Puri, Nov 13 (UDN): The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has lodged a police complaint over the alleged sale of Mahaprasad outside the Puri Srimandir, following growing resentment among devotees over the manner in which the sacred offering is being sold beyond the temple premises.
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The complaint was submitted at the Singhadwara police station after vendors were reportedly found selling Mahaprasad on leaf plates outside the temple. Devotees raised objections, describing the practice as disrespectful to the religious significance of the offering.
Srimandir Chief Administrator Arabinda Kumar Padhee said that selling Mahaprasad outside the temple by taking advantage of the large number of visiting devotees was contrary to the prescribed rules. He said the administration was taking steps to regulate its sale within the temple premises.
SJTA plans discussions with servitors after Kartika
Padhee said the temple administration would hold discussions with servitors after the Kartika month to streamline the sale of Mahaprasad and dry offerings at Ananda Bazar, the designated area within the temple complex.
The move comes amid complaints from devotees about difficulties in purchasing the sacred food offering. Long queues and waiting periods at barricades have reportedly forced some visitors to depend on middlemen or vendors outside the temple to obtain Mahaprasad.
Devotees seek easier access and transparent pricing
The issue has also brought renewed attention to the need for an organised distribution system at Ananda Bazar.
Advocate Sarat Rayguru called for clear guidelines to ensure devotees can purchase Mahaprasad conveniently without having to wait for prolonged periods. He emphasised the importance of a systematic arrangement that protects the sanctity of the offering while making it accessible to visitors.
Another concern is the reported absence of an officially displayed price list at Ananda Bazar, despite directions from the Supreme Court. Devotees and stakeholders have stressed that transparent pricing would help prevent confusion and ensure accountability in transactions.
Temple stakeholders call for price regulation
Jagannath Pujapanda, a member of the temple management committee, said Mahaprasad prices could increase due to fluctuations in market rates and the rising cost of vegetables.
Former management committee member Ananta Tiadi also called for a prominently displayed price chart at Ananda Bazar. He said a transparent pricing system was necessary, while acknowledging that rates could require periodic revision depending on market conditions.
Focus on dignity and orderly sale of Mahaprasad
The latest developments have intensified calls for better management of Mahaprasad sales at the temple. Stakeholders want the administration to address long queues, improve access for devotees and introduce clear pricing arrangements.
The SJTA’s proposed discussions with servitors after Kartika are expected to be an important step towards establishing a more organised system for the sale of Mahaprasad and dry offerings, while safeguarding the religious and cultural significance of Lord Jagannath’s sacred food offering.