The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has filed a complaint against a major online food delivery company for allegedly promoting the sale of 'Annaprasad' online. Acting on the direction of the Chief Administrator, a formal complaint was lodged at the Puri Cyber Police Station. The temple authorities said the unauthorised sale of prasad online amounts to an insult to Lord Jagannath. 

According to Puri Srimandir Security Administrator, Hemant Kumar Padhi, the food delivery company had allegedly advertised that Mahaprabhu Jagannath’s Annaprasad or Abadha from the Srimandir would be available for online delivery. The same advertisement also claimed that Maa Tarini’s Annaprasad, Baba Akhandalamani’s Annaprasad, and Prasadam Temple Annaprasad could be ordered for Rs 49. The offer was reportedly introduced for the holy month of Kartika.

Public Discontent Over Viral Post

After the post went viral on social media, it triggered widespread dissatisfaction among devotees and the public. The temple administration reportedly took steps to ensure that the advertisement is taken down immediately.

Complaint Registered With Cyber Police

Padhi stated, “A food delivery app advertised that it would deliver Annaprasad from various temples of Odisha. To attract more people, it used visuals of the Puri Srimandir in its advertisement, creating a false impression that devotees could receive Mahaprasad from the Puri Jagannath Temple. This act is misleading and amounts to cheating people. Based on these facts, a complaint was registered with the cyber police in Puri, and appropriate action will be taken.”

Also Read: Online ‘Annaprasad’ delivery sparks outrage among devotees in Odisha

The food delivery company concerned has not yet issued any statement regarding the matter.