In India, the tradition of offering prasad (sacred offering) to devotees is centuries old, usually comprising customary items like coconuts, fruits, laddus, pedas, or payasam (kheer). However, two popular temples across the country have radically departed from this age-old custom, embracing modern, unconventional offerings such as pizza, sandwiches, burgers, pani puri, and even cold drinks.
This unusual practice, which often surprises first-time visitors, is not a recent gimmick but a well-established tradition that has been observed for decades.
1. Jeevika Mataji Temple, Rajkot, Gujarat
One of the oldest temples practicing this unique form of naivedya (offering) is the Jeevika Mataji Temple located in Raputana village, Rajkot district, Gujarat.
Here, devotees are delighted to find that the prasad distributed includes common fast-food items like pizza, burgers, and sandwiches. According to temple authorities, the tradition started decades ago based on the local community's evolving preferences and dietary habits. The deity, Jeevika Mataji, is believed to accept these contemporary offerings as readily as traditional sweets, reflecting a flexible and inclusive approach to worship. The temple often receives large quantities of these items, especially on festive occasions.
2. Jai Durga Peetham, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
A similar, highly modern tradition is maintained at the Jai Durga Peetham temple situated near Chennai, Tamil Nadu. This temple has gained notoriety for its distinctive prasad menu, which frequently includes pani puri, chaat, and fizzy cold drinks.
The temple management explains that the goal is to make the offerings accessible and relatable to the modern devotee, particularly the youth. The prasad distributed is hygienically prepared and blessed before being handed out, symbolizing that the divinity is omnipresent and can be worshiped through any offering made with sincere devotion. This unusual practice ensures a unique and memorable experience for visitors.
A Symbol of Evolving Traditions
While the use of contemporary food items as prasad might appear strange to traditionalists, it marks an interesting intersection of faith and modern culture. These temples assert that the true essence of naivedya lies in the devotion of the offering, not the item itself.
This unique tradition demonstrates the ability of India's spiritual practices to evolve and adapt over time, accommodating the modern tastes of their devotees while keeping the core spirit of worship intact. Both the Jeevika Mataji Temple and the Jai Durga Peetham have become points of interest, drawing both the spiritually inclined and the curious public eager to witness this fascinating blend of tradition and modernity.
