In Hinduism, prayer before meals is a way to show gratitude for the food provided and to acknowledge the divine presence in the act of nourishment. Prayers are usually short and offered to deities associated with nourishment, strength, and prosperity. Here’s an expanded guide on how to pray for lunch, along with relevant mantras, puja steps, and associated deities.
1. Importance of Praying Before Meals in Hinduism
In Hindu culture, food is seen as an offering from the divine, and prayers before meals are a way to express gratitude for the food and the nourishment it provides. It is a means of honoring the divine forces that sustain life and bless humanity with sustenance.
2. Deities to Worship Before Meals
Several deities are traditionally associated with food, nourishment, health, and protection. These include:
- Ganesha: The remover of obstacles and the deity who ensures the smooth completion of all tasks.
- Goddess Annapurna: The goddess of nourishment and food.
- Goddess Shakumbhari: The deity associated with providing food and vegetation.
- Krishna: A form of Vishnu, worshipped for his blessings on prosperity and joy.
- Goddess Parvati: The nurturing aspect of the divine feminine, who takes care of all beings.
- Hanuman: Worshipped for strength, vitality, and protection, which are essential for well-being.
3. Simple Prayers and Mantras for Before Lunch
A. Prayer to Ganesha
Before beginning any task, it’s customary to offer prayers to Lord Ganesha to remove obstacles.
Mantra:
Vakratunda Mahakaya Suryakoti Samaprabha,
Nirvighnam Kurume Deva Sarva Karyeshu Sarvada
Meaning:
O Lord Ganesha, who has a large body, a curved trunk, and the brilliance of a million suns, please remove all obstacles in all my undertakings.
B. Prayer to Goddess Annapurna
The goddess Annapurna is the deity of food and nourishment. Offerings and gratitude before meals can be made in her honor.
Mantra:
Annapurne Sadapurne Shankara Pranavallabhe,
Jnana Vairagya Siddhyartham Bhikshaam Dehi Cha Parvati
Meaning:
O Goddess Annapurna, the beloved of Lord Shiva, grant us the wisdom and strength to attain knowledge and detachment. Please bless us with the food we need.
C. Prayer to Goddess Shakumbhari
Goddess Shakumbhari is another deity associated with food, vegetation, and nourishment.
Mantra:
Shakumbhari Devi Sharanam Prapadye,
Sarva Samriddhi Vardhani
Meaning:
I seek refuge in Goddess Shakumbhari, who blesses with all forms of prosperity and nourishes life on Earth.
D. Prayer to Krishna
Krishna, especially in his form as Govinda, is revered as the protector of cows and the provider of sustenance.
Mantra:
Krishnaaya Vasudevaaya Haraye Paramatmane,
Pranata Klesha Naashaaya Govindaaya Namo Namah
Meaning:
Salutations to Lord Krishna, the son of Vasudeva, the supreme being who destroys all miseries and is worshipped as Govinda.
E. Prayer to Goddess Parvati
As the nurturing and caring aspect of the Divine Mother, Parvati is honored for providing sustenance.
Mantra:
Sarva Mangala Mangalye Shive Sarvaartha Saadhike,
Sharanye Tryambake Gauri Narayani Namostute
Meaning:
Salutations to the auspicious Goddess Parvati, who grants all achievements and nurtures the universe. I take refuge in her.
F. Prayer to Hanuman
Hanuman is invoked for strength, energy, and vitality that food provides to the body.
Mantra:
Anjaneyam Ati Patalananam,
Kanchanadri Kamaneeya Vigraham,
Parijatatarumoolavasinam,
Bhavayami Pavamananandanam
Meaning:
I meditate upon Lord Hanuman, the son of the wind god, who resides under the Parijata tree and is renowned for his immense strength and grace.
4. Simple Steps for a Quick Lunch Puja
Before eating, a simple prayer ritual can be conducted:
- Cleanse Hands: Wash your hands as a sign of purity before offering your prayer.
- Light a Diya (Lamp): If possible, light a small oil lamp (diya) before offering the prayer.
- Offer Gratitude: Mentally offer the food to your chosen deity. Visualize the food as blessed by the divine, ready to nourish your body and mind.
- Recite a Mantra or Prayer: Chant one of the mantras or simple prayers mentioned above. This can be done silently or aloud.
- Bless the Food: Mentally bless the food by imagining it imbued with divine energy.
- Begin Eating: After offering thanks and blessing the food, start your meal with a sense of gratitude and humility.
5. Rare and Relevant Facts
- Offering Water: In Hindu rituals, offering water (called achamanam) before and after meals is customary to signify purity.
- Prasad Concept: In Hinduism, food is often offered to the deities as Prasad, which is then considered sanctified and consumed. Offering the first portion of food to the divine acknowledges the spiritual connection with nourishment.
- Satvic Diet: Many Hindus follow a satvic diet, which consists of fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, and dairy that promotes mental clarity and physical health. Prayers before meals reinforce this purity of food.
- Recitation of the Bhagavad Gita Verses: Some Hindus recite verses from the Bhagavad Gita before meals to remind themselves of the spiritual significance of food. For example, Chapter 15, Verse 14, describes how Lord Krishna nourishes all beings.
Verse (Gita 15.14):
Aham Vaishvanaro Bhutva Praninam Deham Ashritah,
Pranapana Samayuktah Pachamyannam Chaturvidham
Meaning:
As the fire of digestion in the stomach of all living beings, I, Krishna, digest the four kinds of food with the help of the vital air (Prana).
Praying before meals in Hinduism is an act of reverence and gratitude, aligning the act of eating with spiritual consciousness. By invoking deities like Ganesha, Annapurna, Shakumbhari, Krishna, Parvati, and Hanuman, Hindus not only acknowledge the divine source of nourishment but also infuse their meals with positive energy and mindfulness.