Bhubaneswar/Puri, Aug 11: The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) and the Odisha Government have firmly rejected proposals to sell Mahaprasad, the sacred food offering of Lord Jagannath, through online platforms.

Despite suggestions from various organizations to make Mahaprasad available digitally for devotees across India and abroad, the administration has cited concerns over preserving its sanctity and traditional rituals.

Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan emphasized that Mahaprasad holds a unique spiritual and cultural significance unlike offerings from other temples. “The purity of Mahaprasad cannot be guaranteed once it leaves the temple premises or is handled through commercial delivery systems,” he stated.

Several online platforms had begun advertising Mahaprasad delivery services, offering items like Anna, Dalma, Besara, and Mahura at premium prices. This sparked outrage among devotees and servitors, who accused these businesses of exploiting religious sentiments for profit.

The temple administration clarified that no official authorization has been given for online sales and warned that such practices violate temple norms. Servitors demanded strict action against unauthorized sellers and called for legal amendments to prevent future misuse of sacred offerings.

In response, the administration is preparing to release an official rate chart for Mahaprasad sold within Ananda Bazaar to ensure transparency and prevent exploitation. The move aims to protect devotees from being overcharged and uphold the dignity of the temple’s traditions.

Devotees are urged to visit Puri in person to receive Mahaprasad and experience the spiritual essence of Lord Jagannath’s darshan.

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