Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan announced on Sunday that devotees visiting the Jagannath Temple in Puri will soon receive free ‘Mahaprasad,’ the holy food offering at the temple. The initiative will begin once the surge in devotees during the holy month of Karthik subsides.
The minister outlined the program, estimating an annual expenditure of approximately ₹14 to ₹15 crore to provide Mahaprasad free of charge. “In response to the government’s appeal, several devotees have expressed their willingness to support this initiative,” Harichandan stated. He emphasized that contributions from generous devotees could ease the financial burden on the government, encouraging such assistance to help maintain this service.
In addition to the free Mahaprasad, the Odisha government is planning infrastructure upgrades within the 12th-century shrine. These improvements aim to ensure a seamless and comfortable experience for devotees who come to have darshan, or sacred viewing, of the temple’s holy deities.
The law minister also updated on the recent Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey conducted at Ratna Bhandar, the Jagannath Temple’s treasury. The survey, carried out by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and scientists from the CSIR-NGRI, was intended to detect any hidden chambers or tunnels within the treasury’s structure. Harichandan informed the media that the survey report, expected within a few days, will guide the government’s next steps.
Should the survey uncover hidden passages or valuable artefacts in the Ratna Bhandar, the Odisha government is prepared to take the appropriate actions. If, however, the GPR survey reveals no additional treasures or tunnels, the ASI will proceed with necessary repairs to the Ratna Bhandar immediately, ensuring the site’s stability and security.
This initiative by the Odisha government reflects a commitment to enhancing the spiritual experience for devotees and preserving the cultural heritage of the historic Jagannath Temple. Through both the Mahaprasad service and ongoing conservation efforts, the state government aims to support devotees while safeguarding one of India’s most revered religious sites.
