Mahaprasad: Food of the Divine

The Mahaprasad offered to Lord Jagannath at the Jagannath Temple in Puri is not merely food; it is considered a sacred offering imbued with divine consciousness. It undergoes a fascinating spiritual transformation, evolving from ordinary rice to “Parambramha,” the ultimate reality.

This transformation involves a series of stages, each marked by specific rituals and offerings:

1. Amoniha: Ordinary rice brought into the temple is initially called “Amoniha,” meaning “not offered.”

2. Annah: Through purification rituals in the temple’s grand kitchen, the Rosaghara, the rice becomes “Annah,” fit for consumption.

3. Chheka: As the cooked rice is brought before the Lord, it is referred to as “Chheka.”

4. Bhoga: When presented to the deities, it becomes “Bhoga,” an offering of food.

5. Naivedya: Placed on the “Muruja” (sacred diagrams) before the Lord, it transforms into “Naivedya.”

6. Prasad: Offered to the Lord with sacred mantras by the priests, it becomes “Prasad,” blessed food.

7. Shree Mahaprasad: After a special ritual known as “Bharavi Chakra,” the Prasad is elevated to “Shree Mahaprasad” and offered to Goddess Vimala.

8. Kaibalya: When the Mahaprasad is brought to the Ananda Bazar (temple market) and seen by the “Pancha Parameswar” (five priests), it attains “Kaibalya,” symbolizing liberation.

9. Abhada: Consumed by the priests, it becomes “Abhada,” signifying union with the divine.

10. Nirmalya: The dried remnants of the Mahaprasad are known as “Nirmalya,” representing “Brahma,” the ultimate reality.

When devotees receive Nirmalya, it is believed to purify their hearts and minds, leading them towards a closer connection with the divine, ultimately culminating in “Sanidhya,” or union with “Parambrahma.”