Puri Srimandir Suara Mahasuara nijog welcomes Odisha govt’s free Mahaprasad plan for devotees

A day after Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan informed that the Odisha government is planning to distribute ‘Mahaprasad’ of Lord Jagannath to the devotees visiting Puri Srimandir free, the Suara-Mahasuara nijog of the 12th-century shrine welcomed such plan of the newly formed BJP government.

Speaking to OTV, Padmanabha Mahasuara, president of Suara Mahasuara nijog said, “This is a very welcoming step. The initiative first began in 2017 and a limited quantity of Mahaprasad used to be distributed among the devotees. However, later it was discontinued. If the BJP government starts the free distribution of Mahaprasad again then we will be very happy.” 

“Many temples including some famous shrines in South India, distribute prasad to the devotees free of cost. We will definitely cooperate with the government to make the free distribution of Mahaprasad a success,” Mahasuara added.

Elaborating further, the senior servitor said, “A special allocation of funds is required to make it run for a long term. The devotees will be very happy if they can have a hassle-free darshan of the Holy Trinity and get Mahaprasad while leaving the temple premises.”

Asked about what would be offered to the devotees visiting the temple in the morning, he said, “Sukhila Bhoga like Khaja, Magaja Ladu and Jagannath Ballabha can be given to the devotees visiting the temple in the early hours.”

It is worthwhile to mention here that Harichandan, who was in Puri to attend the Ratha Seva Sammana-2024 programme on Saturday, said the State government is planning to distribute Mahaprasad among the devotees visiting the shrine free of cost.

Though the minister did not clarify how and when the distribution will start but said that discussion in this regard is currently going on and a blueprint will be prepared very soon.