Why is Jagannath Temple Prasad called Mahaprasad? (जगन्नाथ मंदिर प्रसाद को 'महाप्रसाद' क्यों कहा जाता है?)

The Mahaprasad, which has been found in the Jagannath temple for centuries, is made by around 600-700 cooks, which is distributed among about 50 thousand devotees. Steam cooked food is first offered to Bhagwan Jagannath. It is then offered to the devi Bimala, who is known as Mahaprasad. This Mahaprasad is prepared inside the temple at Ananda Bazaar, which is the largest open-air restaurant. Devotees can not only eat this Mahaprasad, but can also buy it.

As per temple stories, on an average cook makes Mahaprasad for about 20 thousand people. At the same time, this Mahaprasad is prepared for 50 thousand people during the time of festivals. This Mahaprasad is made in an earthen pot on a wood stove. This Mahaprasad is made daily using vegetables including about 40 to 50 quintals of rice and 20 quintals of dal, Which is sold at a very affordable price.

This Mahaprasad is available to all devotees. "A kudua (a kind of earthen pot) starts at Rs. 50, which consists of rice, variety of lentils and vegetables. According to sources, the sale of this Mahaprasad in one day fetches around Rs 8-10 lakhs. According to an official of the temple administration, an order can be placed for 'Bihandi', which costs Rs 2,000. It is served as a social feast on auspicious occasions.

You can see this Mahaprasad in the name of Anna Brahma on the website of Shri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA).