Annakoot 56 Bhog: Annakoot, also known as Govardhan Puja, is an important Hindu festival celebrated the day after Diwali. Celebrated on the first day of the bright fortnight of the Kartik month, this festival is associated with the story of Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan mountain. On this day, devotees offer Annakoot, or Chhappan Bhog, to the Lord, which includes 56 types of dishes. This offering is not only a symbol of devotion but also a means of offering the various flavors of life at the feet of the Lord. But the question arises: why only Chhappan Bhog, and what is the significance of each offering? Let’s understand in this article.
The Legend of Annakoot
According to the Srimad Bhagavata Purana, there was a tradition of worshipping Lord Indra in Braj. However, Lord Krishna advised the people of Braj to worship nature and Govardhan mountain, which angered Indra and caused heavy rain. To save the people of Brij, Krishna lifted Mount Govardhan on his little finger and protected them from rain for seven days. During this time, Krishna did not eat anything.
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After seven days, Indra was defeated, and the people of Brij offered 56 types of dishes to Krishna to express their gratitude. It is believed that Krishna consumed eight offerings daily, so to compensate for the seven-day fast, 7 times 8, or 56 offerings, were prepared. This tradition continues today in the form of Annakut, where Annakut means a mountain of food, a pile of various types of grains and dishes.
Why exactly 56 offerings?
The number of 56 offerings is symbolic, not a collaboration. In Hindu philosophy, there are six tastes: sweet, sour, salty, spicy, bitter, and astringent. Foods made from these tastes represent the ups and downs of life. The Chhappan Bhog includes all these tastes, which the devotee offers to God to express his devotion and dedication. Some beliefs associate this number with Krishna’s eight offerings and a seven-day fast, while others associate it with 56 deities or 56 aspects of life.
List of 56 offerings and their significance
The 56 offerings include dairy products, grains, vegetables, sweets, fruits, and snacks. Their importance varies, starting with dairy products, then gram flour products, snacks, and finally, fruit. Let’s understand their importance through a list:
- 1-8: Milk, yogurt, ghee, honey, sugar candy, rabri, cream, butter
- 9-16: Kheer, rice, lentils, curry, greens, puri, kachori, papad
- 17-24: Chutney, jam, pickle, halwa, laddu, jalebi, malpua, mathri
- 25-32: Pakodas, khichdi, shakkarpara, dal halwa, mohan bhog, rasgulla, rasmalai, balushahi
- 33-40: Ghevar, cheela, dal bati, malpua, brinjal curry, bottle gourd curry, potato curry, pumpkin
- 41-48: Pointed gourd, tomato chutney, ginger, fennel, cardamom, betel nut, betel leaf, banana
- 49-56: Apple, mango, grapes, coconut, cashew nuts, almonds, raisins, pistachios
Each Bhoga is associated with the joys of life. For example, sweet dishes symbolize happiness, while sour dishes symbolize challenges. Bitter dishes represent life’s difficulties, and salty dishes create balance. By dedicating these offerings to God, one feels liberated.
Religious and Cultural Significance of Annakut
The significance of Annakut is not limited to food; it also conveys the message of environmental protection, as Govardhan Puja is a worship of nature. The use of local ingredients in the Chhappan Bhoga teaches us to appreciate food. In some temples, such as ISKCON or Jagannath Puri, these offerings are distributed to thousands of devotees as prasad, symbolizing unity. If you cannot prepare 56 offerings on Annakut, make sure to offer at least 8 or 16 dishes, as the sentiment is important.
Overall, Annakoot is a celebration of devotion, gratitude, and balance. It teaches us that by dedicating ourselves to God, we can enjoy all the joys of life. Remember the divine play of Krishna by offering Bhoga at home on this festival.
FAQ- Annakoot 56 Bhog
What are the 56 types of offerings?
There are traditions of preparing 56 types of offerings on Annakoot, including eight types of milk dishes, bitter dishes, and salty dishes.
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