Ayodhya Bhoomi Pujan: Foods traditionally offered to Lord Rama and Hanuman

In light of the Ram Mandir Bhoomi Poojan (foundation laying ceremony) at Ayodhya, a whopping Eleven Lakh and Eleven Thousand “Raghupati Ladoos” are being prepared as an offering to the deities for the ceremony. It seems that all eyes are turned towards the event of foundation laying ceremony and Ayodhya at present.

Gods and Goddesses are revered all over the country and people offer various foods to them. Moreover, different regions of India have a variety of foods to offer to the gods and goddess. This results in a plethora of dishes that are offered as a ritual practice. Here is a look at foods that are traditionally offered to Lord Rama and Hanuman.

Kosambari (kind of a salad) and Panakam (cooling drink) are offered to Lord Rama all across South India. The tradition involves devotees preparing Panakam and Kosambri, offering to Lord Rama, setting up stalls on roadsides and serving these as prasadam to all the passersby during Rama Navami. It has a cooling effect in the hot summer. (Image: Instagram/swathisujir)

It is traditionally prepared on the occasion of Rama Navami in the Andhra region of India and offered to Lord Rama. Chalimidi is known for its deliciousness, authenticity and humbleness. It is in the form of Ladoo and prepared with raw rice, chopped coconut, ghee, jaggery, and cardamom. Moreover, Chalimidi is also offered to Lord Ganesha on a few occasions.

It is considered as Lord Hanuman’s favourite sweet but is almost on the verge of disappearing because not many people make it and it being restricted to some particular geographic areas. Roat is considered as the most authentic offering for Lord Hanuman. It is prepared by using wheat flour, ghee, sugar/jaggery, crushed dry fruits and cardamom. (Image: Instagram/neelu_ki_kitchen)

As per traditions, Lord Hanuman likes 3 types of Laddoos. One is Kesariya Bundi Laddoo, the other is Besan ke Laddoo and the third is Malai-Mishri Laddoo. Most of all, Lord Hanuman likes Besan Laddoo. By offering them, the devotees pray for the fulfilment of desired boons and wishes.

Neer Mor is a sort of diluted buttermilk which is also prepared as an offering to Lord Rama in Tamil Nadu on the eve of Ram Navami. Neer Mor is prepared using yoghurt, cold water, green chilli, ginger, cumin powder, black salt, asafoetida, salt, chaat masala. Curry leaves are also added to enhance the flavour of this drink.

Kheer is a very common offering to Gods in India. Be it the Payasam or Sabudana Kheer, different varieties of Kheer are offered to Lord Ram and Hanuman to impress the deities. The most common form of Kheer is the Payasam, which is made by boiling milk, sugar, and rice together until they are cooked evenly. It is served as an offering to gods all over India.

All fruits have different tastes, and are offered to the gods depending on the type of fruit. Fruits like banana, pear, apple, and orange are the most common offerings to various Gods including Rama and Hanuman. They are considered as pure offerings as they are plant based.