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What is Nivedana?
Nivedana, also known as “food offering,” is a traditional Hindu ritual that is performed at the Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and is considered one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in India.
The Nivedana ritual involves offering food to Lord Venkateswara as a symbol of devotion and gratitude. The food offered is typically a variety of vegetarian dishes, such as rice, dal, sambar, and curries, along with fruits and sweets. The food is prepared with great care and devotion, and is considered to be sacred.
The Nivedana ritual is typically performed during the main puja (worship) ceremony at the temple, which takes place in the morning and in the evening. The priests at the temple are responsible for making the offerings of food to the Lord, and they do so with great devotion and reverence. The food is then distributed as prasadam (sacred food) to the devotees who have come to the temple to offer their prayers and seek the blessings of Lord Venkateswara.
The Nivedana ritual is considered to be an important aspect of the spiritual practices at the Sri Venkateswara Temple. By offering food to the Lord, devotees believe that they are expressing their devotion and gratitude to him, and that they are also providing sustenance to the Lord, who is considered to be the sustainer of all life. The ritual is also believed to bring blessings of prosperity, good health, and happiness to those who perform it with devotion and faith.
The Nivedana ritual is also an important aspect of the temple’s daily operations. The temple management provides meals to thousands of devotees every day, which is considered as a great service. The temple’s kitchen is known as “Annakuta,” and it serves thousands of meals to the devotees daily. The kitchen employs around 1500 people, who work tirelessly to prepare the meals for the devotees.
Every morning, immediately following the Sahasra Namaarchana, Laddus, Vadas, Tamarind Rice, Pongal, Curd Rice, and other offerings are made to the main deity and other images of the Lord in the sanctum sanctorum. The first food offering is referred to as the initial bell. The second bell is the one that rings in the afternoon. The third bell at night is referred to as the third bell.
Just before Ekantha Seva, a lovely Pongal called “Tiru Veesam” bell is offered to the Lord (Laying the Deity to sleep). It is then presented to Sannidhi Bhashyakara. All of these foods are only served by priests in Tirumala.
Types of “NAIVEDYAM” Offered to Lord Venkateshwara for Nivedana
Bala Bhogam, Raja Bhogam, and Shayana Bhogam are the three main offerings. In addition to these three regular offerings, there are several other Naivedyams made for special occasions.
During Suprabhatha Seva, the first meals offered to god, the father Venkateswara, are refreshing and warm raw milk (Darshana Move- Ksheeram) and refreshing butter (Navaneetam). Then comes Suprabhatam, Tomala Seva, and Sahasra Naamaarchana.
During the Yatraasanam ritual, Lord appears with a powdered mixture of jaggery, black-colored sesame seeds, and dried ginger. This is followed by Sahasranaamaarchana and Bala Bhogam, which complete the morning rituals (Praathahkaalaaaraadhana).
Raja Bhogam and Ashtottharasatanamarchana are performed after devotees take their darshan during Sarvadarsan.
The sanctum is later cleansed again during the nighttime rituals, or Saayankalaradhana, and the deity is decorated with fresh blossoms. The midnight food offering known as ‘Tiruveesam’ is offered to Him at the end of the Sayana Bhogam. It contains white rice as well as Guddanannam, a delicious jaggery-flavored rice.
The last ritual of the day, Ekaanta Seva, concludes with an offering of warm milk to the Lord, along with seasonal cut fruits and dry fruits roasted in ghee.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Menu of Lord Venkateshwara for Nivedana
Lord of Riches also eats a variety of delectable annaprasadams and other delicacies for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Types of Prasadams (Offering of Food)
Anna prasadams such as Matrannam, Mudgannam (ghee Pongal), Tintrinirasannam (tamarind rice-pulihora), Dadhyodhanam (Curd rice), Gudannam (jaggery rice, Chakra Pongal), Sakannam (kadambam rice made of vegetables), and Shakkarannam (Ravakesari) are prepared for “Divine Break Fast” after the First Bell in the temple.
Aside from these, Lord desires four other types of snacks or Panyaramulu (savoury) every day. Ladukam (Laddu), Mashappam (vada), Gudappam (appam), and Chakrappam are some of them (dosa).
Lunch or Raja Bhogam menu appears to Lord after the second bell. During this hour, the delicacies include Suddhannam (basic white rice), Pulihora Gudannam, Dadhyodhanam, Seera, or Sakkarabath.
After the third bell, Marichyannam or pepper rice, Chakrappam, Dosa, Ladukam, Mashappam, and Sakkarannam are served for dinner or ShayanaBhogam.
Conclusion
Overall, the Nivedana ritual is an important aspect of the spiritual practices at the Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala. It is a powerful way for devotees to connect with Lord Venkateswara and express their devotion and gratitude to him. The ritual is also an important aspect of the temple’s daily operations, as it provides sustenance to the thousands of devotees who come to the temple to seek the blessings of Lord Venkateswara.
