What prayer do we say before eating food?

the most common is “Brahmārpaṇaṁ brahma haviḥ…” from the Bhagavad Gītā; any sincere thanks is also fine.

Many homes and schools recite Bhagavad Gītā 4.24, “Brahmārpaṇaṁ brahma havir brahmāgnau brahmaṇā hutam…”, which sees the food, the eater and the act of eating as all part of Brahman. Some add Gītā 15.14, “Ahaṁ vaiśvānaro bhūtvā…”, where Kṛṣṇa says he dwells in living beings as the fire of digestion. Others say “Annapūrṇe sadāpūrṇe…” to Mother Annapūrṇā.

The idea is simple: food comes from the earth, rain, farmers and the cook, and we pause to receive it as a gift rather than grab it. In some families a little is first set aside for a cow, a bird or a guest.

With small children, even “Thank you, Bhagavān, for this food” works beautifully. Say it together, sit down to eat, and avoid wasting what is on the plate.

Source: Bhagavad Gītā 4.24 and 15.14

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