67. Power of Maha-prasadam

Power of Maha-prasadam:

The wonderful glories of maha-prasadam are recounted in the Padma, Vishnu, Vayu, Bhavisya and Brahmanda Puranas. 

"Even if the food eaten by the Lord of the universe has been touched by outcastes, by those with no caste, or by those born in mixed castes, still it has the power to destroy sins." (Bhavisya Purana.) 

Demigods like Shiva and Brahma always wait anxiously to obtain even a morsel of Jagannatha Swami's remnants, which they relish with the utmost joy. Jagannatha maha-prasadam is totally transcendental and completely pure. Even if it falls from the mouth of a dog or is touched by a low class man, a cultured brahmin will never hesitate to honor it because it never gets contaminated. 

Maha-prasadam is also called "kaivalya" because it gives liberation to anyone who eats it.

"Nirmalya" is a dried rice preparation made by special pujaris. Half-cooked rice is offered in clay pots to Lord Jagannatha, and then sun-dried in the temple courtyard. Finally, it is put in pink cloth sachets, purchased by pilgrims travelling abroad, and used to break Ekadasi or honored before one leaves his body at death.

In Orissa, Jagannatha maha-prasadam plays an important role in all the socio-religious rituals such as birth, marriage, the various samskaras and death. In fact, families confirm Hindu marriage negotiations by honoring maha-prasadam. In Ananda Bazaar, it is a common sight to see men of different castes sharing Jagannatha maha-prasadam. Maha-prasadam works wonders to establish friendship among the rich and poor and the cultured and uncultured. Sri Jagannatha deva's maha-prasadam is sold to the public at Ananda Bazaar on the northeast side of the temple premises to the right of the Lion Gate, Simhadvara. Ananda Bazaar, (measuring 6,500 sq. ft.), is the world's biggest outdoor eatery, where every day thousands of pilgrims honor the indescribably scrumptious maha-prasadam of Lord Jagannath.