Rules for Honoring Maha Prasadam

Seven Rules for Honoring Maha Prasadam

While honoring maha-prasadam one must observed the following strict rules. Of course, it will not always be possible to abide by these rules. But they are listed here to show the deep respect and love that devotees have for Lord’s precious food remnants.

1. You must eat sitting on the floor to ensure that you on a lower level than the maha-prasadam.

2. Serve and honor ALL maha-prasadam with your right hand

3. Chant a special mantra before eating.

Followers of Srila Prabhupada chant the following mantra before honoring maha-prasadam:

mahā-prasāde govinde,

nāma-brahmaṇi vaiṣṇave

svalpa-puṇyavatāṁ rājan,

viśvāso naiva jāyate

“A person whose past pious deeds are meager can never develop faith in the Sri Kṛṣṇa’s mahā-prasāda, Govinda Himself, Kṛṣṇa’s Holy Name (nāma-brahma) and the Vaisnavas.” (Skanda P., Utkala-khaṇḍa)

4. To avoid an offense, you must happily accept and honor every preparation. However, if you are observing a special vrata, you can avoid some items.

5. When washing the mouth, swish the water around and then swallow the first mouthful to prevent spitting out any particles of maha-prasadam.

6. The water from washing your hands and mouth should directly fall on the ground. It should not be put in a sink or a bowl lest some precious maha-prasadam passes offensively down the sink.

7. Afterwards, do not use a broom or cloth to clean the floor. You should use your hand and a little water so you can feel and pick up any bits of maha-prasadam and immediately honor them. Then you can wash the floor in the regular way.