What does the word Prasaada mean

Usually by the word prasaada we mean the food which is shared by the devotees after it has been offered to the God. The other meanings of this word are: clearness, brightness, purity, calmness, tranquility, absence of excitement, serenity of disposition, graciousness, kindness etc. The word prasaada is derived from the root sad with the prefix pra. The root sad originally means to sit down, besiege, lie in, wait for, to sink down etc. The word sadana, the verbal noun of the root sad, therefore, means a house in which one sits or dwells. The word praasaada means sitting forward, sitting on a seat in a conspicuous place, a lofty seat or platform for spectators, terrace, the top-story of a lofty building, a lofty palatial mansion, palace, temple.

The original meaning of the root sad is to sink down. One may sink down into distress and dejection or one may sink down into the most sublime state in meditation. Both the meanings are possible. Therefore, the verbal form siidati means to collapse, faint, as we find in the Gita (1:28) where Arjuna says siidanti mama gaatraani, my limbs are collapsing. The same verbal form with the prefix pra (prasiidati) means to become satisfied, pleased or glad, be gracious or kind, to render calm, soothe, appease, propitiate, grow clear and bright, become placid or tranquil. Though it is the prefix pra that brings this transformation, yet the original meaning of the root sad, to sink or settle down or to sit is not disregarded. It is when one settles down and is seated within then only he can have the clarity in the vision, is capable of getting the favor of the divine. It is when one is poised or seated within oneself (the inner chamber or sadana) then one is able to establish a connection with the God. When this relation is established the God responds. This response of the God is prasaada. So we have words like guru-prasaada, favour of the Guru, deva-prasaada, God’s grace; the word manah-prasaada means the serenity or peace of the mind. The word prasaadana means calming, soothing, cheering; in its feminine form (prasaadanaa) it means adoration or worship to God.

Another important word derived from the root pra-sad is prasanna which conveys the sense of cheerfulness, clear purity and gladness; so the one who is prasanna is bright, pure, distinct, perspicuous, placid, tranquil, gracious, propitiating and pleasing.