ॐ Hindu Of Universe ॐ
“God’s light is within you, It never leaves you.”
Charanamrita
Indian culture was more profound and rich than any other culture that ever existed in this world.
At a time, many of these things looked senseless even to the people who belonged to this culture.
However, over time, science has proven that most of the rituals were indeed scientific and were
meant for a larger purpose.
Temples were the center of our culture.
These were not mere places for morning prayers. Rather,
temples were the very life of people.
Their all life activities used to resolve around temples.
Unfortunately, most of our culture has been lost due to countless invasions and then slavery for
hundreds of years.
However, there are still some rituals that are intact as it is. One such thing is charanamrit.
One will find charanamrit still in most of the temples of India.
What is charanamrit?: Charan means feet and amrit means nectar or Elixir of Life.
It is normally found in temples having deities.
One may not find charanamrit in temples having lingas.
When the deity is bathed, the water or any other thing used to bath the deity is stored in a copper vessel. That is called charanamrit.
The relevance of charanamrit in our culture is immense.
There are many puranic stories and there are many references in ancient texts as well.
Charanamrit is taken from the lotus feet of deity.
It is believed that charanamrit frees oneself from untimely death and it cures all ailments.
It is also believed that one may achieve liberation just by drinking charanamrit with full devotion.
It is believed that even the origin of Ganga river lies in the lotus feets of the supreme lord.
That’s why it is believed that taking a bath in Ganga frees oneself from the sins and advances oneself towards liberation.
According to a story from Ramayana, Kevat achieved salvation just by drinking charanamrit of Lord Rama.
And not only he, even his forefathers achieved liberation.
Spiritual significance:
One may think that charanamrit is purely based on belief and devotion.
However, there are some spiritual significance and explanations as well.
The beauty of our culture is that nothing is nonsensical.
Every ritual finds its origin in a deep experiential knowledge of the mechanics of life.
Even such explanation could be given for charanamrit itself.
For that purpose, we have to understand the ancient temple culture itself.
Many people see temples as just a place of worship.
But ancient temples were much more than that.
People devoted their whole lives to bring those temples to life.
The purpose of these temples were much bigger.
The temples had such magnificent presence that one could just wonder.
Temple making was an art in itself. It was a complete science.
And the deity in the garbhagriha of the temple wasn’t just a stone statue.
The deities were consecrated, they were brought to life.
The deities used to reverberate with divine energy and used to energize the whole place.
Whoever came in the premises of the temple was naturally touched by that divine energy.
Now, whatever came into contact with that deity naturally observed some qualities.
Same happened with the water and other ingredients, through which the deity was bathed.
Now, that water was nothing less than elixir.
It held the qualities of deities themselves.
That’s why so much prominence has been given to charanamrit.
The elixir of devotion: Devotion also plays out a great deal in it.
We have observed that devotion has the power to transform.
The object of devotion isn’t that much relevant, rather the person having the quality of devotion is.
That’s why it is believed that, if a person drinks charanamrit with complete devotion, charanamrit has great qualities that the devotee can benefit from.
The ancient Indian culture is so vast, that one could not help but wonder.
The grandeur and magnificence is so big, that knowing everything about the culture seems an arduous task. Above all, logic falls short in front of the deep existential realities of our culture.
If one wants, one can just benefit from it, or dive into the depths of spirituality to know it all. Charanamrit was just a small example in this regard.
However, it was small things like this that made this culture an unimaginable living phenomenon.
THE POTENCY OF CHARANAMRITA
The word charanamrita comprises two words, charan and amrita. Charan means feet and amrita is the celestial nectar that makes one immortal. Together the words mean nectar of God’s feet. This is the water that has been used to bathe the deity of the Lord in the temple. It glides down the body of the deity and through His lotus feet. It is then gathered and sometimes mixed with yogurt and a little sugar and offered to all who come to the temple to see the deities. Thus, having touched the body of the deity form of the Lord, the water becomes spiritually very powerful. Those who come to the temple to see the deities gladly accept three drops in the palm of their right hand, which is supported by their left, and then sip it from their palm.
Charanamrita is normally kept on a special table near the deities in a copper vessel, as copper has many curative qualities. Ayurveda and homoeopathic practitioners have confirmed this. Copper cures spasmodic pains. It is believed that drinking water stored in a copper vessel improves intellect, memory, and wisdom.
The Padma Purana says that even if one has not done any pious activities at all, if a person accepts the charanamrita of the deity, he becomes eligible to enter Vaikuntha.
In the Ramayana (Ayodhya Kand, Doha 101) Tulsidas has said: When Kewat washed the feet of Sri Rama and accepted the water as charanamrita, not only did he attain salvation, but his forefathers also attained it.
In the Ranvir Bhaktiratanakara Brahma, it is said: To absolve oneself of sins and get rid of disease God’s charanamrita is like medicine. If tulasi leaves are added, the qualities are enhanced.
In the Ranvir Bhaktisagar it is said: Charanamrita protects one from untimely death. It destroys all kinds of diseases. It breaks the chain of death and rebirth.
Charanamrita has great qualities and benefits a person physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Therefore, always accept charanamrita with grace and humility.
Charanamrita and Prasad
CHARNAMRITA AND PRASAD . WHAT’S BENEFIT OF BOTH ?
THE POTENCY OF CHARANAMRITA
The word charanamrita comprises two words, charan and amrita. Charan means feet and amrita is the celestial nectar that makes one immortal. Together the words mean nectar of God’s feet. This is the water that has been used to bathe the deity of the Lord in the temple. It glides down the body of the deity and through His lotus feet. It is then gathered and sometimes mixed with yogurt and a little sugar and offered to all who come to the temple to see the deities. Thus, having touched the body of the deity form of the Lord, the water becomes spiritually very powerful. Those who come to the temple to see the deities gladly accept three drops in the palm of their right hand, which is supported by their left, and then sip it from their palm. Charanamrita is normally kept on a special table near the deities in a copper vessel, as copper has many curative qualities. Ayurveda and homoeopathic practitioners have confirmed this. Copper cures spasmodic pains. It is believed that drinking water stored in a copper vessel improves intellect, memory, and wisdom.
The Padma Purana says that even if one has not done any pious activities at all, if a person accepts the charanamrita of the deity, he becomes eligible to enter Vaikuntha.
In the Ramayana (Ayodhya Kand, Doha 101) Tulsidas has said: When Kewat washed the feet of Sri Rama and accepted the water as charanamrita, not only did he attain salvation, but his forefathers also attained it.
In the text called Ranvir Bhaktiratanakara Brahma, it is said: To absolve oneself of sins and get rid of disease God’s charanamrita is like medicine. If tulasi leaves are added, the qualities are enhanced.
In the Ranvir Bhaktisagar it is said: Charanamrita protects one from untimely death. It destroys all kinds of diseases. It breaks the chain of death and rebirth.
In this way, Charanamrita has great qualities and benefits a person physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Therefore, always accept charanamrita with grace and humility.
PURPOSE OF OFFERING FOOD TO THE LORD BEFORE EATING
We often see that food preparations are offered to the deities during the worship or at festival times. Or even in homes of devotees, food is prepared and then offered to the deities in the family temple room before anyone else accepts it. Then it is taken as prasada or mercy of the deities or God as spiritualized food. Even in many western homes food is taken only after observing a prayer. This is a recognition that whatever blessings we receive in life is a result of the Lord’s arrangement. After all, everything is God’s property, and we are merely borrowing it. So we offer to God whatever we accept before taking it ourselves. We can especially do this with food.
Furthermore, it has been detected that the particles of food change when prayers are said over it. So offering the food increases the high level of energy that goes into it that would otherwise not be there. More about this can be found elsewhere.
Drink Blood Or Drink Charanamrita
This is the result of meat eating, fish eating: a person becomes violent by nature, he becomes passionate, he becomes a tiger. He comes roaring – where is the blood? He has drank the blood or he ate the flesh, he has transformed, he has become a tiger, a lion. He wants to act like one, he drinks blood, instead of eating Krishna prasada and drink charanamrita. Guayana would be a different country. Just chant Hare Krishna and honor Krishna prasada, listen to this Bhagavata katha, you will be the well-wisher, friend of all living entities. You wouldn’t want to hurt anybody, not even an ant.
4 Things You Must Drop in Chāturmāsa for Your Spiritual Transformation
Fasting facilitates a profound connection with the Supreme Lord, thereby serving as the ultimate purpose of life
Chāturmāsa is a sacred period lasting four months, commencing on Shayani Ekadashi (June-July) and concluding on Prabodhini Ekadashi (October-November).
Chāturmāsa fasting, known as Upvas, entails the withdrawal of our senses from the materialistic world, while also renouncing misconduct and embracing a life of elevated quality on all levels. Chāturmāsa is a dedicated time for engaging in penance, practicing austerities, fasting, purifying ourselves through bathing in holy rivers, and diligently observing religious rituals.
Chāturmāsa fasting/vrata/upvas
According to the Vedas, it is stated that those who diligently observe the Chāturmāsa vrata will attain eternal happiness in the heavenly kingdom. This sacred practice not only bestows piety upon the practitioner but also opens the doors to higher planetary systems.
However, the Bhagavad-gita warns that the ornate language of the Vedas predominantly captivates those who are fixated on their physical selves.
For such individuals, the heavenly kingdom represents the pinnacle of happiness, while they remain oblivious to the profound spiritual kingdom, the abode of God, that lies beyond.
4 Things to drop in Chāturmāsa
Please find the comprehensive list of food items that are advised to be avoided during the sacred Chāturmāsa period.
Let’s quickly have a look.
- First month — Shravan: you need to fast from green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, methi, colocasia leaves, etc. Exceptions include coriander and curry leaves.
- Second month — Bhadra: you need to fast from curd/yogurt and related dishes such as kadi, lassi, buttermilk, pachadi, etc. The exception includes charanamrita (should be honored even if it contains curd).
- Third month — Ashwin: you need to fast from milk and any other item which contains milk as a major ingredient. The exception includes charanamrita.
- Fourth month — Kartik: you need to fast from urad dal and related products, such as idli, dosa, kachori, etc.
- Conclusion
- By adhering to the aforementioned four tips over the course of these four months, you will experience personal and spiritual growth.
- Additionally, it is essential to abide by the four regulative principles imparted by Srila Prabhupada and engage in the practice of chanting 16 rounds of Hare Krishna mahamantra.
- May the blessings of the Supreme Lord empower you to faithfully uphold these principles during the auspicious period of Chāturmāsa.
- If you desire to chant, want to join my classes on Bhagavad Gita (Hindi/English), and want to explore God in Kalyuga, join my WhatsApp group using the below link:
The Significance of Charanamrit
Charanamrit means the blissful water collected from the feet of the Hindu deities after given bath to them.
Charanmrit has the special significance for Hindu devotees. They keep Charanamrit during their prayers and at the end, take it as the blessings of the deities. This not only cleanses the body but also purify the soul.
Charanmrit has the special significance for Hindu devotees. They conclude their prayers by taking Charanamrit as the blessings of the deities.
How to take Charanamrit?
Devotees must cover their heads and take Charanamrit in their right cupid hand and keeping left below it. After that moistened hands over their head.
Literary sources
There is one of the well-known Hindu epic Ramayana. There it is mentioned that in TretaYuga there was the king of Ayodhya, Dashratha. He had three wives Kaushalya, Sumitra and Kaikeyi. Kaushalya gave birth to Rama, Sumitra to Lakshmana & Shatrughan and Kaikeyi to Bharata. Dashratha grew old and wanted to retire.
Rama was eldest son, and thus Dashratha declared him, King. Kaikeyi could not bear that, she wanted her son Bharat to be the king. Kaikeyionce saved the life of Dashratha. Dashratha asked her for two boons. Kakayi answered that she would take at the proper time. Kakayi thought that was the right time and asked for two boons from Dashratha that for one boon, he would send Rama to exile and with another boon declare Bharata as the king.
Rama was an obedient child and immediately ready for the exile. He was accompanied by wife Sita and brother Lakshmana. During the exile, they had to cross River Ganges. There they met sailor Kewat. He washed the feet of Rama, Lakshmana and Sita and collected the water trickled down from their feet in the pot. Later, he and his family drank it. Kewat said to Rama that by taking divine water, he and his family members would attain the salvation. Rama blessed him that all his desires would be fulfilled. After that incident, Kewat and his family lived their entire life peacefully and joyfully.
In the end, their pious soul abode by the heaven. They attained salvation i.e. get rid of the vicious circle of birth and death.Since then, Hindu Devotees take Chranamrit to seek blessings of deities to lead toward their goal and celebrate their each day as a festival.
Recipes of Charanamrit
You can Prepare Charnamrit or Panchamrit in different ways:
(1) Simple Charanamrit Ingredients:
- Chilled unboiled milk – 250 ml
- curd- 75 ml
- Sugar- 1 Tsp
- Basil Leaves-4-7
- Pure Ghee – 2 Tsp
- Ganga Water- 1 Tsp
Method for making Charnamrit:
Combine milk, curd, sugar, Pure Ghee and Ganga water. Stir it till the sugar gets dissolved. Add Basil leaves now. Serve it to all the devotees after the prayers.
( 2) Special Charanamrit for the occasion of Janamastami
On the Occasion of Janamastami, Charanamrit is prepared to give a bath to the deity of child Krishna (Bal Gopal). It trickled down to Bal Gopal(child Krishna)’s lotus feet and collected in the pot for offering to the devotees as the prasad.
Ingredients:
- Milk – 1 cup
- Curd – 1 Tsp
- Basil Leaves – 7-9
- Ganga Water – 1 Tsp
- Sugar – ½ cup
- Cuddapah almonds (Chironjee) – 1 Tsp
- Puffed Kernel (Makhana) – 12-14
- Honey- ½ teaspoon
Method:
Roast Makhana in a non-stick pan or microwave it for 5 minutes. Cut them into small pieces. Mix Curd, Milk, Ganga water, sugar, Honey, Puffed Kernel together in a bowl. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Now, add chopped pieces of Makhana, basil leaves, and Chironjee. Again stir it, but don’t beat it. Mystical Charanamrit is now ready.
Scientific importance of Charanamrit:
Charanamrit is not only spiritually important but also, but also scientifically important as charanamrit is usually kept in bronze & brass pot and thus has medicated properties. It increases the immunity power to fight against various infections. Apart from this it also improves the memory power.
Panchamrit and Charnamrit:
Difference And Their Way Of Consumption When you go to any temple or shrine, Pandit Ji gives you the sacred nectar panchamrit and charnamrit as Prasaad, isn’t it? Also, it is pretty rare for anybody not to realize how magnificent both the sacred substances are or know how it is made.
Speaking generally, Charnamrit means the feet’s drink of the God, while the Panchamrit means five nectars or substances composed of five sacred things. When you have either of the sacred nectar, positive feelings emerge within you and bring miraculous merits to your life.
But, what do you know about them? Here we are with the difference between both of them accompanied by other details about the same.
Charnamrit
It is believed that if you consume the Charnamrit, you won’t go through reincarnation, and so is mentioned in the scriptures:
“Akalmrityuharnam Sarva Vyadhi Vinashanam.
Vishnu padodakam pitva punarjanma na vidyate”
It means that the sacred nectar of Lord Vishnu’s feet is the demolisher of all sins. Moreover, it is a sort of medicine, and if you consume Charnamrit, you won’t be reborn.
Charnamrit kept in a copper vessel is most beneficial. Also, putting in sesame, basil (tulsi) leaves adds medicinal value to it. It not only improvises the healthiness of a person but also aids in destroying many diseases.
Panchamrit
Panchamrit is similar to Charnamrit but involves five substances, i.e., curd, milk, ghee, honey, and sugar assorted together to make a single substance. It is for the aneling of the idol deities. Along with giving peace of mind, the sacred nectar Panchamrit is also beneficial against many diseases. Panchamrit is a symbol of five methods of self-promotion and self-satisfaction and thus involves five substances.
Starting from milk, the first component of Panchamrit is a symbol of auspiciousness. It means that your life will be as spotless as milk. The second part is curd. Offering curd in the Panchamrit is to adopt virtue and make the devotees like itself. The third part is ghee which symbolizes affection and aliphatic nature. It says that adding ghee to the sacred nectar helps build warm relationships with everyone and have beautiful bonding with others.
The fourth component is honey and is marked as the most powerful of them all. Not only it symbolizes sweetness but also motivates you to be strong and successful in life. The last one is sugar. Equally sweet as honey, the sugar mixes to tell you that you must dissolve sweetness in everybody’s life and yours as well. Also, you must speak sweetly and behave nicely with everyone.
How to take panchamrit and charnamrit from a Pujari
There is no method or rule for consuming panchamrit and charnamrit. However, many devotees put their hands on their heads after consuming them. But according to the traditional aspects, you must not do so. As, according to the scriptures, instead of giving positive effects, it might show negative ones.
Also, you should receive it with your right hand and with purifying thoughts in mind and calmness in the soul. All this makes the sacred nectar Panchamrit and Charnamrit more impactful.
Both panchamrit and charnamrit are of utmost importance. The sacred nectar panchamrit and charnamrit, not only purifies your soul but also calms your mind. Both have their own kind of healing and ailment curing properties. Also, they have their significance in Hinduism and many other religions like Jainism and others.
Significance or Importance Of Charanamrit
Charnamrit has the special significance for Hindus. Charnamrit means the water that is used to give a bath to deities that propel down through their lotus feet and later collected in the brass or bronze pot.
How to prepare Panchamrit?
Charnamrit is usually combined with a few leaves of Tulsi, curd, unboiled milk, Pure Ghee, Sugar and Honey. This special combination of Charnamrit along with above ingredients is called Panchamrit.
How to take Charnamrit/Panchamrit?
Panchamrit is kept in front of the deity in the prayer meeting at the temple or home. When the prayers are completed, Panchamrit is dispersed to the devotees in their right-hand cupped palm that is supported by their left cupped palm. Devotees have Charamrit with full devotion and then place their moistened hand over the head to give respect to the importance of Panchamrit.
Charnamrit/Panchamrit Mantra
In temples, Hindu Priest recites one special Mantra while dispersing Charamrit/Pachamrit to the devotees. The special Mantra is as follows:
Akalmrityuharanam Sarvadhivinasham,
Vishnudodakam Pitva Purnajanam na Vidyate.
Meaning Of Charnamrit/Panchamrit Mantra
It is believed that whosoever take Panchamrit will be blessed with the long life, divnity and attain salvation to get rid of the vicious circle of death and rebirth.
What is Charanamrit and Panchamrit, and what is the difference between the two?
Panchamrita is a mixture of five foods used in Hindu puja and Abhiṣeka which are usually honey, Tulsi, cow milk, curd and ghee. After panchamrita is used in puja and abhisheka, it is distributed as prasad.
Charanamrit means the nectar of the feet. It is said that the nectar of God’s feet is destined only to the fortunate ones. It is believed that the use of Charanamrit brings positiveness in a person’s life.
So basically in simple words charanamrit is the water or milk etc with which god’s feets are washed añd later given as a liquid form of prasad. And panchamrit are the ingredients given as prasad after doing puja or abhishek of god which means after bathing them. They are almost same and as made of healthy ingredients they are also good for health and body and they are also used as ayurvedic medicines.
CHARANAMRITH
Brief description about the water or milk used to wash the feet of the idol, or of a holy saint.
A Special form of prasad is the Charanamrit, which is the water or milk used to wash the feet of the idol, or of a holy saint. The Charanamrit has tremendous powers. It can change the outlook of a devotee entirely. It has the power to cure diseases. There are cases where it brought back life to the dead. Charanamrit is a tonic or medicine for misery, pain and anxiety. Intense faith is the all-important necessity for taking it. Without faith it brings very little benefit. The benefits of Prasada and Charanamrita are beyond description. They have the power to change entirely the outlook of a man’s life. There have been ever so many instances in the past in this holy land of ours (India) which bears witness to the potency and efficacy of Prasada. Prasada destroys all pains and sins. It is an antidote for misery, pain and anxiety. Faith is the important factor in testing the accuracy of this statement. For faithless persons, it brings very little effect.
Those who are brought up in modern education and culture have forgotten all about the glory of Prasada. Many Western educated persons do not attach any importance to Prasada when they get it from Mahatmas. This is a serious mistake. Prasada is a great purifier. As they are brought up in the Western style of living, they have imbibed the spirit of Westerners and forgotten the spirit of true children of Indian Rishis of yore. Live for a week in Vrindavana or Ayodhya or Varanasi or Pandharpur. You will realise the glory and the miraculous effects of Prasada. Many incurable diseases are cured. Many sincere aspirants get wonderful spiritual experiences from mere Prasada alone. Prasada is a panacea. Prasada is a spiritual elixir. Prasada is the Grace of the Lord. Prasada is a cure-all and an ideal pick-me-up. Prasada is an embodiment of Sakti. Prasada is Divinity in manifestation. Prasada energises, vivifies, invigorates and infuses devotion. It should be taken with great faith.
The prasad of the Lord is very sacred and purifying. If it is taken with faith and devotion, it brings miraculous results to the devotee.
The Lord enjoys the subtle essence of the food offered. The food is then eaten as prasad by the devotees.
While feeding Mahatmas, Sannyasins and the poor, that which is left over is also taken as prasad, because in feeding them, we feel that we are feeding God Himself.
When a ceremony is performed all the devotees should share the prasad and thus receive the blessings of the Deities. Prasad is extremely sacred. There is no restriction of any kind in taking prasad. Time, place or condition does not affect one. Prasad is all purifying.. Prasada is the most sacred object for a devotee. One should consider himself lucky to take the Prasada, and there is no restriction of any kind in taking Prasada. Prasada is all purifying.
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Prasad and Charanamrit
The word ‘prasad’ means that which gives peace. During any form of worship, ritual or ceremony, Hindus offer some items of food to the Lord. Puja is done with Bael leaves, flowers, Tulasi (Basil plant), Vibhuti and these are given as Prasada from the Lord.
Prasada is that which gives peace. Prasada is the sacred food offering of the Lord. During Kirtans (Singing hymns), worship, Puja, Havan and Arati, the devotee offers sweet rice, fruits, jaggery, milk, coconut, plantain and such other articles to the Lord, according to his ability. After offering them to the Lord, they are shared between the members of the house or the Bhaktas (devotees) in a temple.
Water, flowers, rice, etc., are offered to the Lord in worship. This denotes that the Lord is pleased with even the smallest offering. What is wanted is the heart of the devotee. The Lord says in the Gita :
“Patram Pushpam Phalam Toyam Yo Me Bhaktya Prayacchati;
Tadaham Bhaktyupahritamasanami Prayatatmanah” – Whoever offers a leaf, a flower, a fruit or even water with devotion, that I accept, offered as it is with a loving heart”.
It is not necessary that one should offer gold, silver and costly dress to the Lord. The devotee offers these according to his ability and position in life, thereby denoting that the whole wealth of the world belongs to the Lord. A rich man offers costly things to the Lord. He feeds the poor and serves the sick, seeing the Lord in his fellow-beings.
The mental Bhava (attitude) of the devotee offering Bhog to the Lord has very great effect. If an ardent devotee of the Lord offers anything to the Lord, that Prasada, if taken, would bring very great change even in the minds of atheists. The Grace of the Lord descends through Prasada. Go through the life of Narada. You will realise the greatness of the sacred leavings of the Lord as well as those of advanced Sadhakas and saints.
Namadeva offered rice etc., to Panduranga Vitthala and He ate the food and shared it with Namadeva as well. If the food is offered with an yearning heart, sometimes, the Lord takes that food assuming a physical form. In other cases, the Lord enjoys the subtle essence of the food offered, and the food remains as it is in the shape of Prasada. While feeding Mahatmas and the poor people, that which is left behind is taken as Prasada. When a sacrifice is performed, the participants share the Prasada which bestows the blessings of the gods. When Dasaratha performed Putrakameshti (a sacrifice performed wishing for a son), he got a vessel full of sweetened rice that he gave to his queens, by taking which they became pregnant.
Charanamrit
A special form of prasad is the Charanamrit, which is the water or milk used to wash the feet of the idol, or of a holy saint. The Charanamrit has tremendous powers. It can change the outlook of a devotee entirely. It has the power to cure diseases. There are cases where it brought back life to the dead. Charanamrit is a tonic or medicine for misery, pain and anxiety. Intense faith is the all-important necessity for taking it. Without faith it brings very little benefit. The benefits of Prasada and Charanamrita are beyond description. They have the power to change entirely the outlook of a man’s life. There have been ever so many instances in the past in this holy land of ours (India) which bears witness to the potency and efficacy of Prasada. Prasada destroys all pains and sins. It is an antidote for misery, pain and anxiety. Faith is the important factor in testing the accuracy of this statement. For faithless persons, it brings very little effect.
Those who are brought up in modern education and culture have forgotten all about the glory of Prasada. Many Western educated persons do not attach any importance to Prasada when they get it from Mahatmas. This is a serious mistake. Prasada is a great purifier. As they are brought up in the Western style of living, they have imbibed the spirit of Westerners and forgotten the spirit of true children of Indian Rishis of yore. Live for a week in Vrindavana or Ayodhya or Varanasi or Pandharpur. You will realise the glory and the miraculous effects of Prasada. Many incurable diseases are cured. Many sincere aspirants get wonderful spiritual experiences from mere Prasada alone. Prasada is a panacea. Prasada is a spiritual elixir. Prasada is the Grace of the Lord. Prasada is a cure-all and an ideal pick-me-up. Prasada is an embodiment of Sakti. Prasada is Divinity in manifestation. Prasada energises, vivifies, invigorates and infuses devotion. It should be taken with great faith.
The prasad of the Lord is very sacred and purifying. If it is taken with faith and devotion, it brings miraculous results to the devotee.
The Lord enjoys the subtle essence of the food offered. The food is then eaten as prasad by the devotees.
While feeding Mahatmas, Sannyasins and the poor, that which is left over is also taken as prasad, because in feeding them, we feel that we are feeding God Himself.
When a ceremony is performed all the devotees should share the prasad and thus receive the blessings of the Deities. Prasad is extremely sacred. There is no restriction of any kind in taking prasad. Time, place or condition does not affect one. Prasad is all purifying.. Prasada is the most sacred object for a devotee. One should consider himself lucky to take the Prasada, and there is no restriction of any kind in taking Prasada. Prasada is all purifying.
Prasada—Its Sacredness And Glory
Prasada is that which gives peace. Prasada is the sacred food offering of the Lord. During Kirtana, worship, Puja, Havan and Arati, the devotee offers sweet rice, fruits, jaggery, milk, coconut, plantain and such other articles to the Lord, according to his ability. After offering them to the Lord, they are shared between the members of the house or the Bhaktas in a temple.
Water, flowers, rice, etc., are offered to the Lord in worship. This denotes that the Lord is pleased with even the smallest offering. What is wanted is the heart of the devotee. The Lord says in the Gita: “Patram Pushpam Phalam Toyam Yo Me Bhaktya Prayacchati; Tadaham Bhaktyupahritamasnami Prayatatmanah—Whoever offers a leaf, a flower, a fruit or even water, with devotion, that I accept, offered as it is with a loving heart.” It is not necessary that one should offer gold, silver and costly dress to the Lord. The devotee offers these according to his ability and position in life, thereby denoting that the whole wealth of the world belongs to the Lord. A rich man offers costly things to the Lord. He feeds the poor and serves the sick, seeing the Lord in his fellow-beings.
Puja is done with Bael leaves, flowers, Tulasi, Vibhuti and these are given as Prasada from the Lord. Vibhuti is the Prasada of Lord Siva. It is to be applied on the forehead. A small portion can be taken in. Kumkuma is the Prasada of Sri Devi or Sakti. It is to be applied at the space between the eyebrows (Ajna or Bhrumadhya). Tulasi is the Prasada of Lord Vishnu, Rama or Krishna. It is to be taken in. They are charged with mysterious powers by the chanting of Mantras during Puja and Havan.
The mental Bhava of the devotee offering Bhog to the Lord has a very great effect. If an ardent devotee of the Lord offers anything to the Lord, that Prasada, if taken, would bring very great change even in the minds of atheists. The Grace of the Lord descends through Prasada. Go through the life of Narada. You will realise the greatness of the sacred leavings of the Lord as well as those of advanced Sadhakas and saints.
Namadeva offered rice, etc., to Panduranga Vitthala and He ate the food and shared it with Namadeva as well. If the food is offered with an yearning heart, sometimes, the Lord takes that food assuming a physical form. In other cases, the Lord enjoys the subtle essence of the food offered, and the food remains as it is in the shape of Prasada. While feeding Mahatmas and the poor people, that which is left behind is taken as Prasada. When a sacrifice is performed, the participants share the Prasada which bestows the blessings of the gods. When Dasaratha performed Putrakameshti (a sacrifice performed wishing for son), he got a vessel full of sweetened rice which he gave to his queens, by taking which they became pregnant. Prasada is the most sacred object for a devotee. One should consider himself lucky to take the Prasada, and there is no restriction of any kind in taking Prasada. Time and place, and the condition in which one is placed—all these do not affect him in any way. Prasada is all-purifying.
The benefits of Prasada and Charanamrita are beyond description. They have the power to change entirely the outlook of a man’s life. Prasada and Charanamrita have the power to cure diseases and even bring back to life dead persons. There had been ever so many instances in the past in this holy land of ours which bear witness to the potency and efficacy of Prasada. Prasada destroys all pains and sins. It is an antidote for misery, pain and anxiety. Faith is the important factor in testing the accuracy of this statement. For faithless persons, it brings very little effect.
Those who are brought up in modern education and culture have forgotten all about the glory of Prasada. Many English-educated persons do not attach any importance to Prasada when they get it from Mahatmas. This is a serious mistake. Prasada is a great purifier. As they are brought up in the western style of living, they have imbibed the spirit of westerners and forgotten the spirit of the true children of Indian Rishis of yore. Live for a week in Vrindavana or Ayodhya or Varanasi or Pandharpur. You will realise the glory and the miraculous effects of Prasada. Many incurable diseases are cured. Many sincere devotional aspirants get wonderful spiritual experiences from mere Prasada alone. Prasada is a panacea. Prasada is a spiritual elixir. Prasada is the Grace of the Lord. Prasada is a cure-all and an ideal pick-me-up. Prasada is an embodiment of Sakti. Prasada is Divinity in manifestation. Prasada energises, vivifies, invigorates and infuses devotion. It should be taken with great faith.
Charanamrita
Charanamrita (cha-ra-NAM-rita), literally the “nectar from the Lord’s feet, which bestows immortality.” Temple priests bathe the Deities every day with water. This water, known as Charanamrita , is distributed to temple guests, often after being mixed with yogurt. Because it has taken on a spiritual quality by contacting God’s omnipotent spiritual form, devotees of Krishna honor that sacred water—by sipping some drops from their palm.