What is Prasadam in Hindu rituals, and why is it considered special after being offered to the gods?

 

“ 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

What are some awesome temple rituals in India?

 Guess what this is!

A temple?

Not exactly.

It’s a well near a temple in Kanchipuram, commonly called ‘Nadavaavi Well'. Well, it’s not just a well, there’s a small underground cellar inside the well. In the above picture you are looking at the entrance of the well, with steps leading downwards.

These are the steps of the well which lead to the underground cellar. During rainy season, the whole cellar gets submerged in water and water comes even up to the top of the stairs.

During the summer, the water level decreases and underground cellar is visible.

This is the underground cellar. How beautiful it is. The cellar is a twelve pillar structure. The pillars are very awesome, intricately detailed and have very precise corners. In the middle of the pillars, the well goes deeper. You'll find water inside it.

There is ample space surrounding the pillars where people can move freely.

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Now, let's go to the core part of answer.

The Varadharaja Perumal of Kanchipuram visits this well on every Chitra Pournami. The vigraha of Varadharaja is brought to the Nadavaavi well.

The water inside the mandapam is drained out on that day. Lord Varadharaja comes inside the well, stays there for a while and then moves out. A large number of people visit the well to witness this beautiful ritual.

The above picture shows Varadharaja inside the well cellar.

After the ritual ends, the water slowly fills the mandapam and it gets submerged inside water. It will be an awesome sight to see.