The Bhojan Mantra in Hinduism is a prayer dedicated to Goddess Annapurna, the divine goddess of food and nourishment. Annapurna is considered a form of Devi Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. The Bhojan Mantra is chanted before meals, seeking the blessings of Goddess Annapurna for the food that is about to be consumed. It is believed that the chanting of this mantra can bring good health, happiness, and prosperity to the devotee.
The Bhojan Mantra is a way of expressing gratitude to the
divine for the sustenance provided through the food. It acknowledges the
sacredness of the act of eating and the importance of nourishment for the body
and soul. The mantra not only emphasizes the physical aspect of food but also
the spiritual significance of consuming it with reverence and mindfulness.
Here is a common version of the Bhojan Mantra:
ज्ञानवैराग्यसिद्ध्यर्थं भिक्षां देहि च पार्वति॥
Jnana Vairagya Siddhyartham, Bhiksham Dehi Cha Parvati
Translation:
"O Annapurna, who is always full, beloved of Shankara,
Grant me alms that I may be sustained in knowledge and detachment."
Chanting this mantra before meals is believed to invoke the
blessings of Goddess Annapurna, ensuring that the food is not just a physical
necessity but a source of spiritual nourishment as well. It is a beautiful
practice that encourages mindfulness and gratitude for the abundance provided
by the divine.