Urmila's Sacrifice and the Story of Jagannath Puri Mahaprasad

The Mahaprasad served in the Puri Jagannath Temple holds a profound significance for devotees, as it represents a direct connection with their beloved deity, Jagannath ji.

The story behind the transformation of prasad into Mahaprasad is often untold, with few people aware of its sacred origins. Let us delve into this intriguing tale.

In the Treta Yuga, after Lord Rama and his companions returned to Ayodhya victorious from defeating the ten-faced demon Ravana in Sri Lanka, the people celebrated their heroic deeds. However, it was the extraordinary devotion and sacrifice of Laxman that left Lord Rama astonished. He praised Urmila, Laxman's wife, for her unparalleled sacrifice and unwavering support during the fourteen years of exile, when she had selflessly awaited her husband's return.

Upon learning of Urmila's immense sacrifice, Lord Rama, pleased with her devotion, offered to grant her any blessing she desired. Humbly, with joined hands, Urmila expressed her wish to never be worshipped in a temple or be placed on a throne in her honor. Instead, she desired to be like an incense stick, spreading her fragrance and serving at the lotus feet of the Lord for eternity.

Moved by Urmila's selfless devotion, Lord Rama made a solemn promise. He declared that during the Kali Yuga, when he would be worshipped at the Puri Temple, his younger brother Laxman would assume the form of Balabhadra, the elder brother. Furthermore, Urmila would be revered as Mahaprasad, and her divine aroma would permeate the prasad offered to Lord Jagannath. Before being consumed by devotees, this prasad would be first offered to Goddess Bimala.

Thus, the tale of Mahaprasad intertwines history, devotion, love, sacrifice, and the humble character of Urmila in Hindu mythology.