Early History of the Vaishnava Faith and Movement in Bengal, from Sanskrit and Bengali Sources c10.s1.69

c10.s1.69

The offer of the Naivedya (food), which follows, is elaborately described. Besides Naivedya-mudrā, different kinds of Mudrā (such as Cakra-mudrā; Dhenu-mudrā; Grāsa-mudrā; the five Mudrās, called Prāṇa, Apāna etc. explained in the commentary, are to be employed at different stages of the ceremony, with the muttering of different Bījas (mystical letters or syllables which form the essential part of a Mantra), such as Vāyu-bīja (yam), Vahni-bīja (ram and Amṛta-bīja (tham); the procedure thus indicating that the entire ritual is Tāntric. Long lists of different kinds of food, which should constitute the Naivedya are compiled from the different Purāṇas; but the Bhāgavata briefly and simply mentions Guḍa, Pāyasa, Ghṛta, Saṣkulī (cooked in oil, as the commentary explains), sweets like Apūpa (=Maṇḍaka), Modaka and Saṃyava (oblong wheaten cake fried with ghee and milk, sugar and spice), Dadhi (coagulated milk) and Sūpa (broth or sauce), and whatever is most desirable and tasteful to oneself. A long list of fruits is also given from the Varāha-purāṇa. The forbidden food is that which is unclean (like meat, fish and wine) and which is not fit to be taken (like ghee made from the milk of buffalo, sheep or goat; certain vegetables like Vārtāku, Udumbara, Mūlaka and Alābu; potherbs like Kalambī, Jālikā, Kusumbha and Aśmantaka; lentils like Masura; and garlic, Laśuna). After describing at length the religious merit accruing from the proper offer of the Naivedya, the author gives a list of sweet and fragrant drinks compiled from the Viṣṇudharmottara. Drawing a curtain before the image, the worshipper should contemplate outside, with the muttering of prayers (Japa), that the deity is accepting the food and drink offered. Some perform Homa in the manner described in the chapter on Dīkṣā, but those who are unable to do it should mutter Japa four times. He should then offer water to the deity for rinsing the mouth (Gaṇḍūṣika); and finally, with Saṃhāramudrā. he should make the divine halo, which came out to accept the food, re-enter the mouth of the deity!