Legend & Significance Of Chappan Bhog

On the day after Diwali, people pay gratitude to Lord Krishna for saving humankind from the wrath of Lord Indra. It is on this day that the Govardhan puja is performed in most houses. After that, 56 types of foods is cooked and offered to the idol of Lord Krishna.

Let us have a look as to why the ritual of Chappan Bhog is followed and what is the significance of this ritual.


Story Of Govardhandhari

According to the scriptures, there was a practice among the people of Braj to offer lavish meals to Lord Indra. In return, Indra promised good rain to nourish their crops. Lord Krishna believed this was a harsh price to pay for the poor farmers. So, He asked the farmers not to offer any lavish offering to Indra. It is after this, the villagers stopped their offerings.

Angered by this gesture of the villagers, Indra flooded the village. He brought heavy rains and soon the village was destroyed by water. People prayed to Lord Krishna to save their lives. Then Krishna came to the rescue and lifted the huge Govardhan mountain on His finger. The people took refuge under this mountain and were saved from the wrath of Indra. The rains continued for seven days and Krishna kept on holding the mountain. Thus, He came to be known as Govardhandhari or the one who held Govardhan.

Significance Of Chappan Bhog

The word 'Chappan' in Hindi means 56.

Like the lotus has 8 petals, surrounded by 16 and then 32, which makes it 56, it is this symbol that makes the count.

Lord Krishna used to require eight meals on a daily basis. when he lifted Govardhan Parvat for seven days he couldn't eat. After seven days when it absolutely was over and God, Indradev realized his mistake and surrendered. People were happy and offered Lord Krishna Bhojan for what he had missed throughout the seven days.

As we know :-
7 x 8 = 56

They made fifty-six different things for Lord Krishna and offered Him as a token of their love and gratitude. And it was known as "Chappan Bhog" (fifty-six things).

So, the offering consists of 56 different food items. Starting from the sweets made out of milk to rice items, dal, fruits, dry fruits, vegetables, snacks, drinks, and cereals. These items have to be placed in a particular order with the milk items placed closest to the idol of Lord Krishna.

The significance of this ritual is that people invite Lord to their houses and offer Him all His favorite food items. In return, people seek Krishna's protection against all odds in their lives. Hence, the ritual of Chappan Bhog is of great importance for the Hindus.

List of 56 different items for making "Chhappan Bhog":-

List No.1

1-रसगुल्ला,
2-चन्द्रकला,
3-रबड़ी,
4-शूली,
5-दधी,
6-भात,
7-दाल,
8-चटनी,
9-कढ़ी,
10-साग-कढ़ी,
11-मठरी,
12-बड़ा,
13-कोणिका,
14- पूरी,
15-खजरा,
16-अवलेह,
17-वाटी,
18-सिखरिणी,
19-मुरब्बा,
20-मधुर,
21-कषाय,
22-तिक्त,
23-कटु पदार्थ,
24-अम्ल {खट्टा पदार्थ},
25-शक्करपारा,
26-घेवर,
27-चिला,
28-मालपुआ,
29-जलेबी,
30-मेसूब,
31-पापड़,
32-सीरा,
33-मोहनथाल,
34-लौंगपूरी,
35-खुरमा,
36-गेहूं दलिया,
37-पारिखा,
38-सौंफ़लघा,
39-लड़्ड़ू,
40-दुधीरुप,
41-खीर,
42-घी,
43-मक्खन,
44-मलाई,
45-शाक,
46-शहद,
47-मोहनभोग,
48-अचार,
49-सूबत,
50-मंड़का,
51-फल,
52-लस्सी,
53-मठ्ठा,
54-पान,
55-सुपारी,
56-इलायची ।

List No. 2

1. Moong Dal Halwa

2.Gajar Halwa

3. Methi mathri

4. Namakpare

5. Murmure ki Namkeen

6. Rabdi

7. Aatte ke Laddoo

8. Besan ke Laddoo

9. Sooji ka Halwa

10. Fried Rice

11. Lemon Rice

12. Plain Rice

13. Curd Rice

14. Sweet Rice

15. Khichadi

16. Brinjal Bhajji

17. Gobhi ke Pakore

18. Aaloo ke pakore

19. Boondi ka Raita

20. Kheere ka Raita

21. Aaloo Tikki

22. Bread Sandwich

23. Chhole

24. Mix Vegetable Sabzi

25. Matar Paneer

26. Daal

27. Kadhi

28. Saag

29.Lauki ki sabzi

30. Papad

31. Nariyal Chutney

32. Dhaniya- Pudina Chutney

33. Salad

34. Plain parantha

35. Aaloo Parantha

36. Spinach poori

37. Plain poori

38. Kachori

39. Chapati

40. Mango shake

41. Banana Shake

42. Coconut water

43. Badam milk

44. Salted Lassi

45. Shikanji

46. Mango

47. Banana

48.Grapes

49. Apple

50. Plum

51. Kiwi

52. Almonds

53. Raisins

54. Cahewnuts

55. Pishtachios

56.Saunf & Elaichi

   
Variations can be made according to one's choice and capacity.

7 types of cereals
7 types of fruits
7 types of dry fruits
7 vegetables
7 sweets
7 drinks
7 namkeen
7 sauces or pickles

in another variation one offer
16 kinds of namkeen’
20 kinds of sweets
20 kinds of dry fruit