bhog

Bhog (Sanskrit: भोग) is a term used in several Indian religious and cultural traditions that denotes enjoyment or the consumption of pleasures. In devotional contexts, it specifically refers to the offering of food to a deity and the accompanying ritual that culminates in the distribution of the blessed meal, known as prasada. In Hindu temple practice, bhog or naivedya is prepared as a ritual food for the deity, offered during worship, and then shared among devotees as prasada.

The foods selected for bhog vary by region, tradition, and festival, and can include rice, vegetables, lentils, fruits, and sweets. The act of offering bhog is considered a way of honoring the deity and seeking blessings, with the dedication and reverence of the preparation emphasized in many communities.

In religious philosophy, bhog is contrasted with moksha (liberation) and is sometimes described as the enjoyment of worldly pleasures. The term also appears in Jain and Buddhist contexts to denote sensory pleasures, often in ascetic or ethical discussions. In these traditions, the discipline or rejection of bhog is associated with spiritual progress.

Overall, bhog functions as a multifaceted concept encompassing ritual food offerings in worship and the broader idea of worldly pleasure, illustrating how nourishment, devotion, and belief intersect in Indian religious culture.