Introduction: The Importance of Pure Offerings
In the early days of ISKCON, Srila Prabhupada placed great emphasis on the proper preparation, offering, and distribution of prasadam. He understood the spiritual potency of prasadam, which, when prepared and offered with devotion, becomes the mercy of Lord Krishna. However, an incident at the Hyderabad temple serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining high standards in all aspects of prasadam preparation and distribution.
The Incident at the Hyderabad Temple
During a visit to the Hyderabad temple, Srila Prabhupada asked to taste the prasadam that was being served to the guests. Upon tasting it, he became visibly upset and immediately called for the temple leaders. When they arrived, he asked, “What is this?” The leaders, confused, replied, “It is prasadam, Srila Prabhupada.”
To everyone’s shock, Srila Prabhupada responded sternly, “This is not prasadam, this is garbage! You cannot offer just anything to Krsna. Krsna is not a garbage disposal.”
The Root of the Problem
It was soon discovered that the cook responsible for preparing the offerings was not a qualified Vaishnava and did not have the proper consciousness required for such an important service. The cook was subsequently removed from that position, but the incident left a lasting impression on Srila Prabhupada.
A few days later, while taking prasadam at the home of Sri Bogilal Patel, a prominent life member, Srila Prabhupada remarked, “These boys eat garbage. Before I came, they ate all garbage.”
The Importance of Consciousness
This incident highlighted the importance of the consciousness behind the preparation, offering, and distribution of prasadam. For prasadam to be truly prasadam, it must be prepared by someone with a pure heart and a devotional attitude. The person making the offering must also have the right consciousness, fully aware that they are offering food to the Supreme Lord. Even the consciousness of those distributing and taking the prasadam matters, as it influences the spiritual benefit they receive.
Vindication for the Concerned Devotees
Interestingly, there had been a long-standing concern among some devotees at the Hyderabad temple regarding the quality of the prasadam. Some devotees felt that something was wrong and that the prasadam being served was not actually prasadam, but their concerns were dismissed, and they were labeled as offenders. However, when Srila Prabhupada confirmed their suspicions, these devotees were vindicated.
Conclusion: Upholding the Sanctity of Prasadam
This story serves as a powerful reminder that the sanctity of prasadam must be upheld at all costs. The consciousness of those involved in the process is crucial to ensure that the offerings are accepted by Krishna and that the prasadam truly carries His mercy. As Srila Prabhupada demonstrated, we must never take prasadam lightly, and we should strive to maintain the highest standards in its preparation and distribution.
Prayer:
O Lord Krishna, we offer our humble obeisances at Your lotus feet, acknowledging the sanctity and importance of prasadam. Please guide us in our service, so that we may always prepare and offer prasadam with a pure heart and sincere devotion. Help us to remember that prasadam is Your mercy, and it should be treated with the utmost respect. May we always maintain the proper consciousness in our service, and may we honor prasadam with gratitude and reverence. Let the prasadam we offer and receive purify our hearts and bring us closer to You. All glories to Srila Prabhupada, who taught us the true meaning of devotional service. Jai Shri Krishna!
