We often hear that life is a journey, a series of choices, actions, and moments that shape our existence. In the same way, our traditions and rituals hold deep layers of meaning. But, let’s pause and consider this: what if these divine preferences—like the prasad (sacred offerings) given to gods—are not just about food? What if, in their simplicity, they reflect something much larger about us and our relationship with the divine? In offering our prayers and rituals, we aren’t just appeasing gods; we’re aligning with life itself. These prasad, which the gods supposedly enjoy, hold lessons about balance, joy, and devotion—ideas we can all take to heart.
1. Lord Ganesha – Modak: The Sweetness of Beginnings Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, is perhaps the most beloved god in the Hindu pantheon. His favourite prasad, the modak, is a sweet dumpling filled with coconut and jaggery. The symbol here isn’t just about indulgence—it’s about the sweetness we must seek at the beginning of any new venture or endeavor. Just like Ganesha, we are constantly removing obstacles, both internal and external, to pursue new chapters. The modak reminds us that in every new beginning, there should be a sweetness—a grace and an optimism that sustains us through challenges. How often do we forget to make the journey as joyful as the destination?
2. Lord Shiva – Bhang: Embracing Imperfection Shiva, the god of destruction and transformation, is often depicted as the ascetic, detached from worldly pleasures. But there is an offering to him that cuts through the sterility of asceticism: bhang. A drink made from cannabis, it’s both controversial and liberating. It signifies that the divine doesn’t demand perfection from us. Shiva, in his deepest form, doesn’t need us to be pure or flawless. The bhang tells us that surrendering to life—fully, and with all its messy, chaotic beauty—is a form of spirituality. We are all in various stages of becoming, and embracing our imperfections is part of the divine journey.
3. Lord Vishnu – Panchamrit: Unity in Diversity Panchamrit—a mix of five ingredients: milk, ghee, honey, curd, and sugar—represents the richness of life. It’s no accident that Vishnu, the preserver, is associated with such an offering. In life, we are made up of various parts—our minds, bodies, souls, and experiences. The panchamrit reminds us of the beauty in combining different elements of ourselves. Just like this prasad, our lives are a blend of opposites and contradictions, and only in accepting them do we find balance. Vishnu’s offering invites us to embrace the complexity of our identities and relationships without the need to simplify them.
4. Lord Krishna – Makhan Mishri: Innocence and Playfulness Krishna’s relationship with butter (makhan) and sugar crystals (mishri) is legendary. It’s not just about his mischievous love for stealing butter; it’s about the simplicity of childhood, the freedom to be playful and innocent. Krishna’s prasad teaches us a vital lesson: that life isn’t all about responsibility and duty. Sometimes, we must let go of the burdens of seriousness and reconnect with joy and freedom. As adults, we forget that innocence doesn’t always need to be replaced by cynicism or weighty wisdom. Like Krishna, we too can savor life’s simple pleasures without guilt.
5. Goddess Lakshmi – Rice Pudding: Nourishing Prosperity Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, is offered rice pudding. Beyond the surface of prosperity, wealth, and material success, there lies a deeper truth. Lakshmi’s prasad of rice pudding—simple yet nourishing—reminds us that true prosperity isn’t just about money or status. It’s about nourishment, both physical and spiritual. It’s about cultivating gratitude for the abundance we already have, and ensuring that wealth, in all its forms, serves to nurture rather than inflate ego. In a world obsessed with accumulating, Lakshmi’s offering reminds us that real prosperity comes from the ability to share and give.
6. Goddess Durga – Malpua: Strength in Sweetness Durga’s favourite prasad, malpua (a deep-fried pancake soaked in sugar syrup), is the perfect blend of strength and sweetness. Durga, the fierce warrior goddess, embodies the power to protect, destroy, and transform. But the malpua teaches us something essential: strength doesn’t always have to be rigid or harsh. Sometimes, it’s found in softness and compassion. Life’s challenges often require a balance of both strength and tenderness. Durga’s prasad calls us to wield power wisely—not to destroy, but to uplift.
7. Lord Hanuman – Laddu: The Power of Simplicity Hanuman’s favourite prasad is the laddu—a sweet made from flour, ghee, and sugar. It’s simple but hearty, and so is Hanuman’s nature. Hanuman’s devotion is unmatched, not because of complexity, but because of his pure simplicity. The laddu reminds us that the simplest things—be it an act of kindness, a gesture of devotion, or an expression of love—often carry the greatest power. Life doesn’t need to be overcomplicated. Like Hanuman, we can achieve greatness through simplicity, sincerity, and unwavering dedication.
8. Lord Rama – Fruits and Nuts: Simplicity and Truth Rama, the ideal of dharma and virtue, is offered fruits and nuts—basic, wholesome, and nourishing. This offering teaches us that true strength and virtue aren’t about grandeur or excess. They come from embracing life in its purest, most unadulterated form. Rama’s prasad reminds us that while we may live in a world obsessed with wealth, fame, and possessions, real fulfillment comes from living with integrity and truth. It’s a quiet, simple existence that holds power beyond measure.
9. Lord Surya – Arghya: Offering Light Back to the Light Surya, the sun god, is offered arghya—water mixed with flowers, milk, and sugar. Arghya symbolizes an offering of light, an acknowledgment of the light we receive from the sun, both literal and metaphorical. In our lives, this offering asks us to recognize the source of all our blessings. Surya’s prasad teaches us the importance of gratitude, of returning to the source, and of offering light back to the world. It’s about being mindful of the energy and love we receive—and giving it back in whatever form we can.
10. Lord Kartikeya – Kheer: Strength in Sweet Reflection Kartikeya, the god of war, enjoys kheer, a rice pudding. The kheer’s sweetness and simplicity provide a stark contrast to his warrior persona, but that’s precisely the point. The sweetest victories in life come not from aggression, but from quiet reflection, patience, and inner peace. Kartikeya’s prasad invites us to understand that strength isn’t only about physical might. It is also about nurturing the mind and spirit, allowing them to grow and thrive, just as the kheer nourishes the body.