was a good idea to provide the prasad to devotees worldwide, the government and SJTA rejected the proposal to preserve the sanctity of the holy offering,” he said.
The minister expressed doubts that the sacred nature of the offering could be maintained during online sale and delivery.
“We have doubts about whether the sanctity of ‘Mahaprasad’ can be maintained if it is transported and delivered in this manner,” the Minister stated, adding that the government does not support or promote any such initiative.
He clarified that the government has no plans to initiate or endorse such a service and will not promote any organization that attempts to do so. “Neither do we have any such proposal, nor will we promote anyone to sell Mahaprasad online,” he asserted.
The Law minister also encouraged devotees to visit the Puri Jagannath temple in person to receive the Mahaprasad.
He also mentioned that a new rate chart for the Mahaprasad will be implemented soon. The Minister’s statement follows recent media reports alleging the unauthorised online sale of the Mahaprasad of Lord Jagannath.
