“ sAdam “ means food. “ pra “ means good. prasAdam means good and hygienic food.
Food can have three types of flaws (doshas): 1. Jati Dosha (Inherent flaw) – foods like onions and radishes are considered Tamasic (dull/lethargic in nature). 2. Ashrita/Patra Dosha (Flaw due to the container) – milk and coconut water are beneficial, but if stored in a copper vessel, they spoil and cause illness. 3. Nimitta Dosha (Flaw due to origin) – the place where the food was cultivated is unsuitable.
One might wonder, "How can we possibly know where the food was grown?"
That is precisely why, if we offer the food to the Divine Mother and consume it as Prasadam (sanctified offering), these flaws are neutralized.
In the Bhagavad Gita, the Supreme Lord states:
" Aharastvapi sarvasya trividho bhavati priyah " – Bhagavad Gita 17:7
This means, "Depending on human nature, food also falls into three categories: Sattvic, Rajasic, and Tamasic."
In the Vishnu Sahasranama, the names "Annam" and "Annadah" appear. They signify that He is the provider of food, and indeed, He is the food itself.
I recently read an article about Palghat (Palakkad). The average lifespan of the residents there is 95 years, and there are many who live beyond a century. People often wonder how they manage to live such long, peaceful lives despite facing various indignities from both Tamilians and Keralites. The reason identified was that they consume only Sattvic food, and in moderate quantities. Spirituality also plays a significant role in their lives.
Therefore, one should pray to the Divine Mother: "Oh Mother, grant me the fortune of consuming any food only after offering it to You."
Subhamastu