The Shri Jagannath Temple in Puri is renowned not only for its grand deities and age-old rituals but also for its Mahaprasad—sacred offerings deeply rooted in tradition and history. Of all the customs in the temple, what really catches the attention is the “Mahaprasad” that is cooked in a special way and then offered as bhog, which is later distributed to the devotees. The bhog served at the temple is known as “Mahaprasad”. The prasad comprises 56 unique dishes, which are offered daily to Lord Jagannath. But what is the story behind this? Here’s a special anecdote behind this special bhog. Also Read: Jagannath Yatra 2025: How A Bitter Kadha Heals The Lord During The 15 Days Anavasara After Snana Yatra The story behind these 56 dishesNot many may know that Lord Jagannath is considered an incarnation of Lord Krishna. The story comes from Lord Krishna, who is considered an incarnation of Vishnu. It is said that when Krishna was young, he lifted the Govardhan Mountain for seven days and nights to protect the villages from heavy rains sent by the rain god, Indra. During this time, Krishna didn’t eat anything, putting the safety of the villagers before his own hunger. Usually, Lord Krishna is believed to eat eight meals a day, and each meal has different dishes. His foster mother, Yashoda, would prepare eight fresh dishes for each meal and if you multiply those eight meals by the seven days Krishna fasted and you get 56 dishes. The act by Krishna inspired the people of Puri. Loaded with respect, they promised that since Lord Krishna went without food for seven days to save his followers, they would, in return, offer him 56 dishes every single day. This is how Chappan bhog was created. The power of MahaprasadIf another story is to be believed that is goes that- Mahaprasad is connected to Lord Rama and Lakshmana from the Treta Yuga. It is believed that Lord Rama blessed Urmila, Lakshmana’s wife, saying that in Kali Yug, he would be worshipped as Jagannath in Puri, and she would be worshipped as Mahaprasad through the prasad that will be offered to him. Legend also has it that the Brahmins and Sanyasis refused to take part in Mahaprasad due to its distribution to everyone regardless of caste. The story involves King Yayati and a Brahmin , who couldn’t speak. Lord Jagannath instructed King Yayati in a dream to tell them to take part in the rituals and the preparation of Mahaprasad. After this the Brahmin took part in the preparation, and later eating the Mahaprasad, he got his voice nack, which also proved the purity and power. What makes Mahaprasad special?Even more than the temple offerings in India, after the food is offered to Lord Jagannath inside the grand Sri Mandir temple in Puri, it’s then offered again to Maa Bimala, the temple goddess. Only after she accepts, it becomes Mahaprasad, meaning great sacred offering. This also shows that the food has divine approval and is loaded with spiritual power. Later, the food is shared with everyone. Some of the main dishes that are a part of the bhog are Makkhan Mishri, Kheer Rasgulla, Jeera ladoo, Jalebi, Rabri, Mathri, Malpua, Mohanbhog, Dudh ki sabzi, Meethe chawal, Bhujia, Saunf, Paan, Supari, Shikanji, Channa, Chaach, Roti, Almond milk, Ghee, Coconut water and more. What’s special about the kitchen where Mahaprasad is cookedThe food is prepared in the kitchen of the Jagannath temple, the utensils are piled one on top of the other, and the flame is lit at the bottom level. Every dish is cooked perfectly. Understanding the prasadWhile we use prasad in almost every other Hindu temple, the term is reserved for the offerings made to Lord Jagannath. Amunia: Amunia is the term which is used to describe the offerings before they are presented to the highest power.Nirmalya: This is the term which is used to denote the dried or leftover form of mahaprasad.Prasad: Prasad is a term which is referred to the offerings, after they have been offered to the deities.Mahaprasad: Mahaprasad refers to the food prepared and offered to Lord Jagannath specifically. Mahaprasad, is not just any ordinary prasad, people literlly wait to get taste of. So next time you are in Puri don’t miss the chance to taste this divine meal. Mahaprasad of Puri isn’t just about the temple food, it’s about the living tradition of love, sacrifice and devotion.