Annadhanam

In our tradition, serving spiritual seekers and monks has always been of utmost importance. This can be a path in itself. The most beautiful expression of this is the Annadanam – the sacred offering of food.” by  - Sadhguru

Every living being requires certain basic things to lead a peaceful life. While things like clothes and shelter affect the quality of life, the absence of food can snatch life itself.

Annadanam" is made up of two words - 'Annam' which means food and 'danam' which means the act of giving or donating. Annadanam is called the 'Mahadanam' among the various kinds of danam.

For the believer in God, there is Annadhananam in the temple, in offering food to God. But this is out of innocent love for God. The seeker who realizes God lives as the Atman in the poor, serves the poor with Annadhanam, knowing and realizing that God lives as the Atman in each one.

What is the purpose? The purpose is obviously to pray to God, to make an offering to the Lord. If you look at it from the worldly point of view, the poor who gets the anna or the food, benefit. But the larger benefit is for the one who feeds the poor. By feeding the food, he is actually praying and loving God.