In Hindu religion, offering food to God is truly an aspect with symbolic and spiritual meanings. Tbe food offered or the “Prasadam” is nothing but a reminder of thankfulness, modesty, and the fact that sustenance is produced by the divine. Devotees believe that an offering prasadam to the deity and then consuming it involves a spiritual transformation whereby prasad becomes a spiritually charged and sanctified substance hence fostering adherence or attachment.
In ancient traditions, it was customary for every meal cooked in a Hindu household to be initially presented to God in the family’s temple before being partaken. While the pace of a modern way of life is dizzying, this ritual remains unchanged in the process that requires among them to offer just a small portion of Prasadam or Bhog to gods in silver or brass plates, to be later shared out by families.
Even today, during my mother’s daily Pooja, my sons eagerly join her, anticipating the Prasadam (Mishri). Typically, the younger one is tasked with presenting Naivedyam or Mishri to the deity in a small silver bowl with a Tulsi leaf. A small cup of water accompanies it, placed in our home temple. After the Pooja concludes, the Naivedyam or Mishri takes on a special significance and transforms into Prashad. While occasionally both kids enjoy it, more often than not, it is distributed equally among all family members.
As per the scriptures, during offering food to God through Vayu tatva (air), it enters God and is eaten by Him. Thus, divine contact makes this holy ablution adorable in this connection as blessed by God. By offering Prasadam, a special relationship between man and God is intrinsic which transforms a person’s preconception of food. It stresses on the idea of equitable sharing during consumption; that is, one should be thankful and eat with joy. With this instruction, God is constantly reminding us that the sustenance of today has been made possible by divine essence. The tradition of offering Prasadam does not only give a chance to become closer to the divine; but also tries by way of eating to bring about a more harmonious and thankful lifestyle in people.