Mahaprasad at the Sri Jagannath Temple
Mahaprasad at the Sri Jagannath Temple
The Mahaprasad at the Sri Jagannath Temple in Puri is renowned for its offerings of traditional and sacred food, which holds immense cultural and religious significance. The dishes served here, including suara pitha, jhilli, biri pitha, and khaja, are part of the unique ritualistic food offerings made to Lord Jagannath, as a way of honouring him and feeding his devotees.
Suar Pitha is a savoury delicacy made from rice flour and is deep-fried, forming a crispy, round snack. It’s often considered a sacred item offered to the deity, symbolizing devotion.
Jhilli is a sweet dish made with ingredients like semolina and sugar, fried to perfection and served with immense reverence.
Biri Pitha is another fried snack made from rice flour, offering a slightly savoury flavour, and it is popular during various religious festivals.
Khaja is a traditional sweet from Odisha, known for its layers of dough fried and soaked in sugar syrup, offering a delicate, crispy texture. This sweet treat is popular during many temple rituals and festivals.