Where Consuming Prasad Is Prohibited: Inside India’s Most Enigmatic Temples
India Mysterious Temples: India is a country of diversity, home to people following multiple customs, traditions, cultures, and religions. India is also known as the land of temples.
This is because India is home to numerous mysterious temples, both large and small, whose history and stories can captivate anyone. But did you know that there are temples in India where it is strictly prohibited to consume or take home the offerings (prasad)?
We'll tell you about five such temples in India where consuming the offerings is strictly prohibited. Devotees visiting these temples accept the offerings symbolically.
Five Mysterious Temples
Kaal Bhairav Temple Ujjain Madhya Pradesh
The Kaal Bhairav Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, is the only place in the country where alcohol is offered to Lord Kaal Bhairav. It is believed that this offering is meant only for the deity, so consuming or taking it home is prohibited. It is believed that consuming this offering may increase troubles, obstacles, and inauspicious events in a devotee's life.
Maa Kamakhya Devi Temple Assam
Located in Guwahati, Assam, the Maa Kamakhya Devi Temple is one of the 52 Shakti Peethas (power shrines) renowned for its unique traditions. The temple remains closed for three days during the goddess's menstrual cycle. It is believed that the goddess is given rest during these days, so consuming prasad during this period is considered taboo, and devotees are not permitted to enter the temple.
Mehandipur Balaji Temple Rajasthan
Mehandipur Balaji Dham in Rajasthan is renowned for its ability to ward off negative energies and evil spirits. Here, Bundi laddus are offered to Lord Balaji, and urad-rice are offered to Bhairav Baba.
It is believed that eating or taking home the offerings from this temple is inauspicious, as it can bring negative energies to the person. For this reason, the offerings are offered only to the deity and are not consumed by devotees.
Naina Devi Temple Himachal Pradesh
At the Naina Devi Temple in Himachal Pradesh, one of the 52 Shaktipeeths, fruits, flowers, and sweets are offered to Goddess Naina Devi. It is believed that consuming the offerings within the temple premises is auspicious. Taking it home is prohibited, as doing so is also considered inauspicious and against tradition.
Kolar Kotilingeshwara Temple
Koliar district of Karnataka, South India, houses the Kotilingeshwara Temple, where the number of Shivalingas is not 100-200, but one crore. The prasad received after worship at this temple is only consumed symbolically. It is forbidden to eat or take it home.
Prakash Kumar Pandey