Preparations for the Rath Yatra procession continue at the Jagannath Temple in Puri. Currently, the Lord is in a state of seclusion known as 'Anasar Vidhan'. In addition to the Rath Yatra, another well-known feature of the temple is the 'Mahabhog Prasad'. According to beliefs, the goddess Lakshmi herself prepares this great prasad.
The Connection Between Prasad and the Goddess
Although all these wonderful and magical aspects are known in the folk tales of Puri, there is a special story associated with this mahaprasad. Just as the offering to Jagannath turns into mahaprasad, this goddess cannot accept the prasad from Lord Jagannath, even if offerings are not made to her.
The Legend of the Taste of Prasad
The narrative states that initially, the mahabhog was intended only for Lord Vishnu. One day, Devarshi Narada somehow persuaded Goddess Lakshmi to give him this prasad. However, Goddess Lakshmi set a condition: no one must know about receiving this prasad. But after Narada Muni tasted the prasad, he experienced such ecstasy that he forgot Lakshmi's condition and went to Kailash, dancing and singing.
Discussion on Kailash
There, he was received with honor, after which a discussion began. During this conversation, Mahadeva said: 'How joyful it is that Jagannath Dham exists on Earth, and pilgrims can attain the bliss of Vaikuntha right here. Could there be anything more joyful?' Devarshi Narada, still immersed in the taste of the mahabhog, suddenly replied: 'Perhaps, Mahadeva... certainly... if you have tasted the mahabhog of Jagannath Dham...' Hearing this, Shivaji and everyone else shuddered. Narada Muni himself panicked, realizing that he had unintentionally uttered something that was supposed to remain a secret.
Joining of Mahadeva and Parvati
Hearing this, Shivaji asked if he had tasted the mahaprasad. Now Narada Muni was in a difficult position, as he could not lie. Therefore, he told the whole story and added that he brought a little prasad. Hearing this, Shivaji asked to be given this prasad. Narada Muni was forced to share it with him. After tasting it, Mahadeva was also moved and began performing Ananta Tandava.
As the entire Kailash began to tremble from Shivaji's dance, Parvati rushed to him. She asked Shivaji the reason for such ecstasy. Shivaji explained that he had tasted the mahaprasad of Mahaprabhu Jagannath. To this, Parvati said: 'Feed me too.' Shivaji replied: 'No, I have no more prasad left.' Parvati became angry and declared: 'You ate the prasad alone. Now this prasad will belong to the whole world. Come with me.'
Parvati's Arrival and the Resolution
Saying this, Parvati and Shivaji headed to Jagannath Dham. Since Parvati is Vishnu's sister, she arrived there with the right of an offended sister going to her brother to get what she wants. Seeing Parvati's anger, Lakshmi could say nothing, and Jagannath averted his gaze. Then Parvati broke the silence, addressing Lakshmi as a daughter-in-law, and asked: 'Why, daughter-in-law... won't you feed me anything? How many days have I been in my parental home?' Hearing this, Lakshmi immediately brought fruits and sweets.
Then Parvati said: 'It is noon now, time to eat. You will feed with fruits and sweets. Didn't you prepare the food?' Hearing this, Lakshmi looked at Jagannath. He, averting his gaze, smiled. At this moment, Narada Muni appeared, but he started avoiding appearing before everyone. Then Jagannath said: 'All this happened because of you, come forward... why should I endure all this anger alone?'
Establishment of Bimala Shiktipita
Then Goddess Parvati angrily asked: 'Why did you restrict the mahabhog only for yourself? This is not good for the Lord of the Universe.' Lord Jagannath, God Vishnu, replied that receiving the prasad prepared by the hands of Goddess Lakshmi could lead everyone out of the principle of karma, disrupting the balance of good and evil, which is why he restricted it. However, since Parvati insisted, he decided to make it publicly available from that day forward. Now, any mahabhog prepared for Jagannath will first be offered to her, and then it will be sanctified by her.
He also stated that she would reside in Jagannath Dham under the name Devi Bimala, because she loves her children with such pure and untainted feelings. This place will be known as Bimala Shiktipita. Mahadeva will also reside here in his form Bhairav, called Jagat, giving meaning to my name Jagannath. He also emphasized that pilgrims who come with sincere faith and devotion, and receive the prasad in the same spirit, will be freed from their bonds. However, if they think about the taste, smell, desire, or any other worldly things while receiving the prasad, it will just be a dish for them. This is why it is said that prasad should be considered a direct vision of the Lord, and only the feeling of devotion should be maintained while receiving it. Therefore, the Shiktipita of Devi Bimala is established in the Jagannath Temple, where the prasad becomes 'Mahaprasad' only after being offered to her.
