Kurujathaka Khaja: A Divine Dessert from the Land of Lord Jagannath
Kurujathaka Khaja is a type of Mahaprasad that is offered to Lord Jagannath in the Jagannath Temple in Puri, India. It is a dry, wheat-based dessert that is made with wheat flour, ghee, and sugar syrup. The dish is an important part of the Mahaprasad offerings in the Jagannath Temple and is considered to be very sacred and auspicious.
According to legend, King Indradyumna once established the Jagannath Temple in Puri as instructed by Lord Jagannath in his dream. The temple became famous for its Mahaprasad offerings, which included Kurujathaka Khaja, a dry dessert made with wheat flour and ghee. The recipe for Kurujathaka Khaja is said to have been passed down through generations, and it has become an important part of the temple’s history and tradition.
The dish is prepared by mixing wheat flour, ghee, salt, ajwain, fennel seeds, and sugar syrup to form a dough. The dough is then rolled out into small puris, which are deep-fried in hot ghee or oil until they turn golden brown. The fried puris are then soaked in a two-string sugar syrup until they absorb the syrup and turn dry. The resulting dish is a crispy, sweet dessert that has a unique taste and texture.
The Mahaprasad offerings in the Jagannath Temple are managed and extended by the Bogha Vardhan Matha, which is now known as the Giri Govardhan Matha. Kurujathaka Khaja is an important part of the Mahaprasad offerings and is offered to Lord Jagannath during the daily rituals, as well as during special occasions and festivals. Devotees believe that by offering this sacred dessert to Lord Jagannath, they will be blessed with his divine grace and blessings. The dish is also distributed as prasad to the devotees who visit the temple.
The preparation of Kurujathaka Khaja requires a lot of skill and expertise. The recipe has been perfected over time by those who have been preparing it for generations. The dish is made with utmost care and devotion and is considered to be a sacred offering to Lord Jagannath. If you ever get the chance to visit the Jagannath Temple, be sure to try this delicious and auspicious dessert.
Mohaprasad Kurujataka Khaja
Ingredients
- 1/2 Cup Whole wheat Flour
- 2 tsp Ghee/ clarified butter
- 1/2 tsp Ajwain / carom seeds
- 1/2 tsp Fennel seeds/ snauf
- As per taste Salt
- 1/4 Cup Powdered rock sugar / mishri
Instructions
- Take wheat Atta, salt, ajwain, fennel seeds and ghee and mix well.
- Mix the dough in perfect khasta as you hold the atta turn into a shape..
- Add water little by little to make a tight dough.
- Make small portion of the dough and take a portion and roll it like a small Puri.
- Now fry these rolled small puris in hot ghee on a low medium flame till golden brown on both sides.
- Fried puris are ready. Keep it aside.
- Prepare a 2 string sugar syrup by adding 1/3 cup of water to 1/4 cup of rock sugar
- Once syrup turns 2 string consistency add fried Puri and mix well. Take out from the stove and keep mixing till it turns dry.
- It has turned dry now. Kurujathaka khaja is ready for bhog.
Notes
- Keep the dough stiff. Do not add too much water, otherwise it will turn very soft.
- While frying keep the heat very low and fry on a low flame for 10- 12 min for crispiness.
