Panchamrit holds a special place in every Hindu woship form, ritual and practices.
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Welcome to the world of engrossed readings at www.onindianpath.com. Let’s read about the most common and most tasty prasadam of Hindu gods and goddesses i. e. Panchamrit.
Intorduction
Hinduism has lots of spiritual and devotional practices which are common all throughout the globe. One of them is offering Panchamrit to the deity.
However, panchamrit is also known as charna mrit. As it is taken from feet (charan) of god, thus given the name.
What is Panchamrit?
Apparently, Panchamrit is a Hindi word made of two words : pancha + amrit. Pancha means five and amrit means nector of immortality. These panch ingredients are
- Ghee
- Milk
- Curd
- sugar
- honey
Although, there could be few additions as per different locations of the country, but the key ingredients remain same in the making.
Significance of Panchamrit
Hence, after a yagna, during an aarti, or even following simple morning prayers, this sacred concotion called Panchamrit is a definite presence in Hindu households.
Panchamrit is also used during ‘Abhishek’, which is a process of bathing deity idols with this holy mixture. Unlike in Krishna Janamashtami, Laddu gopalji is offered bath with milk, curd, ghee, sugar and Honey.
For me, Panchamrit is more than just a traditional offering; it feels like a divine elixir that nourishes both body and soul to the deepest level.
All the five sacred ingredients (Panch) are revered as nectar (Amrit). also, it symbolizes purity and devotion. Infact, drinking Panchamrit is believed to purify the mind, bring devotees closer to the divine. And it marks the culmination of rituals with purity, grace and sanctity.
Ingredients in Panchamrit
Milk
Milk is the main ingredient of Panchamrit and represents the highest level of purity and sustenance. Even without being a part of the it, Milk, especially cow milk, is considered the best in Hindu religion and practices. Milk is often associated with the divine mother, representing her nurturing and compassionate nature, can also be sen in Ksheer Sagar ( abode of Lord Vishnu).
Traditionally, it is believed that only cow milk should be added to Panchamrit. With passage of time , we have started using Buffalo milk too, a symbol of nourishment of the soul after a successful ceremony.
Curd/Dahi
Yogurt, or Dahi or Curd is another important ingredient of Panchamrit. Similar to milk, dahi too marks purity and preservation. In Hindu practices, Dahi holds a significant place in rituals and offerings to deities. If you listen to Krishna tales, you can find the divine bond of Dahi and Balgopal in Dahi Handi. In fact, during the month of Sawan, dahi and milk are offered to Lord Shiva.
From a health perspective, dahi is a probiotic and important in religious belief. As per ayurveda, it is believed that Dahi reduces Vata Dosha in the body.
Honey (Madhu)
Honey, known for its sweetness and healing powers, holds an important place in Hindu rituals. Even, in annaparashan sanskara of an infant, honey is offered. In Ayurveda, it is valued as a medicine for vitality and longevity. Moreover, it symbolizes sweetness and prosperity in different cultures and communities. In Hindu culture, honey is linked to the divine and usually offered to gods and goddesses.
Ghee
Ghee, a key ingredient in Panchamrit, is renowned for its purity, sacredness and nourishing qualities. In Vedic traditions of Havana, it is offered to Agni dev (the fire god), as a sacred oblation. This act embarks the transformation of earthly offerings into divine blessings. Adding cow ghee to Panchamrit signifies self-offering with pure devotion for higher purpose. It ask for divine grace, strength, and victory, serving as a heartfelt call to the gods for their blessings.
Sugar
To add sweetness into lives and Panchamrit, sugar is used in it. Earleir times, we used to add Khand(raw afor of sugar from Sugarcane). At many locations, Banana, jaggery, dates are used with alongwith Shakkar.
Benefits of Panchamrit in Sapt dhatu
Panchamrit is believed to boost immunity, improve brain function, and balance the Pitta Dosha. This sacred drink also improves complexion and nourishes hair. It benefits the Sapt Dhatu, the seven bodily tissues essential for health and vitality in given way : –
Shukra Dhatu(reproductive tissues)
Majja Dhatu (bone marrow and nervous tissues)
Asthi Dhatu(bones and teeth)
Medas Dhatu (fatty tissues)
Mamsa Dhatu(muscle tissues)
Rakta Dhatu (blood)
Rasa Dhatu (plasma for strength, immunity, and vitality)
Lastly by nourishing these tissues, Panchamrit supports overall well-being and strengthens our body from within.
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