Bhubaneswar: The Suar-Mahasuar Nijog of Jagannath temple in Odisha’s Puri city, traditionally responsible for the preparation and sale of Mahaprasad, has prepared a tentative rate chart for the temple delicacies.

The rate chart has been prepared on the basis of the cost of production of Mahaprasad. The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has facilitated cooking of Mahaprasad separately on December 4, 2018 to estimate the cost of production of the temple delicacies, sources said.

“The Suar-Mahasuar Nijog has prepared a tentative rate chart for Mahaprasad. However, the Srimandir Managing Committee will deliberate on the issue and take a final decision,” said Madhab Mahaptra, a member of the temple managing panel.

Suar-Mahasuar Nijog secretary Narayan Mahasuar said the rate chart for Mahaprasad (Abadha) has been prepared as part of the reform measures at the 12th century shrine. “The tentative rate chart will be tabled at a meeting of the Srimandir Managing Committee. The managing committee will take a final decision in this regard,” he added.

On several occasions, the devotees have expressed their displeasure over high prices of Mahaprasad. According to them, the prices of the Srimandir delicacies go up significantly during festivals. “Devotees are being fleeced at Ananda Bazar due to the absence of a rate chart for Mahaprasad. The temple managing committee should take into account factors like affordability and religious sentiment of people while finalizing the rate chart,” said Sarat Rayguru, a lawyer and social activist.

Harishankar Mishra, a member of Srimandir Mukti Mandap Pandit Mahasabha, said Mahaprasad should be made available to the devotees at affordable prices.