Odisha builder arrested for 'online sale' of Puri Srimandir Mahaprasad

A builder from Jagatsinghpur district has been arrested by the Cyber Police for allegedly advertising the sale of Mahaprasad, the sacred offering from Puri Srimandir, through an online platform. The accused, identified as Dispose Patnaik, was apprehended from Rasulgarh in Bhubaneswar following an investigation into the matter. 

According to police sources, Patnaik had posted an advertisement on a website named Shrimahaprasad, claiming that devotees could purchase Mahaprasad directly sourced from the Srimandir Rosaghara (temple kitchen) in Puri.

The misleading advertisement sparked outrage among devotees, who expressed strong resentment over the commercialisation of the sacred offering. Acting on a complaint, the Cyber Police registered a case and launched a probe that led to the arrest of the accused.

Officials said further investigation is underway to determine whether others were involved in the online sale racket.
Notably, there are several websites that are also illegally marketing the revered offering, raising serious questions about regulation, authenticity, and the silence of the Srimandir administration.

 Adding fuel to the controversy, items such as Anna (rice), Dali (dal), and Kanika (sweet rice) are being marketed at prices ranging from Rs 700 to Rs 1,000 per package.

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What’s more disturbing is the sale of Sukhili Bhog (dry-offerings) and ‘Khechudi’ (spiced rice dish) as well, all under the label of Srimandir Mahaprasad.