Offering daily bhog, or Prasad, to Hindu deities at home is an
auspicious act. The daily offering of food to deities worshipped at home helps
in getting the blessing of Goddess Annapurna and Goddess Lakshmi. The food need
not be an elaborate preparation; it can be a fruit or a small piece sweet. What
matter is that the offering is made with devotion.
Two important pictures, or idols, of Hindu gods that is
found in many Hindu home is of Ladoo Gopal and another is of Sri Krishna
eating butter.
Anything that is offered with devotion is accepted by God
and rewarded.
It must be remembered here that Lord Krishna is happy with
anything that is offered to him in true devotion. Krishna was happy
with sweat drenched beaten rice offered by Kuchela or Sudama. He was happy with
the last leaf left in Draupadi’s Akshaya Patra. He was content with the gruel
in Vidura’s (Dhritarashtra’s minister in Mahabharata) home.
When food is offered daily to the deity worshiped in home, Goddess Annapurna
and Goddess Lakshmi will never leave such a home. That home will always be
prosperous. There will not be shortage of wealth and food.
The food offering should be clean and it should be kept only
until the puja is completed. It should be consumed by the devotee and his
family members.
Keeping murti, or idol, of Ladoo Gopal in home helps in
begetting healthy children who will follow Dharma.
Keeping Bal Gopal, Radha Krishna, Ganesha etc are considered
auspicious for homes.
Keeping a painting of little Krishna eating butter in the
dining area is considered favorable to the residents of the home.
Keeping Laddoo Gopal on the west or east wall of the bedroom
is good for those couple looking to have children.
Shiva should be offered white color food; Vishnu yellow
color food; Ganesha modak, Sri Krishna butter, banana to Hanuman, Ram and Mata
Sita should be offered fruits or yellow color fruits and Mother Goddess should
be offered white color food.
On important occasions in the family like birthday, marriage
etc one should perform Annadanam, or food donation. Feeding hungry animals is
also meritorious.
Wasting food is a big sin and it should not be encouraged.
Only that much food, necessary to suffice one’s hunger should be taken.