Significance of Prasada
Synonyms: Blessing, Offering, Grace, Gift, Boon, Holy offering, Sacred food, Blessed food, Consecrated food
In Dutch: Prasada; In German: Prasada; In Finnish: Prasada; In Spanish: Prasada
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Prasada'
In Hinduism, Prasada encompasses sacred food remnants offered to deities, symbolizing purity and connection. It also refers to architectural forms of temples embodying the divine, reflecting balance and spiritual significance in worship and artistic expression.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Food or items that have been offered to the deity, which are then considered sacred and an integral part of spiritual practice.[1] (2) The offered food or sacred remnants that Shri Gadadhara placed before Lord Gauracandra.[2] (3) Food that has been offered to the Deity and is shared among devotees, highlighted in the communal eating experience.[3] (4) A food offering made to a deity in religious practices, which is then consumed as blessed.[4] (5) The sanctified food offered to deities, which Nimai honored as part of his devotional practices.[5]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) A meal that is offered and then accepted with reverence, which Pandita Baleshvaranatha Tiwari honours when he eats.[6] (2) Food that has been offered to the deity and is considered sacred, symbolizing the sharing of blessings between devotees.[7] (3) Food that is considered blessed and offered to the deity, which devotees respectfully honored following the samadhi ceremony.[8] (4) Food that has been offered to a deity and is thus considered sanctified and spiritually uplifting.[9] (5) Food that is offered as a spiritual offering, which brought happiness to Guru Maharaja and Shrila Gurudeva when they opened the bag.[10]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) Remnants of food offered to deities, which is accepted by devotees and symbolizes love and devotion when shared.[11] (2) the remnants of food or articles offered to the deity.[12] (3) Sacred remnants of food offered to deities, considered purifying and empowering in spiritual practice.[13] (4) Foods offered to deities as a form of worship, which are then accepted as blessed remnants by the devotees.[14]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) by the mercy[15]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) kindness[16]
From: Vastu-shastra (Introduction to Indian architecture)
(1) Hindu temples or palaces characterized by their architectural grandeur and religious significance.[17] (2) Royal residences or architectural structures described in Jataka texts, signifying palatial buildings.[18] (3) Large monumental buildings or temples in Indian architecture built with considerable manpower and craftsmanship, particularly around the tenth century A.D.[19] (4) Another constituent element of Vastu relating to architectural structures.[20] (5) A term defined in the Mayamata that refers to the central shrine and the various temple establishments associated with it.[21]
From: Samarangana-sutradhara (Summary)
(1) A term referring to the main structures of Hindu temples, integral to temple architecture.[22] (2) The temple structure, which serves as the background against which the proportions of the Phallus are measured.[23]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) The serene state achieved when the mind, senses, and vital airs are harmonized.[24]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) A large temple or palace where the deity is worshipped, believed to be a place where God's grace extends to all worshippers.[25]
The concept of Prasada in local and regional sources
Prasada is consecrated food consumed during meals, symbolizing spiritual nourishment. The speaker emphasizes the importance of its consumption, highlighting its significance in rituals and as a communal offering, enhancing the dining experience with divine blessings.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) This refers to consecrated food, which Swamiji and the disciple go to partake of at the end of the conversation.[26] (2) This is food offered as a blessing, given to Nag Mahashaya, symbolizing spiritual nourishment and the sharing of divine grace within the community, and it is associated with devotion.[27] (3) This phrase refers to the consecrated food that is consumed during a meal, and the speaker advises its consumption.[28]