On Hinduism

Hindus who choose to go to temples or have a temple at home, offering food is an approach to strengthen devotion. For others it is the aspect of giving something of importance, which strengthens their material detachment. To others it is the solace of donating food that can be used for feeding the temple priests or even the poor and the hungry. Hinduism permits different vehicles of piety, practices and devotion. Offering food, with many different motivations behind it, is yet another example of the many vehicles of devotion that Hindus choose.

Hindus can offer water, leaves, fruits or flowers as an expression of their devotion. That which comes from the divine is being offered back as prasad–this is an important way to remember the source of all material opulence.

It is important to recognize that not all Hindus go to temples nor all Hindus believe in going to temples. In fact, there are schools of thought within Hinduism that do not have temples or don’t believing in offering to any deity.

Other reading material: What is prasad?

Relevant videos: 

Contributor: Rajeev Singh

Location of this post (18c): https://www.hinduspeakers.org/ufaqs/why-do-you-give-food-to-god-idols/

Offering food to God is an expression of devotion and gratitude. For some, it represents giving up something valuable, which helps cultivate detachment from material possessions. For others, it is a way of sharing—since the food offered is later distributed to temple priests, devotees, and often to the poor and hungry.

Hinduism provides many pathways for devotion (bhakti), and offering food is one such practice. Once offered, the food is believed to be sanctified and imbued with divine blessings. This blessed food is then shared as prasāda—a sacred gift from the Divine.

Other reading material:

Relevant videos: The Kerala Story, 

Contributor: Dilip Amin

Location of this post (18i): https://www.hinduspeakers.org/ufaqs/what-is-prasad/

Hindu daily rituals include Pancha Karma (5 coveted aspects):

1. Taking shower (ablution)
2. Meditate (controlled breathing, mantra chanting)
3. Tarpan (offering to God, guru, ancestors): Could include water, food, lamp-lighting, incense, creating a pious environment
4. Yoga: Establishing connection between mind, body, and higher learning
5. Contemplation (focused deliberation, self-reflection)

The 7 days of the week are dedicated to invoking various virtues via worshipping energy sources (manifestation of Shiva for cosmic & inner balance, manifestation of Lakshmi for expansive prosperity via pious means, manifestation of Sun for vital energy, etc).

Other reading material: Atharva Veda
Relevant videos:

Contributor: Soma Chatterjee

Location of this post (19a): https://www.hinduspeakers.org/ufaqs/are-there-hindus-daily-and-weekly-rituals/