India is home to many stunning temples that serve as hubs for charity, art, and culture in addition to being places of worship. For hundreds of years, they have not only fostered and supported people's religious beliefs, but they have also served as the economic backbone of the local communities.
One unique feature shared by all temples is the Prasads they serve. However, they do not share a common Prasad. Yes, the Lord receives special offerings from each temple, some of which are truly exceptional.
Parshad, or prasad is an important part of our lives. When we were young, we used to wait for our grandmothers to give the gur-chana or batashas to us after the daily puja was completed. The prasads, such as halwa, chana, and puri, had their unique charm during festivals. Prasad is so important that it surpasses the happiness of the festival itself!
What is Prasad?
The sacred offering to God is called prasad, also known as parshad or prasadam. A specific kind of prasad is known to be offered to each deity in the majority of temples, meaning that each one has its own unique kind.
In addition to their architectural splendour or spiritual significance, a few of these temples are well-known for the mouthwatering prasads (offerings) that are given to devotees.
Let us take a look at the temples that offer some of the most delicious prasad.
1. Guruvayur Temple, Kerala
The unique dish known as palpayasam, a sweet rice pudding made with rice, milk, and sugar, is served at the Guruvayur Temple. It is distributed to devotees after being offered to the deity.
Also Read: Bengali Bhog Platter For Vasant Panchami
2. Jagganath Temple, Puri
The mahaprasad, or spread of dishes at the Jagannath Temple, is well-known and includes khichdi, dal, vegetables, and desserts. The prasad is prepared in the temple's kitchen and it is not only respected but also delicious.
3. Chinese Kali Temple, Kolkata
The Chinese Kali Temple was constructed by a Chinese family who migrated to the place. The temple is situated in Kolkata's Tangra area, popularly referred to as Chinatown in India. This temple offers delicious noodles and chopsuey along with sticky rice and many other similar prasad.
4. Tirupati Balaji Temple, Andhra Pradesh
Tirupati Balaji temple is popular due to its mouthwatering laddu prasad. Thousands of these offerings are served to devotees by the temple each year.
5. Vaishno Devi Temple, Katra
Vaishno Devi Temple is popular for offering the well-known Chhabeel, a sweet beverage made with sugar, water, and flavourings. You will also get the widely recognised prasad, which involves coconut, some delicious dried apples, puffed rice, and white sugar balls.
6. Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai
Modaks are a popular dessert dumpling from the Siddhivinayak Temple that are thought to be Lord Ganesha's favourite. Modaks are offered and received as prasad by devotees.
7. Shrinathji Temple, Rajasthan
The deity Shrinath is worshipped in this temple in Nathdwara, Rajasthan, where the dish served as prasad is called mathadi, a deep-fried pastry that is dipped into a well of sugar syrup. For individuals who do not have a sweet tooth, there is also a mouthwatering savoury variation called "Thor."
8. Banke Bihari, Vrindavan
It's all about milk and milk products in the holy land of Vrindavan. Many people are unaware that the first Bhog of the day, known as "Bal Bhog," is offered to Lord Krishna, which includes the delicious besan laddoo, sukhi aloo ki sabzi, and kachori. In addition, Makhan and Mishri are two of the well-known Prasad of the holy site that are served in little earthen pots.
9. Muniyandi Swami Temple, Tamil Nadu
Ever heard that mutton biriyani and chicken are offered to God? Yes, it is true! This temple honours Lord Muniyadi, also known as Muneeswarar, who is revered as an avatar of Lord Shiva. It is situated in the small town of Vadakkampatti in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. Every year, it hosts a unique three-day celebration. You will see a huge crowd of people in front of the temple in the morning when they serve chicken and mutton biryani as prasad.