Mumbai: The sacred kitchen of Lord Jagannath in Puri is one of the largest and most revered in the world. Running non-stop 24 hours a day, it prepares the famous Chhappan Bhog — a divine offering of 56 different delicacies. It is said that no one ever leaves this temple hungry, and even the Lord is served this elaborate offering throughout the day. But alongside these rich and flavourful dishes, there’s a curious addition that has puzzled many — a bitter offering of neem powder.
Why, amidst such grandeur, is bitter neem powder offered to the deity? This question has intrigued countless devotees and visitors. The answer lies in a touching tale of maternal love and deep devotion that became a timeless tradition in Jagannath culture.
Why Is Neem Powder Offered to the Lord?
According to temple legends, Lord Jagannath is not only treated as a deity but as a beloved son by his devotees. Many years ago, an elderly woman living in a village near the Puri temple watched the Lord being offered 56 dishes every day. One day, she worried that her ‘son’ — Lord Jagannath — might suffer from indigestion due to eating such a large feast.
Moved by maternal concern, she decided to prepare something that could aid digestion. She ground some neem leaves into a bitter powder and carried it to the temple as her offering. However, the temple guards refused her entry and discarded her humble gift.
Divine Intervention in a Dream
That night, the king of Puri had a dream. Lord Jagannath appeared before him and expressed displeasure that his devotee — a loving mother — had brought him neem powder with great affection, but was turned away by the guards. The next morning, the king personally visited the old woman’s house, narrated his dream, and requested her to prepare the neem powder once again.
With love in her heart, the woman recreated the remedy for her beloved son. From that day forward, it became a sacred tradition — neem powder was added to Lord Jagannath’s offerings as a symbol of a mother’s love and concern for her child’s well-being.
This heartwarming tale continues to inspire millions. In a land where gods are treated as family, such stories of devotion are not just traditions — they are the foundation of unshakable faith and divine connection.
(Disclaimer: The information provided is based on traditional beliefs and religious texts. News9 Live does not endorse or validate these claims.)
Why is neem powder offered to Lord Jagannath alongside delicious bhog? The answer lies in a beautiful tale of a mother’s love, divine dreams, and a tradition born out of care and faith that continues to inspire millions today. Spirituality Lifestyle News -Fashion Trends, Beauty Tips, Celebrity Party News, Relationship advice, Travel and Food Tips
