KHICHDI AND SHRI JAGANNATH

Khichdi, called Khechudi in Odia is offered to Shri Jagannath since ages. At least five varieties of Khechudi are offered to him during 'Sakala Dhupa' (morning meal). These are - Tata, Nukhura, Taila, Sana and Majuri Khechudi.

Kanika or Mitha (sweet) Khechudi, is considered as a favourite of Shri Jagannath. The rice is flavoured with cinnamon sticks, cloves, bay leaf, cardamom, ground nut, cashew and raisin with a pinch of turmeric. The spices used in this dish make it very aromatic.

Khichdi is offered in memory of Karmabai who lived in Puri during the rule of Raja Nrupa Keshari. Every morning, she would wake up and offer something to Jagannatha at her home. One day, she cooked Khichdi in an earthen pot for Jagannath. She went to the temple to offer Khichdi.

The priests refused it as one of them had seen her cook food that morning. He had seen how she used the same twig to stir the mixture with which she brushed her teeth. That night the King saw a dream in which he was asked to bring Karma and apologise to her for what had happened.

The voice further said that Jagannatha was beyond notions of pure and impure. She was told to cook again. When she did, she saw two young boys gazing at her from the corner of the street. She gave them some Khichdi out of motherly love when they asked for the prasada.

When food was taken to the temple, someone saw a grain of rice stuck to Jagannatha’s lips. The priest realised that the offering was already received by Jagannatha and He was satisfied. This was a great event as food prepared outside the temple had never been offered before.

Her recipe was introduced into the Temple Kitchen. The earthen pot in which Karma Bai cooked became known as the Bai Handi. The new prasada came to be called Karama Khechudi or Mahadei Paka. The practice continues till today.