Panchamrita (Sanskrit: पञ्चामृत, lit. 'five Amṛtas') is a mixture of five foods used in Hindu as well as Jain worship and puja and Abhiṣeka[1] It is often used as an offering during pooja post which it is distributed as prasad.[2]
The main ingredients typically include honey(मधु), sugar(शर्करा), cow milk(दुग्ध), curd(दधि) and ghee(घृत)[3]
The Abhiṣeka starts with ghee. A conch full of cow's ghee is poured on the head of the idol and it flows down up to feet. Then milk, curd, honey and sugar are poured.[4] While it has to be noted that variety of additional regional ingredients such as, cardamom, banana, tender coconut, and dates are used,[5] the five base ingredients remain the same across all of India.
In Tamil Nadu, Panchamritam (Tamil: பஞ்சாமிர்தம்) is a mixture of banana, ghee, honey, jaggery and cardamom. In addition, other substances like seedless dates and sugar candies are added.[6] Keralites may also include tender coconut. Some recipes also include grapes.[7]
Palani Dhandayuthapani temple located in Tamil Nadu is popular for its unique panchamirtham which uses Virupatchi hill bananas grown in the surrounding Palani hills.[8] It received its unique Geographical indication in 2019 from the Government of India.[9]
© MMXXIII Rich X Search. We shall prevail. All rights reserved. Rich X Search