Eating Mahaprasad on dining table: Viral video from Puri hotel hurts Jagannath devotees’ sentiments

Once again, an incident involving alleged disrespect to Mahaprasad, the sacred offering of Lord Jagannath, has triggered widespread outrage among devotees. 

A video showing Mahaprasad being consumed while seated at a dining table has gone viral on social media, drawing strong reactions from the devotees of Lord Jagannath.

The incident reportedly took place at a hotel in Puri, where a group of tourists from West Bengal were seen consuming Mahaprasad while sitting at a dining table. The visuals have deeply hurt the religious sentiments of Lord Jagannath’s devotees, who consider Mahaprasad not merely as food but as a divine blessing.

As per reports, devotees have expressed strong resentment not only over the act of consuming Mahaprasad at a dining table but also over the fact that it was reportedly eaten while wearing footwear. 

According to long-standing tradition, Mahaprasad must be consumed while sitting on the floor and barefoot, as a mark of humility, devotion, and reverence.

Several devotees of Lord Jagannath have condemned the incident, stating that such treatment of Mahaprasad is completely inappropriate and unacceptable. They stressed that ignorance of tradition cannot justify actions that hurt deeply held religious beliefs.

Also Read: Abadha Mahaprasad cooked with organic rice at Gundicha Temple in Puri

Servitors of Srimandir have also reacted to the incident, suggesting that hotels in Puri should take responsibility for sensitising visiting pilgrims and tourists. They emphasised that if hotel authorities properly inform visitors about the sanctity and traditional practices associated with Mahaprasad, such incidents can be prevented from recurring.

The incident has once again highlighted the need for greater awareness and respect for the religious customs and traditions of Lord Jagannath, especially in the holy city of Puri.