Informative

Ghee the Spiritual Fuel

Ghee is clarified butter. The usage of Ghee is as old as Indus Civilization. In this blog, we will take a look at the spiritual importance of Ghee.

As the holy river Ganga appeared on this earth to elevate all human beings, Ghee has been flowing in the veins of Indian cultures for thousands of years. Legendary texts of Rigveda says,

The tongue of the gods, the navel of immortality; We will proclaim the name of Ghee;

 We will sustain it in this sacrifice by bowing low; These waves of ghee flow like gazelles before the hunter.

Streams of ghee caress the burning wood; Agni, the fire, loves them and is satisfied.

Vedas honor Ghee as the first of the foods. Entire Vedic civilizations have been constructed around the ritual of Yagya (sacrificial fire). Ghee has been poured into that all purifying Agni (fire) for thousands of years now.

Ghru means to shine brightest, which is the origin of the word Ghrutam, meaning Ghee, or the clarified butter. The epic poem of Mahabharata honored Ghee as “Nourishment of the world begins with Ghee.” Rigveda admires Lord Agni as Hutabhu, the one who devours the Ghee. All the four Vedas correlate the light and brilliance with the Ghee with the help of many phrases.

Consumption of the Ghee is believed to improve Dhi (intelligence), Buddhi (intellect), and Smruti (memory). Moreover, Ayurveda believes that the fire within the stomach burns brightest with the presence of Ghee in the stomach, and Ghee is responsible for improving the digestive juices in the stomach.

Ojas is the juice of life. Ghee is believed to increase Ojas within a seeker, helping to build immunity. As Vedas describe Ghee as the most Ojas producing substance on earth, it kindles the Jatharagni (stomach fire) without aggravating the acidity. Even though working as a fuel, Ghee is known to have a cooling effect on our body.

Healing powers within Ghee:

Ghee is known to have a negative effect on aging. But, on the other hand, Ghee is known to promote longevity as per Ayurveda.

Ayurveda says Ghee is antiseptic, and hence, it was applied on wounds for thousands of years in India. Almost every medieval fort in Maharashtra has small wells, where the surgeons store old Ghee for treating the battle wounds.

Inflammation is the root of many diseases such as allergies, arthritis, or even Alzheimer’s. Ghee contains Butyrate, an element essential to reduce inflammation in the body.  

Medicinal Ghee has been transferred from generation to generation for massaging their children. Often Ghee is rubbed on the infant’s body as a massage whenever the child is agitated or unable to sleep.

Ghee is healthy saturated fat. Ghee is enriched with vitamin A, D, E, K, Omega-3 fatty acids, and Omega-9 fatty acids, making Ghee a superfood. Being loaded with vitamins, it plays a vital role in strengthening the liver and immunity.

Ghee and Spirituality:

Chandogya Upanishad, an ancient text, says that the subtle part of churned curds rises and turns into butter. Same as that, the subtle aspect of food when eaten grows and becomes mind. Ayurveda and Veda say that mind and body affect each other. Both of these ancient texts underline the emphasis of a vegetarian diet on developing spiritual awareness. 

Being part of the traditional yogic diet, Ghee is considered a spiritual cleanser. As a food, Ghee is regarded as an ideal food, mental tonic, aiding physical detoxification. Annamaya Kosha, the physical body which is the base of our existence, is defined by what we eat. 

Ghee Lamp: There is no ritual in Hinduism that begins without lighting a lamp. It is honored as a form and a symbol of Tej (fire radiance). Lamp, fuelled by the Ghee, is considered most sattvic (spiritually pure). Moreover, it is known that the Ghee lamp exudes positivity in the surroundings. 

As compared to the oil lamp, the Ghee lamp attracts more positive vibrations. When the Ghee lamp is lit, its fragrance gets dispersed into the air, purifying the air around it, killing air-borne microbes. Ghee lamp is known to activate Manipura (solar plexus) and Anahata (heart) chakra and is believed to activate the Chandra Nadi along with it. 

Every human being has three Gunas (propensities), namely Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas. Ghee lamp enhances Sattva (positive) particles, aiding in spiritual enlightenment. Shastras say that the Ghee lamp aura attracts the blessings of Lord Kubera, the God of wealth, fame, luxury, and power. 

A cotton wick should be used while lighting a Ghee Lamp. Pure Ghee, preferably cow Ghee, should be used in a lamp. After lighting the lamp, chant the following shloka with folded hands. 

भोदीपब्रह्मरूपस्‍त्‍वं ज्‍योतिषांप्रभुरव्‍यय: ।आरोग्‍यंदेहिपुत्रांश्‍चमत:शांतिं प्रयच्छमे ।।

Bhodipa BrahmaSwaroop Sattavm Jyotishan Prabhurvayaha | Arogyam Dehi Putranscha Mataha shantim Prayacchame ||

O’ deity of the lamp, you are the Brahmam (absolute truth) itself. You are the radiance who never wither. Please fulfill my wishes, bestow good health, and grant me a good progeny.   

We hope this blog helped you to understand the significance of Ghee in spirituality.

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