Panchamrita[1](Sanskrit:पञ्चामृत,lit. 'fiveAmṛtas') is a mixture of five foods used inHindu as well as Jain worship andpuja andAbhiṣeka[2] It is often used as anoffering duringpuja where it is distributed asprasad.[3]
The main ingredients typically includehoney (मधु),sugar (शर्करा),cow milk (दुग्ध),curd (दधि) andghee (घृत)[4]
TheAbhiṣeka starts withghee. Aconch full of cow'sghee is poured on the head of theidol and it flows down up to feet. Thenmilk,curd,honey andsugar are poured.[5] While a variety of additional regional ingredients such as,cardamom,banana,tender coconut, anddates are used,[6] the five base ingredients remain the same across all ofIndia.
InTamil Nadu, Panchamritam (Tamil:பஞ்சாமிர்தம்) is a mixture ofbanana,ghee,honey,jaggery andcardamom. In addition, other substances like seedless dates and sugar candies are added.[7]Keralites may also include tender coconut. Some recipes also include grapes.[8]
Palani Dhandayuthapani temple located in Tamil Nadu is popular for its unique panchamirtham which uses Virupatchi hill bananas grown in the surroundingPalani hills.[9] It received its uniqueGeographical indication in 2019 from theGovernment of India.[10]
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