ANNAM - ANNAADA EVA CHA - Significance of Annam...

PITHRU YAGNA (Significance of ANNA-DHARBHA-THILA)

What is the significance of Anna?

Annam occupies a sacrosanct place in Hindu rituals both in Agni kaarya as well as in Pithru kaarya. It is so sacred that, divine scripts eulogize Annam as “Annam ParaBrahma Swaroopam” manifestation of the Supreme God Vishnu.

Annam (Anna) is one of the several thousand names of Lord Vishnu that we come across in Sri Vishnu Sahasranaama Stothram (sloka # 105) where Lord Vishnu is praised as.....

Yagyabhrud yagyakrud yagyii yagyabhrug yagyasadhanah
Yagyanantakrud yagyaguhyam annam annaada eva cha

Lord Vishnu is the protector and supporter of all Yagnas;

He is the one who is the creator of the sacrifice and the custom of Yagna;

He is the very purpose and objective of every Yagna;

He is the protector the one who enjoys and consumes everything offered in the Yagna;

He is contributory factor and the one to whom Yagna is the approach; the one who is the fruit of the Yagna;

He is the secret and undercurrent of all Yagna;

He is “Annam-Annaada eva cha” 

Annam…

Annam is the vital/basic sustenance and characteristic of mortal life. All beings are born out of Lord Vishnu who is creator of the Universe. As such He (Lord Vishnu) becomes the vital life force (Annam). He is the giver (one who grants) of food and sustaining power for all beings.

Annaadah…

He (Lord Vishnu) is not only the giver of food but also the one who consumes the food as well as swallows (Vishvabhug) the entire beings (whole world) at the time of annihilation (Maha Pralaya) as His food. At the time of creation all the souls originate from him and at the time of annihilation all souls become one (unite) with Him.

Hence, Lord Vishnu is adored as Annam-Annaada Eva Cha.

In Bhagawadgita Canto # 3 (sloka # 14) Lord Sri Krishna says “Annaad-bhavanti-Bhootaani…” that means all creatures are born from food. Annam (food) is the source/medium through which all beings come into existence.

Sraaddha is nothing but performing Yagna called Pithru Yagna.

Pindaas made with Anna are symbolic representation of forefathers.

With so much of sanctity and significance associated with Annam one should not disrespect or abuse or waste or neglect Annam. It should be treated with great respect.

"Sraddhaaya charitam Sraaddha"; literally Sraaddha means the one that need to be conducted with utmost sincerity, attention, care and devotion.

Significance & origin of Dharbha (Kusa Grass)

Sanctity of Dharbha is as old as the Hindu Puranas. Pouranically it is said that Kusa grass was formed when the hairs on the Kurma Avatara of Lord Vishnu got loosened during churning of the ocean that got washed away to the shore of the ocean to form Kusa Grass.

Later when Amrita [divine nectar) was obtained as a result of churning and distributed among the demi Gods, few drops of Amrita fell on the grass which further sanctified imbuing it with healing properties.

Dharbha Grass is identified with Lord Vishnu and is believed to possess the power to purify anything. It was used as a ritual seat since Vedic times.

Usage of Dharbha (holy grass) is very celestial, sacred and also acts as a protector. Devout Hindu Brahmins always keep Dharbha in their houses and it is used in all kinds of rituals/ceremonies.

Dharbha is used for sanctity.

Dharbha from hair; Thila from the sweat have surfaced from the body of Lord Vishnu.

In Pithru kaarya, Dharbha; Thila (black sesame seeds); Anna (cooked rice) are the three major items widely used during a sraddha. They are highly sacred and celestial.

Samastha Pithrantharyaami Sri Maha Vishnu preetyartham
Sri Krushnaarpanamasthu