अन्नपूर्णे सदा पूर्णे शंकरप्राणवल्लभे। ज्ञानवैराग्यसिद्धड्ढर्थं भिक्षां देहि च पार्वति।।

That is, life resides in food. Life force is actually the life force, which is sustained by food and its energy stream is Annapurna. Which is a form of mother Jagadamba. Through whom the whole world is operated. The world is fed. Annapurna is the presiding deity of 'grains'. There is a rule to feed all the creatures so that the house and family remain full of inexhaustible storehouse, God's blessings remain, and health is obtained. The whole world is under the grace and control of Annapurna.

No one sleeps hungry by the grace of mother Annapurna. All sins are destroyed by worshipping her. She protects her devotee from all calamities. Adi Guru Bhagwan Vishwaeshwar is a householder and Bhavani is the director of his household. According to 'Brahmaivart Puran', this Bhavani is Annapurna. Annapurna has the power to end the poverty of many births. Sadgurus, great saints, for the welfare of their disciples and devotees, establish the temple of Mother Annapurna in the form of a storehouse in their ashrams.

That is why sages and saints are always ready to praise her.

शोषिणीसर्वपापानांमोचनी सकलापदामं दारिद्रड्ढदमनीनित्यंसुख-मोक्ष-प्रदायिनी।

Food is directly connected to our life and health. Therefore, always eat after washing hands, feet and mouth. Before eating, it is prescribed to remember the food god, Annapurna Mata and thank her. It is mentioned in the scriptures that by feeding the food prepared in the kitchen to cows, dogs, ants and birds, ancestors are satisfied. Not only this, by feeding ants, one gets freedom from debt, by feeding roti to a dog daily, troubles are removed.

By feeding food to brahmacharis, old people, cows, students of Gurukul, all auspiciousness happens. According to Jain tradition, it is said in Kartik Bhanu Preksha-

भोयण दाणे दिण्ण्ेतिण्ण्दिि दाणाणिहोंति दिण्णणि। मुक्ख तिसाए बाहीदिणे हिणेहोंति देहीणं।

That is, by donating food, three donations are automatically successful. Like hunger and thirst of living beings are cured and all the rules of education, religion, penance, knowledge, salvation are accomplished. It is said that this body is made up of food, it cannot survive if it does not get food, so the one who gave us food, he gave us the body. That is, by donating food, we nurture the body of the good man who consumed the food for that day and we also get a part of the penance done by him.

भोयण बलेणसाहू सत्थंसेवेदिरत्तिदिवसंपि।

भोयण दाणेदिण्णे पाणवि य रक्ख्यिा होंति।।

From the point of view of Navgraha science, Jupiter is a planet which increases wealth, progeny and virtue. Therefore, if we donate food to the Guru Ashram in the spirit of selfless service to the people, we automatically receive virtue, blessings and benefits. Work starts getting done.

Anyway, donating food is the best way to increase virtue and eliminate debt. That is why there is a rule to feed the hungry creature as per one's capacity.

अन्नदानं परं दानं विद्ययादानमतः परम्।

अन्नेन क्षणिका तृप्तिर्यावज्जीवं च विद्यया।।

Donation leads to fame, non-violence leads to health and service leads to kingdom and Brahmatva. Similarly, by donating water a person gets eternal fame. By donating food a person gets complete satisfaction. Body is the basis of life, food is life, hence donating food is like donating life. This charity is the most important part of religion. Therefore, food should be distributed among the poor, blind and other needy. Because this donation of food becomes Amrit and gives salvation.

Due to the seven metals being produced from food, even Indra and other gods worship food. Food has been called Brahma in the Vedas. Rishis first donated food to seek happiness. Even today, the devotee who donates food as per the rules, gets merit.

For the purpose of food donation:

Even a little donation in Guru Ashram gives more fruits. In Anand Dham Guru Dham Tirtha premises, a very special scheme of 'Sahabhoj' is run as a tribute to Rishi and Guru on the occasion of birthday, wedding day or Anna Parv of deceased relatives and self or other family members. Therefore, to express respect and dedication towards their ancestors or other relatives, Guru Bhakt Sadhaks can get the opportunity to feed the students studying in Gurukul Vidyapeeth and Updesh Mahavidyalaya here and their Acharyas, teachers and the elderly people of the old age home.

Annapurna Yojana run by the premises is for this very purpose. Brothers and sisters of the Mission family from India and abroad have been reserving their dates for their ancestors to organize this community meal. Along with this, they are also seen looking for opportunities to contribute in the Bhandara organized on various festivals etc.

In the same sequence, those Guru devotees who wish to participate in the community meal program on those special days, including the festivals of the Mission, can also become contributors according to their faith and ability. All of you, according to your faith and ability, become partners in virtue by participating in this scheme. Increase your virtue by donating food and fill your home and family with happiness, prosperity, peace and Guru-Dev-Kripa (the blessings of the God).