Introduction
The tradition of food offerings in Hinduism has great spiritual importance, representing love, devotion, and gratitude to the gods. One of the most incredible offerings is the 56 Bhog Thal, a grand arrangement of fifty-six different delicacies offered to the gods. This ancient tradition is greatly intensified when offered to Khatu Shyam Ji, the beloved idol of Lord Krishna, known for fulfilling the wishes of devotees. Each of the fifty-six offerings represents love and devotion, and not just abudance. In this blog, I will discuss the divine connection of Khatu Shyam Ji and the 56 Bhog offering.
1. What is 56 Bhog Ka Prasad?
56 Bhog Ka Prasad, sacred offering of fifty-six different items of food made with whole hearted love to the deity representing both devotion and gratitude. In the Hindu tradition, food is considered to be a pure form of offering. 56 Bhog represents blessings, abundance and divine grace. Each dish in 56 Bhog is chosen and prepared with love and devotion and connection to the devotee and the heart. When food is offered in devotion and love, it is believed to please to the deity as well as invite prosperity, protection and the fulfilment of wishes. This beautiful offering is even more significant during the time of major festivals and rituals as it creates a deeper feeling of divine connection to the offerings, the devotee and the divine.
2. Khatu Shyam Chappan Bhog Prasad: A Divine Feast
Offering Khatu Shyam Ji a Chappan Bhog (56 kinds of food) is an ultimate symbol of pure love and devotion. Khatu Shyam Ji is considered to be an incarnation of Lord Krishna, and it is believed that he accepts this khichri out of immense love. Legends say that after the war of Mahabharat, Lord Krishna fasted for many days, after which, so that he could gain his strength back, he was served a Chappan Bhog with many preparations. This is why devotees of Khatu Shyam Ji make offerings at the temple. When devotees offer Chappan Bhog to Khatu Shyam Ji, the hope is that he will bless them with peace, happiness, wealth, and the fulfillment of wishes.
Common items served on the platters of Chappan Bhog:
- Sweets, such as peda, laddoo, barfi, jalebi, and rasgulla
- Fried foods, such as kachori, samosa, and pakora
- Dry fruits and nuts
- Rice, such as pulao or khichri
- Different types of halwa (suji, moong dal…)
- Fruits, puri, and miscellaneous types of traditional Indian breads
- Chutneys, pickles, curd, and other forms of curd.
3. Lakhdatar 56 Bhog: The Grand Offering for Devotees
The title Lakhdatar — meaning the one who grants in abundance — is affectionately used for Khatu Shyam Ji, who is said to grant his devotees abundant blessings. As the story goes, after the battle of Mahabarata, Lord Krishna (Khatu Shyam Ji’s previous form) had 56 items prepared for him as nourishment and care. From this story, devotees prepare the Lakhdatar 56 Bhog to make a great offering to Khatu Shyam Ji and express their endless love and gratitude. The 56 Bhog symbolizes devotion, abundance, and a desire to serve God the best that could be offered. Once the 56 Bhog is offered to Khatu Shyam Ji, the devotees receive Prasad. Eating the Prasad is considered favorable and auspicious, thought to bring blessings, comfort, prosperity, and fulfillment of wishes. The Prasad is eaten with great reverence, thought to carry the love and blessings of Khatu Shyam Ji.
4. Ekadashi 56 Bhog: A Special Offering on Auspicious Days
Ekadashi, the eleventh day of the lunar calendar, is incredibly significant in Hinduism as a day of fasting, prayer, and devotion. 56 Bhog preparation on Ekadashi is a unique tradition that signifies absolute surrender and absolute love for God. On this special day, and specifically catered to Khatu Shyam Ji, devotees will prepare and offer 56 dishes looking for blessings of peace, prosperity, and liberation from worldly troubles. The reason for the religious significance is related to the belief that the offerings made to the deity on this day will be delighted to receive such an auspicious offering quickly. The spirituality of offering such food to a deity, specifically on Ekadashi, represents the devotee’s purest emotions. The devotee is often fasting and abstaining from worldly pleasures, devoted entirely to God, and giving meaningful offerings to Khatu Shyam Ji. Offsetting Chappan Bog on Ekadashi is often a practice for believers to purify their souls and receive Khatu Shyam Ji’s never-ending grace and blessings.
5. Manohar Bikkaneri: Bringing Authentic 56 Bhog Prasad to Devotees
When we are offering 56 Bhog Prasad to Khatu Shyam Ji, there is no substitute or more trusted amount practitioners and believers of Khatu Shyam Ji, than the name Manohar Bikkaneri. Manohar Bikkaneri is known among followers for their supreme quality, devotion, and is known for preparation each item with the same recipes, frames, or styles that the devotees use. Everything higher food is made with premium quality products and care, in cleanliness, to save the purity of an offering. But in the case of Manohar Bikkaneri, there will not duplicate of their Bhog — it’s prasad filled with devotion and blessings.
Devotees in Delhi can conveniently get Manohar Bikkaneri’s 56 Bhog Prasad either by visiting their storefront or calling ahead to order it for religious or Ekadashi occasions. Additionally, special deliveries are also available to ensure the Prasad arrives to your home fresh and ready for an offering. Manohar Bikkaneri allows devotees the opportunity to enjoy the genuine feeling of Chappan Bhog without the hassle of preparing it.
Conclusion
Offering and eating 56 Bhog is a sacred practice with great spiritual importance. It represents true devotion, gratitude, and the intent of serving God with love and abundance. Devotees share the understanding that by participating in this sacred offering, it gives an opportunity for Khatu Shyam Ji to bless us with Muhuniya, health, and spiritual fulfillment. Each bite of the Prasad is said to be filled with divine energy that purifies the mind and spirit. Today, it is easy for devotees to participate in that sacred offering practice, by making 56 Bhog at home or purchasing from an authentic source, like Manohar Bikkaneri. 56 Bhog is a beautiful way for all devotees to deepen their connection with Khatu Shyam Ji, offered at temples or altars at home, and feel his infinite grace and blessings.
FAQs:
56 Bhog Thal represents abundance, devotion, and thanksgiving. Presenting the Bhog to Diety reflects the commitment to serving God with pure love and a desire for blessings of prosperity, health, and spiritual wellness.
Khatu Shyam Chappan Bhog Prasad comprises sweets, etc, savories, etc, dry fruits, rice dishes, puris, halwas, chutneys, pickles, and fruits. These all are prepared with pure devotion and offered from the depths of the heart to please the Deity.
Devotees prepare 56 Bhog on Ekadashi to show their devotion and continue seeking blessings and spiritual merit. Offerings made at holy times, like Ekadashi, are considered especially both auspicious and rewarding.
In the Rakesh Delhi area you will find authentic Lakhdatar 56 Bhog Prasad at Manohar Bikkaneri. The Bhog is pure, quality, and utilizing a pedigree traditional preparation.
You can order 56 Bhog Ka Prasad from Manohar Bikkaneri by simply visiting their store in Delhi, through a phone call to their number provided, or make advanced bookings so you can have the food delivered for special occasions.
