Devotees Allege Breach of Tradition in Srimandir Mahaprasad Distribution

Puri: Days after the Puri district administration announced that Mahaprasad will be made available for devotees during the month of Kartik, allegations of mismanagement in maintaining the tradition during its distribution surfaced on Monday.

Though two special counters have been set up for Mahaprasad distribution following a meeting between the Suar-Mahasuar Nijog and the Sri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) on Friday, devotees on Monday alleged that no seating arrangement has been made for the consumption of Mahaprasad by the temple administration.

As per practice, the revered food is consumed in cross-legged posture while sitting on the ground. However, in the absence of sitting arrangements, devotees are forced to take it while sitting on chairs.

Also Read: Srimandir: Special Mahaprasad Counters For Habishyalis In Kartik Month

Such breach of the tradition has also invited sharp criticisms from servitors of the Puri Srimandir, who said one can't have it while sitting on a chair.

"As no arrangement has been made to take the Mahaprasad, we saw people eating it while wearing slippers and also by sitting on chairs. In fact, there was no respect for the Mahaprasad," said senior servitor, Binayak Das Mohapatra.

He said the disrespect to the divine food is arising due to a lack of awareness among devotees about the significance Srimandir Mahaprasad carries. "The local administration should take the necessary steps in this regard," said another servitor.