Patna : The cost of prasad and religious services at Patna’s Mahavir Mandir has increased, with devotees now having to pay more for Naivedayam laddus and various rituals. The price hike, which came into effect on April 1, 2025, is attributed to rising costs of essential ingredients and services, according to temple authorities.
Naivedayam Prices Rise by Rs30 per kg
The temple management has raised the price of Naivedayam laddus by Rs30 per kg. The prasad, known for its purity and popularity among devotees, will now cost Rs380 per kg in a plastic box and Rs360 per kg in a carton box. The rates for smaller packs have also increased: a 500g carton box now costs Rs180 (up from Rs165), while the 250g pack is priced at Rs90 (previously Rs83). This marks the first price revision since October 2022.
Mahavir Mandir Superintendent K. Sudhakaran stated that the price adjustment was necessary due to rising costs of ingredients such as ghee, sugar, gram flour, cashew nuts, raisins, and cardamom, as well as higher service charges for temple priests and materials used in worship.
Increase in Worship and Ritual Fees
The cost of religious services has also gone up. The fee for a three-hour Rudrabhishek ceremony has risen from Rs5,100 to Rs5,610, while Satyanarayana Puja will now cost Rs1,210, up from Rs1,100. Ramarcha Puja and Hanuman Puja have also seen a price hike, now costing Rs2,310 each (previously Rs2,100).
The cost of tonsure (head shaving) has increased to Rs550 from Rs501. Vehicle worship rates have also been revised, with bike puja now priced at Rs115 (previously Rs101) and four-wheeler puja at Rs275 (up from Rs251). Additionally, the price of Daridranarayan Bhoj, a charitable meal service, has risen from Rs1,100 to Rs1,210.
Naivedayam’s Reputation and Quality Control
The laddus at Mahavir Mandir are prepared by artisans from Tirupati, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, ensuring adherence to traditional methods. The prasad has received the Government of India’s ‘Bhog’ certification, guaranteeing purity and hygiene. Mahavir Mandir laddus are made using Nandini Ghee and undergo testing by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) every three months. The water used in their preparation is also subject to regular lab testing.
