Panchamrit, a holy offering made as Prasad, is the mixture of five components named after Sanskrit panch – meaning “five” and amrit or “nectar for gods”. It is also known as Charnamrit which means the “nectar from the feet of the god”. Charnammrit is usually offered to deities during “Abhishekam” (ritual bathing) ceremonies, particularly those involving idols of gods and goddesses in temples. Consuming Charnammrit is treated as a ritual of blessings and divine purification, connecting the devotee with godliness more effectively.
Traditional components of Charnammrit comprise of raw milk, curd, honey sugar and ghee. Each ingredient holds symbolic significance: milk is purity, curd prosperity; honey unity, sugar bliss and ghee victory. Although used for the most part in a religious and cultural sense, these ingredients do have some health benefits.
Honey: Honey has antimicrobial properties which helps to soothe sore throats and act as a natural sweetener. It also contains antioxidants.
Yogurt: Yogurt is rich in probiotics which are the good bacteria that can help boost your gut health. It also supplies the necessary nutrients such as calcium and proteins.
Ghee: Ghee is rich in healthy fats and a source of fat-soluble vitamins. Some studies have indicated that moderate consumption of ghee may be beneficial to health.
Milk: Milk contains calcium, vitamin D and proteins which make bones healthy and improve health.
Charnamrit is normally taken in a copper pot which gives it medicinal benefits of copper.
However, it is important to understand that the process of consuming Charnamrit has more spiritual and symbolic reasons rather than scientific health effects.