Why do we offer food to the Lord before eating it?

JAY SHREE POOJYASHREE SHREE AMMA
JAY MAHAN BRAHMASHREE GOPALAVALLIDASAR
JAY SHREE RADHEKRISHNA SATHSANG

Dear Readers,

Radhekrishna to all! We concluded the question “Why do we apply the holy ash?” in the previous post. In this post, let us begin with a new question. It is a commonly observed practice in Indian households that before consuming food, the same is offered before the Lord as “Naivedyam”. In some homes, it is done everyday whereas in some others it is done on certain days such as festivals or special occasions. Our topic for this post is the question based on the above context i.e. “Why do we offer food to the Lord before eating it?”

Indians make an offering of food to the Lord and later partake of it as prasaada - a holy gift from the Lord. In our daily ritualistic worship (pooja) too we offer naivedyam (food) to the Lord.

What is the reason for this practice? The Lord is omnipotent and omniscient. Man is a part, while the Lord is the totality. All that we do is by His strength and knowledge alone. Without his wish, nothing can be achieved by anyone. Hence what we receive in life as a result of our actions is really His alone. We acknowledge this through the act of offering food to Him. This is exemplified by the Hindi words "tera tujko arpan"– I offer what is Yours to You. Thereafter it is akin to His gift to us, graced by His divine touch.

But what is the result of doing this practice? What difference would it make if we ate food without offering the same as Naivedyam? And what difference does it make if we eat the food after offering the same to the Lord? Eager to know the answers? Wait till the next post!

Radhekrishna!

Section II: Information about Indian herbs

In this post let us know about the herb called as Bhophali, also called as Trifolium Indicum in Latin.

1. It is a spreading herb with small leaves and pods which resemble Nakhoona plant.
2. It is a good cure for cases of nocturnal emissions, premature ejaculation and leucorrhoea.
3. It relieves pain of blow etc. in the form of contusions

That concludes our post for the fortnight. Till the next post, Radhekrishna to our readers!

Sarvam Guruvaarpanam

Why do we apply the holy ash?

JAY SHREE POOJYASHREE SHREE AMMA
JAY MAHAN BRAHMASHREE GOPALAVALLIDASAR
JAY SHREE RADHEKRISHNA SATHSANG

Dear Readers,

Radhekrishna to one and all,

We have been discussing the question “Why do we apply the holy ash?” in the last two postings. Let us continue with the same in this post.

The bhasma is often seen in Shiva temples across India. Bhasma is specially associated with Lord Shiva who applies it all over His body. Shiva devotees apply bhasma as a tripundra. When applied with a red spot at the center, the mark symbolizes Shiva-Shakti (the unity of energy and matter that creates the entire seen and unseen universe).

Tryambakam yajaamahe
Sugandhim pushtivardhanam
Urvaa rukamiva bhandhanaan
Mrytyor muksheeyamaa amrutaat

"We worship the three-eyed Lord Shiva who nourishes and spreads fragrance in our lives. May He free us from the shackles of sorrow, change and death – effortlessly, like the fall of a ripe brinjal from its stem."

That concludes the first section of our post. We will see yet another question in the next posting. So after reading this post dear readers, do not wonder why people apply the holy ash i.e. bhasma on their forehead/ body. Also, if you come across anyone who is thus wondering, go ahead and throw some light about the same on that person by telling the reason.

Section II: Information about Indian herbs

In this section, let us know more about an Indian plant about which every Indian would already know. The name is Nimbu also known as Lemon in English and Citrus Bergamia in Latin.

1. It’s a well known fruit of the citrus family
2. It has a sour taste
3. It is extremely rich in Vitamin C
4. Its juice is added to salads
5. Its an excellent appetizer
6. It has a beneficial effect to the stomach as it helps in digestion
7. Its medicinal uses include cure for disorders like enlargement of spleen, jaundice and atony of the intestines
8. It is widely used for beauty treatment
9. Cut lemon rubbed on the skin removes blemishes
10. Its juice instilled into the nostrils stops bleeding

That concludes our topic for the fortnight. Till the next posting on 22nd April, Radhekrishna!

Sarvam Guruvaarpanam