Preferred Offerings to various Forms

Offerings to Bhagavan Nityananda and Various Deities: Traditions and Reverence

In the rich spiritual traditions of Bharat, each deity and saint has particular offerings associated with them—each carrying symbolic and devotional significance. These are not merely ritualistic but are deeply connected to the tattva (essence) of the deity. Here is a reflection on such offerings, especially those associated with Bhagavan Nityananda.

Offerings to Deities and Saints

1. Lord Dattatreya

• Flowers: Jasmine (Mogra), Parijat (Night-flowering jasmine), and Chaffa (Frangipani) are traditionally offered.

• Scent: Henna (Mehendi) scent is considered auspicious.

• Dhoop (Incense): Regularly offered as part of puja.

• Naivedya (Prasad): Kesar Goda Bhaat (saffron-infused sweet rice) is commonly prepared and offered.

2. Swami Samarth Maharaj of Akkalkot

• Flowers: Chaffa (Michelia champaca), Son Chafa, and occasionally Tulsi and Bel leaves.

• Scent: Heena (Henna) scent is offered by devotees.

• Naivedya: Besan Laddoos are traditionally offered.

• Note: Swamiji smoked hookah, and this has become part of the symbolic offerings in some traditions, representing his accessibility and informal connection with devotees.

Offerings to Bhagavan Nityananda

Bhagavan Nityananda was beyond all formalities. He was the very embodiment of Avadhuta Vritti—free from all identifications, rituals, or personal preferences. Still, devotees, in their love, made offerings with deep bhakti. However, Bhagavan never laid down prescriptions or accepted offerings as a rule.

• Garlands:
  He did not allow anyone to garland Him. On rare occasions, He permitted a garland made of fresh Tulsi leaves—with Manjari (the flowering tops)—to be placed around His neck for a few moments. Otherwise, such garlands were respectfully placed at His Lotus Feet.

• Naivedya (Food Offerings):
  He did not accept food from just anyone. Only a few chosen devotees were allowed to offer Him food, and even that in silence and with purity. However, food brought by others, especially in large gatherings, was distributed freely, often to children and the needy.

  Some offerings associated with Him through direct experience:

  • Suji Sheera (semolina sweet) – made and distributed to village children, a favorite in Ganeshpuri.

  • Beaten rice with jaggery – simple and nourishing, offered during early days.

  • Rice and Sambar – a common meal, sometimes served with papad, pickle, and simple vegetables.

  • Krishna Kaala Style – He often mixed everything served—sweet, sour, spicy—into one bowl and ate it, signifying non-discrimination and oneness.

  • Rice Kanji (gruel) with simple mango or lemon pickle (sometimes mixed with ginger and green chilies) – was also offered and partaken.

• Scent and Oil:
  Sandalwood oil was offered with great reverence. Pure sandalwood oil was sourced by devotees, such as your father, from Masjid Bunder (from a devotee, Shri Khanolkar). Stored in an aluminum bottle with a natural cork, the oil was delicately applied to Bhagavan’s Feet and legs—filling the space with divine fragrance. It was a seva, not just a ritual.