The kitchen is not just a place where food is made; rather, it is believed to be the holy corner of the house that brings prosperity and happiness to a family. Holi is around the corner, and if you too are prepping up for the festival by cleaning and preparing good food. Then here are some simple ingredients that are believed to bring good fortune and prosperity to the family when included in the day-to-day cooking. Here are eight kitchen ingredients that are believed to be auspicious as per Hindu culture.
Turmeric
Turmeric is one of the most significant and sacred spices as per the Hindu beliefs, as it represents purity, good fortune, and prosperity. It is employed extensively in religious rituals, weddings, and celebrations. While cooking with turmeric, it is perceived to cleanse the mind and surroundings and bring good energies and blessings. Turmeric is connected with Goddess Lakshmi, the wealth goddess, and is used extensively in offerings for good fortune and success in ventures.
Tulsi
Tulsi, or sacred basil, is purported to be the most sacred plant in Hinduism. It is worshiped daily in most homes and claimed to bless the house with divine energies. Tulsi purifies the house, repels evil spirits, and bestows peace and prosperity. It is also linked to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, with individuals believing that its presence brings health, prosperity, and spiritual satisfaction to the family.
Ghee
Ghee, or clarified butter, symbolizes prosperity, purity, and good health. Ghee is used in religious rituals and ceremonies as well as in cooking meals. Ghee is thought to maintain an individual's health and energy levels and is used in religious ceremonies with the hope that this would attract divine favors from gods. It is most closely linked to Lord Agni, the fire god, and is intended to bestow success and prosperity on the household by being used on offerings and prayer.
Akshat
Rice is a symbol of fertility and prosperity in Hinduism. Rice is an essential part of most Hindu rituals and is also used as a common offering to the gods. Rice, as per Hindu belief, symbolizes food and is the goddess of Goddess Annapurna. As per belief, the presence of rice, especially in the form of "Akshat" (unbroken rice grains), in the kitchen ensures prosperity and makes sure that the family would never starve.
Coconut
The coconut is considered sacred and used often in religious ceremonies. It symbolizes life and purity, and the hard shell signifies the challenges of life, with the soft inside fruit symbolizing sweetness and heavenly favors. Breaking a coconut while performing rituals is believed to eliminate obstacles and bring good luck, wealth, and good energy to the home.
Cardamom
Cardamom is a valuable spice and holds considerable importance in Hindu ceremonies. As cardamom has a very strong perfume and taste, it is said to cleanse the mind and surroundings. It is thought to bring money and wealth into the life of an individual, particularly when cardamom is added while cooking during special occasions. Cardamom is believed to bring peace and harmony within the family.
Honey
Honey is yet another sacred ingredient as per the Hindu beliefs that represent sweetness, health, and prosperity. Honey is used in different rituals for obtaining blessings from the gods, particularly Lord Vishnu. Honey represents prosperity and is believed to bring good fortune in the house. Honey is a natural healer as well, promoting health and vigor, which are essential for a prosperous and contented life.
Mustard seeds
In Hinduism, it is considered that mustard seeds possess robust defensive energies. Mustard seeds are used to protect a house from bad fortune and evil forces. In the kitchen, mustard seeds are employed for tempering food. It is also believed to protect a household from negativity. Mustard seeds belong to planet Saturn and are considered to bring stability, peace and success.