Panchamrita facts for kids

The five ingredients of panchamrita: milk, yogurt, ghee, honey, and Jaggery

Panchamrita (pronounced `Pun-cha-mrit-a`) is a special mix of five foods. It's used in Hindu and Jain religious ceremonies. People offer it during worship, called `puja` (poo-jah). After the ceremony, it's shared with everyone as `prasad` (pra-sahd), which is a blessed offering. The name "Panchamrita" means "five nectars" in an ancient language called Sanskrit.

What's in Panchamrita?

Panchamrita recipes can be different depending on where you are.

North India and Nepal

In places like North India and Nepal, the main ingredients are usually:

• Honey or sugar
• Cow milk
• Curd (like yogurt)
• Ghee (clarified butter)

South India

In South India, especially in Tamil Nadu, Panchamritam (pronounced `Pun-cha-mrit-um`) is made differently. It's a mix of:

• Banana
• Ghee
• Honey
• Jaggery (a type of unrefined sugar)
• Cardamom

Sometimes, other things like seedless dates and sugar candies are added. People from Kerala might also include tender coconut. Some recipes even include grapes.

A Special Panchamrita from Palani

The Palani Dhandayuthapani temple in Tamil Nadu is famous for its unique Panchamirtham. This special mix uses `Virupatchi` hill bananas. These bananas grow in the surrounding Palani hills.

In 2019, this Palani Panchamirtham received a special recognition. It was given a `Geographical Indication` by the Government of India. This means its unique quality is linked to where it comes from.