69. The Golden Rule for Honoring Jagannath Maha Prasadam

The Golden Rule for Honoring Jagannath Maha Prasadam:

Gaurahari, the golden avatara of love divine, introduced only one golden rule to observe while honoring the holy remnants of Raktadhara Sri Jagannatha Deva. Mahaprabhu told His followers to just chant the holy name of Hari between each and every bite, and that alone would make their prasada seva perfect in every way.

nana pitha-pana khaya, 

akantha püriya

madhye madhye 'hari'

kahe, anandita hana 

Gauranga Mahaprabhu's devotees ate all kinds of Jagannatha maha-cakes and sweet rice, filling themselves up to their necks, and between bites they chanted, Hari! Hari! Hari! in great bliss. (Cc. 2.11.209)

Srila Prabhupada elucidates further in his purport: "It is the practice of Vaishnavas while taking prasadam to chant the holy name of Lord Hari at intervals and also sing various songs, such as "sarira avidya-jala...". Those who are accepting the remnants of food offered to the deity must always remember that prasadam is not ordinary food. Prasadam is transcendental. 

"Both prasadam and Krsna's name are on the Brahman platform, or spiritual platform. One should never consider prasadam to be like ordinary hotel cooking. By worshiping the deity, eating prasadam and chanting the Hare Krsna maha-mantra, one can always remain on the spiritual platform (brahma-bhūyaya kalpate BG. 14.26)."

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