68. Seven Rules for Honoring Jagannath Maha Prasadam

Seven Rules for Honoring Jagannath Maha Prasadam:

Devoted local brahmins observe the following strict rules while honouring mahaprasad of Lord Jagannath. Of course, it will not always be possible to abide by these rules. But they are listed here to show the deep respect and love that Puri residents have for Jagannatha Swami's precious food remnants. After reading these rules, one can understand that the local brahmins have the full realization that maha-prasadam is Lord Jagannatha Himself.

1. You must eat sitting on the floor without an asana or table to ensure that you on a lower level than the maha-prasadam.

2. Serve ALL maha-prasadam, even liquid dal, with your right hand- without utensils. If an item is too hot to hold, you can serve it by covering your hand with a makeshift banana leaf glove.

3. Chant a special mantra before eating. Or else, when the maha-prasadam comes, just say, Jai Jagannath and taste the nectar!

Note-Followers of Srila Prabhupada chant the following mantra before

honoring maha-prasadam:

maha-prasade govinde, 

nama-brahmani vaisnave 

svalpa-punyavatam rajan, 

visvaso naiva jayate

"A person whose past pious deeds are meager can never develop faith in Sri Krsna's maha-prasada, Govinda Himself, Krsna's Holy Name (nama- brahma) and the Vaisnavas." (Skanda Purana, Utkala-khanda)

4. To avoid an offense, you must happily accept and honor everyp reparation. However, if you are observing a special vrata, you can avoid some items.

5. When washing the mouth, swish the water around and then swallow the first mouthful to prevent spitting out any particles of maha-prasadam. 

6. The water from washing your hands and mouth should directly fall on the ground. It should not be put in a sink or a bowl lest some precious maha-prasadam passes offensively down the sink. 

7. Afterwards, do not use a broom or cloth to clean the floor. You should use your hand and a little water so you can feel and pick up any bits of maha-prasadam and immediately honor them. Then you can wash the floor in the regular way.