Significance of Prasada
Synonyms: Blessing, Offering, Grace, Gift, Boon, Holy offering, Sacred food, Blessed food, Consecrated food
In Dutch: 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: Harshacharita (socio-cultural Study)
(1) Big buildings referenced in the text, indicating architectural grandeur.[24] (2) Big buildings that represent another aspect of the advanced architecture described.[25]
From: Malatimadhava (study)
(1) One of the conspicuous merits of the Vaidarbhi style, suggesting grace or elegance.[26] (2) The third recognized type of guna, suggesting clarity or refinement.[27]
From: Agni Purana
(1) A form of sound that has been described in three types (gross, subtle, foremost) and is associated with virtue and yogic accomplishments.[28] (2) Lucidity or clarity in poetry, allowing the audience to understand.[29]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) The serene state achieved when the mind, senses, and vital airs are harmonized.[30]
From: Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana
(1) One of the three gunas, representing clarity or purity.[31] (2) Satisfaction derived from ease of understanding in poetry, contributing to the overall quality of literary works.[32] (3) A quality of clarity in meaning that assures comprehensibility and depth in poetic works.[33]
From: Kashyapa Shilpa-shastra (study)
(1) The main temple structure which provides reference points for measuring the prakaras.[34] (2) Refers to the main temple structure in which various types of mandapas such as mukhamandapa are constructed.[35] (3) A term denoting a palatial place for gods, which is known for its beauty and serenity, pleasing the minds of both gods and humans.[36]
From: Hanuman Nataka (critical study)
(1) A Guna characterized by pleasantness and charm, facilitating immediate emotional responses.[37] (2) A type of Guna that denotes clarity and ease of understanding within a literary work, enhancing the poet's literary ability.[38]
From: Mudrarakshasa (literary study)
(1) The swift comprehensibility of senses in poetry, often likened to water soaking into cloth.[39]
From: Lakulisha-Pashupata (Philosophy and Practice)
(1) Grace, which is fundamental in the Pasupata system for attaining liberation and surpassing other philosophical paths.[40]
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.[41]
Jain concept of 'Prasada'
Prasada in Jainism signifies a serene and pleasing demeanor that arises from a well-balanced mind, reflecting an individual’s good temperament and inner peace. This interpretation emphasizes the spiritual and emotional harmony valued in Jain teachings.
From: Yogadrstisamuccaya of Haribhadra Suri (Study)
(1) A pleasant and calm appearance resulting from a mind that is in a good temper.[42]
The concept of Prasada in scientific sources
Prasada, in this context, signifies the nourishing nutrients generated during metabolic processes that support the body's Dhatus, which are the fundamental tissues vital for maintaining overall health and balance.
From: International Ayurvedic Medical Journal
(1) Prasada refers to the nutrients produced during the metabolic processes that nourish the Dhatus in the body.[43]
From: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
(1) The nutrient-rich portion of food that is formed after it has been processed by Jatharagni, as opposed to Kitta which consists of waste materials.[44]