Praying before a meal in Hinduism is not only a way to express gratitude but also to acknowledge the divine energy that sustains life. Hinduism emphasizes the belief that food is a divine gift, and when we eat, we should remember the sacredness of the sustenance we receive. Many gods and goddesses are associated with nourishment, health, and the well-being of the body and mind.
Before beginning the meal, it is customary to cleanse oneself and offer prayers to the gods and goddesses associated with food, health, and nourishment. Below is a detailed approach to offering prayers before dinner, including simple prayers, mantras, and relevant gods and goddesses to worship.
Key Gods and Goddesses to Worship Before Meals
- Annapurna Devi – The Goddess of food and nourishment.
- Lakshmi Devi – The Goddess of wealth and prosperity.
- Shakumbhari Devi – The Goddess of vegetables and fruits, representing plant-based nourishment.
- Pashupati Shiva – Associated with animals, including livestock and the overall well-being of all living creatures.
- Dhanvantari – The divine physician, worshipped for health and well-being, especially when considering the health benefits of food.
- Goddess Ganga – Symbolizes purity and cleanliness, often invoked for the purity of food and water.
Simple Prayers Before Dinner
Here are a few simple prayers that can be recited before consuming food.
1. Prayer to Annapurna Devi (Goddess of Food)
Annapurna Devi is revered as the provider of food and sustenance. She is an incarnation of Goddess Parvati.
Mantra:
अन्नपूर्णे सदापूर्णे शङ्करप्राणवल्लभे। ज्ञानवैराग्यसिद्ध्यर्थं भिक्षां देहि च पार्वति॥
Translation:
"O Annapurna, always full of food and sustenance, beloved of Lord Shankara, please grant me knowledge, detachment, and your blessings for a fulfilling life."
This prayer can be said before the meal to thank Annapurna for providing the nourishment required for the body.
2. Prayer to Goddess Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth and Abundance)
Before consuming food, invoking Goddess Lakshmi helps to thank her for the prosperity that allows the preparation and offering of food.
Mantra:
ॐ श्रीं ह्रीं क्लीं महालक्ष्म्यै नमः।
Translation:
"I bow to the divine Goddess Lakshmi, the one who brings prosperity, abundance, and fulfillment."
This mantra expresses gratitude for the abundance and wealth in the form of food that one has received.
3. Prayer to Shakumbhari Devi (Goddess of Vegetation)
Shakumbhari Devi is regarded as the goddess of vegetation, fruits, and vegetables. She embodies the nourishment from plant-based sources.
Mantra:
शाकम्भरीति यश्चां सपरिवारां प्रपूजयेत्। ध्यानं करोति तस्याः स्यात् सकलारोगनाशनम्॥
Translation:
"May the one who meditates upon and worships Shakumbhari Devi, along with her family, be free from all diseases and be blessed with nourishment from the natural world."
This mantra is beneficial for those who rely on vegetarian and plant-based diets, thanking the divine for these forms of sustenance.
4. Prayer to Pashupati Shiva (Protector of Livestock)
Lord Shiva, in his form as Pashupati, is considered the protector of animals. Offering prayers to him before consuming dairy products or any form of non-vegetarian food symbolizes respect for the life force and acknowledges its sacrifice.
Mantra:
ॐ नमः पशुपतये नमः।
Translation:
"I bow to Lord Pashupati, the lord of all creatures."
By invoking Pashupati Shiva, one respects the balance of life and nature's cycle.
5. Prayer to Dhanvantari (God of Health)
Dhanvantari is the Hindu god of medicine and Ayurveda. Invoking him before meals ensures that the food will be nourishing and promote health.
Mantra:
ॐ श्रीं धन्वंतरये नमः।
Translation:
"I bow to Lord Dhanvantari, the divine healer and preserver of health."
This prayer focuses on receiving health benefits from the meal.
6. Prayer to Goddess Ganga (Goddess of Purity)
Offering prayers to Goddess Ganga before eating ensures that the food and water consumed are pure and spiritually uplifting.
Mantra:
ॐ नमो गङ्गायै विष्णुपदं शुभं नमः।
Translation:
"I bow to the sacred Goddess Ganga, who is the purest and the one who resides at the feet of Lord Vishnu."
This mantra is recited to ensure that the food and water consumed are purified and blessed.
Simple Steps for a Pre-Meal Puja (Prayer Ritual)
- Cleanliness: Begin by washing your hands and feet. Cleanliness is important in Hindu traditions to ensure purity before any prayer or meal.
- Set a Peaceful Atmosphere: Light a small lamp or candle at your dining table or altar.
- Offer a Prayer: Place a small portion of the food in a separate dish as an offering to the deity. This can be done before serving the main meal.
- Chant a Mantra: Select one or more of the mantras provided above and chant them with reverence.
- Thank the Divine: Bow your head and express gratitude for the meal you are about to receive.
- Consume with Mindfulness: As you eat, remember that the food is sacred and nourishing your body and soul.
Rare Facts about Food in Hinduism
Brahman Bhojan: In some Hindu households, it is customary to offer the first portion of the cooked food to the Brahman (a learned person) or a cow before eating, as a sign of respect and gratitude to the gods.
Offering Food to God: Known as "Naivedya," food is first offered to the gods during puja ceremonies, which is then distributed as "Prasad." This ritual sanctifies the food, making it spiritually enriched.
Ahimsa (Non-Violence): Many Hindus practice vegetarianism, which is seen as an expression of "Ahimsa," the principle of non-violence. Eating food derived from plants is considered a way to live in harmony with nature.
Sattvic Diet: Some Hindus follow a "Sattvic" diet, which includes foods that are pure, light, and promote clarity of mind. Sattvic foods include fruits, vegetables, grains, and dairy, and exclude meat, onions, and garlic.
Panchamrit: A mixture of milk, yogurt, honey, ghee, and sugar is often offered to gods and consumed as a purifying drink in many Hindu rituals, symbolizing the nourishment of body, mind, and soul.
Praying before dinner in the Hindu religion is a sacred act of acknowledging the divine sources of nourishment. By invoking deities such as Annapurna, Lakshmi, Shakumbhari, and Dhanvantari, one expresses gratitude for food, health, and prosperity. Whether through simple mantras or short prayers, it is a practice that sanctifies the act of eating and reinforces a connection to the divine.