The Odisha government has banned the online sale of Mahaprasad from the Puri Jagannath Temple. Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan stated that this decision was taken to maintain the sanctity and purity of the Prasad.
Puri: The Odisha government has explicitly rejected the proposal for online sale of Mahaprasad from the famous Jagannath Temple in Puri. This decision has been taken to maintain the sanctity of the temple and the purity of the Prasad. Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan stated that although there is no legal restriction on the online sale of Mahaprasad, the government does not support such initiatives and appeals to devotees to receive the Prasad by visiting the temple.
Controversy Regarding Online Sale of Mahaprasad
Recently, some organizations requested the Puri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) to allow the online sale of Mahaprasad and dry Prasad. The aim was to make the Prasad accessible to devotees worldwide so that those who are unable to visit the temple can also benefit from the Mahaprasad.
However, the temple administration and the Odisha government did not accept this proposal. Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan said that even though this idea might be convenient for devotees, it risked affecting the sanctity of the Mahaprasad. Therefore, this plan was not approved.
Respect for Sanctity and Tradition is Essential
The Law Minister emphasized that the religious significance of Mahaprasad is extremely profound. Traditionally, it has been distributed only within the temple premises. Maintaining the sanctity and purity of Mahaprasad is of utmost importance, and delivering it through online sales could diminish its respect and spiritual significance.
He said that if Mahaprasad is sold online, it would be difficult to ensure that the purity and sanctity of the Prasad are maintained. Therefore, the government and the temple administration have jointly rejected this proposal.
No Legal Ban, But Government Opposition
Prithviraj Harichandan clarified that there is currently no legal prohibition on the online sale of Mahaprasad. However, the government does not support or promote any such initiative. He stated that there is no such plan at present, nor is the government encouraging any individual or organization to sell Mahaprasad online.
The Law Minister said that if online sales are to be legally recognized in the future, it would require an amendment to the Jagannath Temple Act, 1955. Currently, the government and the temple administration do not consider it appropriate.
Special Appeal to Devotees
The Law Minister made a special request to devotees to personally visit the Puri Jagannath Temple to receive Mahaprasad and obtain the blessings of the deities at the temple. He said that doing so not only fulfills religious sentiments but also maintains the tradition and purity of the temple.
He urged devotees to avoid buying Mahaprasad online without permission, as this would not only affect its sanctity but also be against the policy of the temple administration.
Allegations and Clarification Regarding Online Sales
Recently, there were reports of unauthorized online sales of Mahaprasad from the Jagannath Temple on some websites and platforms, which concerned the government and the temple administration. In this context, the Law Minister clearly stated that no permission or support has been given by the government for any such illegal sales.
He also stated that the temple administration and the state government are closely monitoring such activities and that action will be taken against those who violate the rules.
Respect for Religious Sentiments is Essential
This decision regarding the Mahaprasad of the Puri Jagannath Temple has been taken to respect the religious sanctity of the temple and the sentiments of the devotees. Mahaprasad is not just food, but it is considered the blessing of Lord Jagannath. Therefore, its distribution should also be traditional and respectful.
The temple administration has always emphasized that the distribution of Prasad should be done carefully and in a controlled environment to maintain its sanctity. Distributing it through online means could jeopardize this sanctity.
