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According to Vedic theology, society can meet everyone's legitimate needs if the various individuals perform their respective duties. These duties embody the ideal of extending God's shelter to others. For this purpose, the system of varnashrama-dharma allocated specific duties to each varna and ashram. For example, the vaishyas were considered responsible for the animals; women were especially entrusted with nurturing children; kshatriyas were obliged to ensure the physical safety of citizens; and sannyasis were required to remind everyone - especially householders - of their spiritual duties.
The less fortunate were cared for within the extended family. Religious obligations also included various forms of charity. For example, scripture obliges the householder to step outside the front door before each meal and to announce three times "Is anyone hungry? Please come to take your meal!" Only then would the family eat, with or without guests. Today, Hindu families are still renowned for their hospitality. Other acts of generosity include giving alms and clothing, and ritually feeding the poor, holy people and animals. A righteous life, whereby God is perceived in nature, naturally protects the environment. Planting trees and digging wells have long been considered to bestow considerable spiritual merit.
Sri Sai Satcharitra:
"When an Atithi (uninvited guest) comes to our door at noon, it is our bounden duty to welcome him and give him food. Other kinds of charities, viz., giving away wealth, property and clothes etc., require some discrimination, but in the matter of food, no such consideration is necessary. All charities are imperfect without Anna Daana. Anna Daana is the best of all merits."
Lord Sri Krishna :
"annadah pranado loke pranadah sarvado bhavet tasmadannam visesena datavyam bhutimicchata"
The giver of food is the giver of life, and indeed of everything else. Therefore, one who is desirous of well being in this world and beyond, should specially endeavor to give food.
Food is the basic requirement for all humans Thus for the one who does Annadhana to devotees, attains heaven (Punya Loka) in this Universe (Brahmanda).
We are planning to perform Anna Daanam on every thursday and on major occasions/festivals celebrated at the temple. We invite you to join us in this service by contributing to the extent you can .
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