Bhog Rituals: The Correct Duration to Keep Offerings Before the Deity

Bhog Rules: How Long Should Offerings Be Kept Before God?

Bhog Rituals: The Correct Duration to Keep Offerings Before the Deity: In Sanatan Dharma, offering food (bhog) to God is considered a sacred part of every puja. A worship ritual is incomplete without offering bhog, and scriptures mention specific rules that must be followed for purity and auspicious results.

In Which Vessel Should the Offering Be Made?

Offerings should be made only in sacred vessels, such as:
Gold
Silver
Copper
Wood
Clay
Steel utensils are not considered auspicious, and should be avoided for bhog.
Whatever food is offered to God should be distributed as prasad after some time.

How Long Should the Offering Be Kept?

The food offered to God must be fresh, clean, and pure.
A small vessel of water should be kept along with the bhog.
Scriptures state that bhog should not be kept in front of God for long.
After around 5 minutes, the offering should be removed from the altar.
It should then be distributed among devotees as prasad.
The more people the prasad is distributed to, the greater the auspicious results and virtue.

Why Should Bhog Not Be Left for Long?

According to scriptures and astrology:
Bhog left for long can absorb negative energies.
It may become impure if not collected in time.
Energies like Vishvaksena, Chandeshwar, and Chandali are believed to influence food left out too long.
Since bhog is one of the holiest parts of worship, it must be:
Offered properly
Collected within a short time
Distributed respectfully as prasad