Mumbai: Hindu devotees offer food to deities in accordance with their cultural and traditional practices. Typically, these offerings range from one to five types of food items. Jagannath Temple in Puri, however, has an exceptional tradition. Lord Jagannath is presented with a grand offering known as the ’56 Bhog,’ which includes 56 different foods. Additionally, for centuries, another unique tradition has been followed where Lord Jagannath is offered neem powder after receiving the 56 food items.
Mythological Significance of 56 Bhog
In ancient mythology, Lord Jagannath was offered 56 types of food. According to legend, Lord Krishna’s mother, Yashoda, fed him eight times a day. During a significant event, Krishna lifted the Govardhan mountain in order to protect the Brajwasis from the wrath of Indra Dev. Krishna did not consume any food or water during this period. When Indra Dev’s anger subsided and the rains stopped after eight days, Krishna asked the Brajwasis to return home.
Yashoda and the Brajwasis were deeply distressed by Krishna going without food and water for seven days. As a sign of love and devotion, they prepared 56 types of food for Krishna, symbolising the 7 days × 8 meals per day that he missed.
The Offering of Neem Powder: A Tale of Devotion
There is a long-standing tradition of offering neem powder to Lord Jagannath after the 56 food items. According to one such story, a king in Puri offered 56 different dishes to Lord Jagannath every day. Nearby, a woman considered Lord Jagannath her son and would visit the temple daily to watch him partake in the offerings.
One day, the woman worried that consuming such a large quantity of food might give her ‘son’ a stomach ache. The woman prepared neem powder, which has healing properties, and brought it to the temple as a preventative measure. But when she tried to enter the temple gate, the guards threw away the neem powder. Concerned that her son might suffer from stomach pain, the woman spent the night in tears.
A Divine Intervention
In response to the woman’s distress, Lord Jagannath appeared in the king’s dream and asked why his soldiers had refused his ‘mother’ medicine. The next day, the king apologised to the woman for the actions of his soldiers and allowed her to prepare the neem powder for Lord Jagannath. In the years afterwards, neem powder became customary to be offered to Lord Jagannath after the 56 Bhog.
Lord Jagannath
The story of the 56 Bhog and the offering of neem powder to Lord Jagannath demonstrates the deep-rooted traditions and devotional practices of Hinduism. Rituals steeped in mythology and legend continue to be observed by devout devotees with reverence and faith, symbolising an enduring bond between deities and devotees.
The tradition of offering 56 Bhog (food offerings) to Lord Jagannath in Puri is well-known. But, have you heard of the unique custom of offering neem powder afterward? Discover the reasons behind this practice and its deeper meaning within the Jagannath temple rituals. Spirituality Lifestyle News -Fashion Trends, Beauty Tips, Celebrity Party News, Relationship advice, Travel and Food Tips
