Impotance of Food and Prasad in Hinduism

Hinduism places such a strong emphasis on the significance of food that it is described as “the kitchen religion.” A public or religious function is complete without the sharing of food items, particularly Prasada (food which is offered in worship to God).

There are many guidelines for how to prepare and consume food items. Vaishnavism has created a sophisticated theology that categorizes all food items in accordance with the 3 guns. Meat is typically regarded as unclean as it is believed to be tamasic which is influenced by dark. Shaivites adhere to fewer restrictions in their diets and Shaktas tend to favor meat, which is typically derived through sacrifice of animals. Even though certain Hindus consume meat, nearly all people avoid beef because of respect for cows.

India has developed a huge vegetarian food culture that goes beyond the expectations of the majority of Westerners who usually imagine vegetarians eating a few fruits, nuts and salad. The milk products are considered indispensable to a vegetarian’s diet and Ghee (clarified butter) is extensively used for frying. Spices enhance taste, help digestion, and are beneficial to health. A typical meal comprises many dishes, however, most typically, the main meal in the afternoon typically consists of rice Sabji, dahland chapattis.

Food is a key element in the worship of God, and the food that is offered to gods ( prasad) is believed to confer significant religiosity, while purifying your mind, body and soul. Temple cooks are typically brakhmanas and adhere to strict standards for personal hygiene. It is widely believed that the mind of the cooks enters into the food and then influences the eating habits of the person who eats it. The consumption of the prasada that is cooked and then served with reverence encourages the mind to be spiritual.

The Prasad which is placed on the altar is incredibly sacred and is given to worshippers whether by the priest in the shrine or after worshippers depart from in the temple. Prasadis also can be served as an entire meal, particularly during festivals. A lot of Hindus maintain an altar in their homes and serve their meals before eating.

Glossary Terms

● Prasada literally means “mercy,” and refers to everything that has been made holy by offerings to God (e.g. flowers). This specifically refers to the food that is offered to God.

Popular Foods

● Rice is usually cooked and served plain or with a garnish

● Sabji is any dish comprised of vegetables, and is usually spiced

● Samosa is a pastry that has been fried and filled with spicy vegetables

● Dahl is a soup that is made of beans or lentils

● Puri is a flat round bread, deep-fried with oil or ghee

● Chapatti (or Roti) — A round, flat bread that is cooked on a skillet.

● Popadom — a crisp savoury (like a large potato crisp)

● Barfi is a sweet created by condensing milk, then adding sugar

● Laddu is a sweet that’s made using chick-pea flour

● Dosha — a simple dumpling, popular in South India

● Chutney, usually hot and sweet, is made of coconut, fruit and so on.

● Lassi — a refreshing beverage composed of water and yoghurt; salty or sweet

● Googra is a sweet coconut cake, very popular during Diwali

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Read Also: Significance of Prasada in Puja in Hinduism