Jagannath Rath Yatra Mahaprasad: Significance, rules, and power of faith

Mahaprasad is not considered an ordinary prasad, but it is a direct blessing of God, which purifies not only the body but also the soul.

Puri: Jagannath Rath Yatra in Odisha is considered the oldest and largest Hindu chariot festival. Every year millions of devotees flock to pull the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra. It is believed that participating in this journey even once ends all the sins of life. But there is another very divine tradition of this journey is 'Mahaprasad'.

Mahaprasad is offered to Lord Jagannath and distributed among the devotees. It is not considered an ordinary prasad, but it is a direct blessing of God, which purifies not only the body but also the soul. So let's know the importance of Mahaprasad, and what things should be kept in mind while taking it.

Mahaprasad Significance

The Prasad available in Jagannath Dham is called "Mahaprasad" because it is offered directly to the Lord. There is a belief that by accepting Mahaprasad with devotion, all the sins of life will get erased and happiness and peace are attained. This Prasad purifies the soul and awakens devotion towards God in the mind.

How To Accept Mahaprasad?

Eat with full devotion: Never eat Mahaprasad in a hurry or carelessly. While accepting it, meditate on Lord Jagannath and maintain the purity of the Prasad.

Do not waste: This Prasad is God's blessing. Not even a single particle of it should go to waste. If something is left, keep it in a holy place or offer it to animals and birds.

Eat by sharing: The real joy of Prasad is only when you share it with your loved ones and the needy. It is believed that the more you share it with people, the more blessings you will get.

Keep dry prasad safely: If you get dry prasad such as Khurma, Gaja, then you can keep them with reverence in the house. It is also virtuous to consume it later.

Give it to the sick and needy: Distributing Mahaprasad among the needy and sick gives them mental and spiritual relief.

Keep it at home: Many people keep a small portion of prasad in the grain box or temple of the house, so that positive energy remains in the house.

Things To Avoid

1. Do not insult the prasad even by mistake.
2. Do not keep it in an impure place and do not accept it with pride.
3. Always take prasad with clean hands.

Mahaprasad of Jagannath Rath Yatra is not just food, but a blessing of God, which is an important step on the path of devotion, faith and salvation.