Mumbai: The religious beliefs found in India are as unique as the diverse traditions of its temples. While fruits, sweets, coconuts, or Panchamrit are commonly offered as Prasad (consecrated food) in temples, there are some across the country where—in accordance with local customs—items like chocolates, noodles, alcohol, meat, and biryani are offered to the deity. These traditions are rooted in the folk beliefs and religious convictions of various regions. Let us explore seven such unique temples.
The Chemuthu Sri Subramanya Swamy Temple in Alappuzha, Kerala, is also known as ‘Mancha Murugan’. A well-known tradition here involves offering chocolates to Lord Murugan. After the worship, devotees receive chocolates as Prasad. Several local legends are associated with this custom.
The Chinese Kali Temple in the Tangra area of Kolkata is famous for its unique method of worship. Noodles and other Indo-Chinese dishes are offered here as Prasad. This tradition reflects the blend of local culture and the Chinese community residing in the area.
The Kaal Bhairav Temple in Ujjain is one of the most popular temples. Here, there is a tradition of offering alcohol to Lord Kaal Bhairav. Priests use a vessel to pour the alcohol near the deity’s mouth. This unique custom is believed to be based on Tantric beliefs.
The Kamakhya Devi Temple in Guwahati is a major center for the worship of Shakti (divine feminine power). Animal sacrifice is practiced here on specific religious occasions, and the meat obtained from the sacrifice is distributed as Prasad. The temple’s traditions are deeply linked to Shakti and Tantric beliefs.
The Tarapith Temple in Birbhum district is renowned for the worship of Goddess Tara. The traditional offerings made here include meat and fish. This temple is also associated with Tantric spiritual practices. In Tamil Nadu, the tradition of community festivals in temples dedicated to Muniyandi Swami is a distinctive feature; notably, mutton biryani is served as a ritual offering (bhog and prasad) during some of these events, becoming an integral part of religious ceremonies and local community customs. Similarly, the Madayi Kavu in Kannur—also known as the Thiruvar Kadu Bhagavathi Temple—is renowned for its unique prasad rituals, which include the offering of chicken; this practice is deeply rooted in the folk beliefs and regional culture of North Malabar.
These temples exemplify the diversity of faith across India; while chocolate might symbolize devotion for children in one setting, local cuisine becomes part of a centuries-old religious tradition in another. However, all such traditions must be understood within the context of their specific local religious frameworks and beliefs.
Chocolate-Biryani Prasad: Such a unique offering is made at seven temples across the country
