Panchamrit holds a special place in every Hindu ritual and practices.
Namaste!
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 of god, thus given the name.
What is Panchamrit?
Apparently, Panchamrit is a Hindi word made of two words : pancha + amrit. Panch means five annd 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 drink called Panchamrit is a constant 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, Laddugopalji 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.
All the five sacred ingredients (Panch) are revered as nectar (Amrit), 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 grace and sanctity.
Ingredients of Panchamrit
Milk
Milk is the primary ingredient of Panchamrit and represents the highest level of purity and sustenance. Even without being a part of the Panchamrit, 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.
Traditionally, it is believed that only cow milk should be added to Panchamrit and its incorporation in the drink is 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 symbolises purity and preservation. In Hindu practices, Dahi holds a significant place in rituals and offerings to deities. In fact, during the month of Sawan, dahi and milk is the primary offering to Lord Shiva.
In the Panchamrit, 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 a sacred place in Hindu rituals. In Ayurveda, it is prized as a medicine for vitality and longevity. Moreover, it symbolizes sweetness and prosperity. In Hindu culture, honey is linked to the divine and often offered to please gods and goddesses.
Ghee
Ghee, a key ingredient in Panchamrit, is renowned for its purity and nourishing qualities. In Vedic traditions of Havana, it is offered to Agni, the fire god, as a sacred oblation. This act symbolizes the transformation of earthly offerings into divine blessings. Adding cow ghee to Panchamrit signifies self-offering with pure devotion. It seeks 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. At many locations, Banana, jaggery, dates are used with alongwith Shakkar.
Benefits of Panchamrit in sapt dhatu
Panchamrit is believed to boost immunity, enhance 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: –
Shukra Dhatu(reproductive tissues)
Majja Dhatu (bone marrow and nervous tissues)
Asthi Dhatu(bones and teeth)
Medas Dhatu (fatty tissues)
Mamsa Dhat(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 the body from within.
About Author
