In the backdrop of the Tirupati temple laddu ghee controversy, the BJP government in Odisha and the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration(SJTA) have decided to conduct regular quality checks for 'Mahaprasad' and ghee used at the Puri Jagannath Temple.
"Every item will be subjected to a quality inspection before it enters the Roshasala(temple’s kitchen). We will scrutinize not just the ghee but also the quality of all ingredients used in Mahaprasad preparation including Abadha," Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan informed the press on Friday. He also announced the appointment of a Food Inspector to oversee the quality of Mahaprasad in the 12th century temple.
"This initiative is designed to prevent any disputes like those reported in other states while preserving the sanctity of Mahaprasad and the devotion of countless Lord Jagannath devotees. We have sought assistance from the state Health Department for the food inspector’s appointment at the temple," he said.
The Law Minister highlighted the recent deployment of 20 former military personnel at the Ananda Bazar within the temple to guarantee that devotees are not sold stale Mahaprasad. "With these measures in place, devotees can be confident that the Mahaprasad is free from adulteration," he added.
"There has been no complaint about the quality of Mahaprasad and other materials in the temple. But when such incidents are encountered in other temples, then it is desirable to make advance arrangements in the temple. For that, according to the decision of the management committee, all the materials have been fixed for inspection," the minister said. He said no one is allowed to enter the Roshasala of the temple. Therefore, the items will be checked before entering the kitchen and again when they come out of the kitchen to be used.
It is said that 56 types of Prasad are offered to Lords in Puri SriMandir and those are prepared in temple kitchens. The temple's Kitchen feeds one lakh people every day as Mahaprasad is a complete meal. There are other edible items available as well and the kitchen is the largest open air kitchen in the world.
After coming to power last June, the BJP government of Odisha had opened all four doors of Puri temple besides removing barricades to allow devotees. It also opened the Ratna Bhandar followed by checking of jewellery deposited there as per BJP’s election promise.