Bhojan Mantra (Food Prayer) – Sanskrit Lyrics, Meaning, Benefits & Vedic Significance
Read Bhojan Mantra (Food Prayer) from Bhagavad Gita with Sanskrit lyrics, meaning, benefits, and Vedic significance. Discover why Hindus chant before meals.
Eat to Live, Not Live to Eat | Complete Guide with Shloka, Translation & Spiritual Insight
Everything we receive as food comes from nature. In Sanatan Dharma, food is not merely a source of nutrition — it is Divine Energy. Hindu scriptures teach that God resides in every particle (Anu) of creation. Therefore, food is worshipped as Annam Brahma (Food is God).
Before eating, Hindus chant the Bhojan Mantra, expressing gratitude to Brahman (Supreme Reality) and praying that nourishment be shared with all beings.
This article explains:
- Bhojan Mantra from the Bhagavad Gita
- Mealtime Prayer from the Yajurveda
- Sanskrit Lyrics & English Meaning
- Spiritual and Scientific Significance
- Vedic References from the Rigveda
- Benefits of Chanting Before Meals
- FAQs
Bhojan Mantra in Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 4, Verse 24)
Explore the complete Bhojan Mantra from Bhagavad Gita 4.24 with Sanskrit lyrics, English meaning, benefits, and Vedic references. Learn why chanting before meals brings gratitude, peace, and better digestion. Visit Panditji On Way for authentic Vedic guidance. The Bhojan Mantra is mentioned in Chapter 4, Shloka 24 of the sacred scripture Bhagavad Gita.
Sanskrit Lyrics
ब्रह्मार्पणं ब्रह्म हविः ब्रह्माग्नौ ब्रह्मणा हुतम् ।
ब्रह्मैव तेन गन्तव्यं ब्रह्मकर्मसमाधिना ॥ॐ सह नाववतु ।
सह नौ भुनक्तु ।
सह वीर्यं करवावहै ।
तेजस्विनावधीतमस्तु ।
मा विद्विषावहै ॥
ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः ॥English Transliteration
Brahmaarpanam Brahma Havih Brahmaagnau Brahmana Hutam
Brahmaiva Tena Gantavyam Brahmakarma SamaadhinaOm Saha Naavavatu
Saha Nau Bhunaktu
Saha Veeryam Karavaavahai
Tejasvinaa Vadheetamastu
Maa Vidvishaa Vahai
Om Shanti Shanti Shanti
Meaning of Bhojan Mantra
The accurate meaning is:
The act of offering is Brahman. The offering itself is Brahman. The fire of digestion is Brahman. The one who offers is Brahman. The one who realizes this unity ultimately attains Brahman.
This verse teaches non-duality (Advaita). The eater, the food, the hunger, and the act of eating are all manifestations of the same divine consciousness.
Spiritual Significance of Bhojan Mantra
| Element | Spiritual Meaning |
|---|---|
| Food | Manifestation of Brahman |
| Hunger | Divine Fire (Jatharagni) |
| Offering | Sacred Yajna (Sacrifice) |
| Eater | Instrument of God |
| Digestion | Divine Process |
The mantra transforms eating into a Yajna (sacred offering).
It instills:
- Gratitude
- Mindfulness
- Humility
- Awareness of universal unity
- Compassion to share food with others
Mealtime Prayer from Yajurveda (13.83)
This beautiful food prayer appears in the sacred Yajurveda.
Sanskrit Lyrics
ॐ अन्नपतेन्नस्य नो देह्यनमीवस्य शुष्मिणः
प्र प्रदातारं तारिष ऊर्ज्जं नो धेहि द्विपदे चतुष्पदे
ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः ॥Transliteration
Om Annapate annasya no dehyana-meevasya shushminah
Pra pradaataaram taarish oorjam no dhehi dvipade chatushpade
Om Shanti Shanti Shanti
Meaning of Yajurveda Food Prayer
O Lord, Provider of food grains and nourishment, thank you for giving us food.
May this food be disease-free and strengthening.
Bless the donors and providers of food.
May all living beings — humans and animals — receive sustenance daily.
Peace everywhere, at all times.
Significance of Vedic Mealtime Prayer
This mantra acknowledges:
- The Source (Nature / God)
- The Farmer & Provider
- The Cook
- The Nutritional Value
- The Health Benefits
- Universal Welfare (Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah)
The Rigveda (Mandala 1.187) also discusses food selection, nourishment, and purpose of consumption.
Scientific Benefits of Chanting Bhojan Mantra Before Eating
Modern research supports the ancient Vedic wisdom:
- Reduces stress before eating
- Improves digestion
- Activates parasympathetic nervous system
- Encourages mindful eating
- Prevents overeating
- Enhances gratitude mindset
Chanting slows down breathing and prepares the digestive system.
Why Food is Considered Divine in Hindu Dharma
In Sanatan Dharma:
- Food is called Annam Brahma
- Cooking is considered a sacred act
- Kitchen is regarded as a temple
- Feeding others is equal to serving God
Offering food before eating is called Naivedya.
Bhojan Mantra for Children
Teaching Bhojan Mantra to children:
- Develops gratitude
- Builds spiritual discipline
- Encourages sharing
- Reduces food wastage
How to Chant Bhojan Mantra Properly
- Sit calmly before your meal
- Close your eyes
- Join palms in Namaste
- Chant the mantra slowly
- Feel gratitude
- Visualize food as divine blessing
External Authoritative References
For scriptural authenticity and deeper reading:
- Official Bhagavad Gita translation – https://www.gita-society.com
- Vedic text archive – https://www.sacred-texts.com
- Government cultural resource – https://www.indiaculture.gov.in
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FAQs for Bhojan Mantra (Food Prayer in Hinduism)
1. What is the Bhojan Mantra in Hinduism?
The Bhojan Mantra is a sacred Sanskrit prayer recited before meals in Hinduism. It originates from Chapter 4, Verse 24 of the Bhagavad Gita and recognizes food, the eater, and digestion as manifestations of Brahman (Supreme Reality). It expresses gratitude and transforms eating into a spiritual act.
2. What does Brahmarpanam Brahma Havir mean?
“Brahmarpanam Brahma Havir” means the act of offering, the food offered, the digestive fire, and the one who consumes are all Brahman. This verse teaches non-duality (Advaita philosophy), emphasizing that everything in the process of eating is divine and interconnected.
3. Which scripture mentions the Bhojan Mantra?
The Bhojan Mantra appears in Chapter 4 (Shloka 24) of the Bhagavad Gita. Additionally, food-related prayers are found in the Yajurveda (13.83) and Rigveda (1.187), highlighting gratitude and mindful consumption.
4. Why do Hindus chant mantra before eating?
Hindus chant a food mantra before eating to express gratitude to God and nature. It purifies the mind, prepares digestion, and reminds the devotee that food is sacred. This practice encourages mindful eating and reinforces the spiritual principle of “Annam Brahma” (Food is Divine).
5. What is the Yajurveda food prayer?
The Yajurveda food prayer (13.83) begins with “Om Annapate…” and thanks the Divine Provider for nourishment. It prays that food be disease-free, nourishing, and available to all living beings. The prayer promotes universal welfare and peace.
6. What are the benefits of chanting Bhojan Mantra?
Chanting Bhojan Mantra:
- Reduces stress before eating
- Improves digestion
- Encourages gratitude
- Promotes mindful eating
- Prevents overeating
- Creates positive vibrations around food
Spiritually, it aligns the body and mind with divine consciousness.
7. Is Bhojan Mantra scientifically beneficial?
Yes. Research shows that calm breathing and mindful practices before meals activate the parasympathetic nervous system. This improves digestion, reduces stress hormones, and enhances nutrient absorption. Chanting creates mental relaxation and emotional balance before eating.
8. Can children chant Bhojan Mantra daily?
Yes. Teaching children Bhojan Mantra develops gratitude, discipline, and respect for food. It reduces food wastage and builds spiritual awareness from a young age. Many Hindu families encourage children to chant it before every meal.
9. How long does it take to chant Bhojan Mantra?
The Bhojan Mantra takes approximately 30–60 seconds to chant slowly. Even a short recitation before meals is considered spiritually powerful and beneficial for digestion and mental clarity.
10. What is the meaning of Annam Brahma?
“Annam Brahma” means “Food is God.” This Vedic concept teaches that nourishment itself is divine energy. It emphasizes gratitude, mindful consumption, and sharing food with others as an act of worship.
11. Is chanting Bhojan Mantra compulsory in Hinduism?
No, it is not compulsory. However, it is a highly recommended spiritual practice in Sanatan Dharma that promotes gratitude, mindfulness, and divine awareness during daily meals.
12. When should Bhojan Mantra be chanted?
Bhojan Mantra should be chanted immediately before starting a meal. Traditionally, it is recited after serving food and before the first bite. It can be chanted during breakfast, lunch, or dinner to cultivate gratitude, mindfulness, and spiritual awareness before eating.
13. Can Bhojan Mantra be chanted silently?
Yes, Bhojan Mantra can be chanted either aloud or silently in the mind. The intention and awareness matter more than volume. Even mental recitation creates positive vibrations and helps prepare the body and mind for healthy digestion and mindful eating.
14. Is Bhojan Mantra only for Hindus?
While rooted in Sanatan Dharma and mentioned in the Bhagavad Gita, the Bhojan Mantra carries a universal message of gratitude. Anyone, regardless of religion, can chant it as a practice of thankfulness and mindful nourishment.
15. What happens if we eat without chanting Bhojan Mantra?
There is no punishment for not chanting the mantra. However, chanting enhances spiritual awareness and gratitude. Eating without mindfulness may reduce the conscious connection with food. The mantra helps transform ordinary eating into a sacred and peaceful ritual.
Conclusion
The Bhojan Mantra is not just a ritual — it is a philosophy of life. It reminds us that:
- Food is sacred
- Gratitude is essential
- Sharing is divine
- Eating is a spiritual act
By chanting this mantra daily, we align body, mind, and soul with universal consciousness.
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May your food be pure.
May your life be nourished.
Om Shanti Shanti Shanti.
