INVC NEWS
New Delhi ,
Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, is one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. Worshipped with utmost devotion and reverence, he is believed to bestow his blessings upon his devotees, fulfilling their wishes and granting them a blissful life. Every Thursday, devotees across the world perform special rituals to offer their prayers to Lord Vishnu. As a part of this, people offer gram or gram dal and jaggery to the God. In this article, we will explore the significance of offering gram and jaggery to Lord Vishnu.
The Mythological Story behind Offering Gram and Jaggery
As per the Hindu mythology, Devarshi Narad, the supreme devotee of Lord Vishnu, desired to gain knowledge about the soul from him. However, every time he expressed his desire to Sri Hari, the Lord would ask him to become worthy of the knowledge first. Narad ji performed intense penance to make himself eligible for the knowledge, but to no avail. Eventually, he embarked on a tour of the earth.
During his journey, he saw Lord Vishnu sitting in a temple, being fed by an old woman. After the Lord left, Narad ji approached the old woman and inquired about what she was feeding the Lord. She replied that she was offering gram and jaggery as Prasad to Lord Vishnu.
Inspired by her devotion, Narad ji started fasting and distributed gram and jaggery as Prasad among the people. After some time, Lord Vishnu appeared before him and blessed him, saying that anyone who offers gram and jaggery to the old woman would have all their wishes fulfilled. Since then, it has become a popular ritual to offer gram and jaggery to Lord Vishnu on Thursdays.
The Significance of Offering Gram and Jaggery to Lord Vishnu
In Hinduism, every deity has a specific offering that is considered auspicious and believed to please the deity. Similarly, offering gram and jaggery to Lord Vishnu is believed to be very auspicious. Gram is a rich source of protein, and jaggery is an excellent source of iron, calcium, and other essential minerals. When offered to Lord Vishnu, these two ingredients are believed to purify the body and mind, bestowing good health and prosperity upon the devotee.
Apart from this, gram and jaggery are also believed to represent the qualities of Lord Vishnu. Gram is known for its strength and stability, while jaggery is sweet and nourishing. Lord Vishnu is also known for his strength and stability, and his blessings are believed to bring sweetness and nourishment to one’s life. Therefore, offering gram and jaggery to Lord Vishnu is believed to bring the qualities of the deity into one’s life.
How to Perform the Ritual of Offering Gram and Jaggery to Lord Vishnu
Performing the ritual of offering gram and jaggery to Lord Vishnu is easy and straightforward. Here are the steps to follow:
- Take a handful of gram or gram dal and some jaggery.
- Offer it to the deity, while reciting Vishnu Sahasranamam or any other stotra dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
- Pray to Lord Vishnu and seek his blessings.
- Distribute the Prasad to the devotees.
By performing this ritual, one can seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu, and fulfill their wishes. Offering gram and jaggery to Lord Vishnu is an auspicious ritual that has been followed by devotees for generations. It is believed to bring good health, prosperity .
