What is Thal?

According to the saying "Yathā dehā tathā devā" — just as we nourish our body with food, offering food to our beloved Bhagwan is a divine opportunity known as Thaal.

When a devotee prepares an assortment of dishes with deep love and devotion and presents them to Bhagwan for His divine blessings, this heartfelt offering is known as Thaal.

Significance of Thaal

The principle of Satsang teaches that Maharaj is ever-present and manifest through the Murti.

In our homes, Maharaj resides eternally and visibly. He is our everything, and He must remain at the center of every action we perform as devotees — regardless of the nature of that action.

Shriji Maharaj Himself declared in Vachanamrut Sarangpur 3:

“If one worships Me with great love, with Goosebumps on end and an emotionally choked voice, or if one performs mansi puja (mental worship) in the same way, both are excellent. But if one worships Me physically or mentally without such loving excitement and with a dry mind, then it is inferior.”

Thus, performing Thaal after cooking is not merely a ritual or formality. It is an act accepted personally by the Lord of Akshardham Himself. His divine gaze purifies the food of any worldly or impure elements.

Grains grow in various fields, whose condition is often unknown. From harvesting to cooking, food carries the thoughts and influences of all who touch it. If any impure thoughts are mixed in, they can negatively affect the one who eats it. But once offered to Bhagwan through Thaal, that food becomes pure, divine, and prasad.

By consuming this divine prasad, one’s thoughts, behavior, and speech become more sattvic (pure and virtuous). One progresses spiritually, and worldly desires lose their grip.

When and How Long Should Thaal Be Offered?

1. Balbhog: 6:00 AM to 7:30 AM

Sweet items, milk, bhakhri-thepla, dry snacks (like sev, chevdo, sakkarpara). If not possible, milk and fruits can be offered.

If it includes dry snacks and sweets, offer for about 8–10 minutes.

2. Rajbhog (Midday Thaal): 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM

Includes sweets, dry and wet snacks, dal-rice, vegetables, roti, puri, papad, pickles, raita, salad, yogurt, buttermilk — whatever has been prepared. Even just vegetable and roti is acceptable, but one should eat only after offering as Thaal.

Offer for about 15–20 minutes.

3. Utthapan Thaal: 4:00 PM to 4:30 PM

Fruits, juice, ice cream, dry fruits, sing-sakar (peanuts and sugar crystals). Plain sugar or crystals alone should not be offered.

Offer for about 5 minutes.

4. Sandhya Thaal (Evening Thaal): 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Khichdi, vegetables, bhakhri, rotla, dhokla, handvo, kadhi, or milk.

Offer for about 10–15 minutes.

Important Guidelines for Thaal:

Use all spices in proper proportions. Cook according to what pleases Maharaj, not just personal preference.

Prepare Thaal with enthusiasm and divine awareness that Maharaj Himself will partake of it. Never do it out of laziness or routine.

Avoid unnecessary worldly talk or negative thoughts while cooking. Listen to kirtans, dhun, or discourses.

Keep Maharaj’s serving utensils (plates, bowls, spoons, glasses) separate. They should not be mixed with household utensils.

If possible, place the Thaal on a table or stand in front of Maharaj’s seat to serve Him comfortably.

Before and After Thaal:

Before Thaal: Pray humbly at the home or temple shrine, inviting Maharaj to come and accept the offering. If there is a Batuk Maharaj on the throne, carefully remove ornaments or cloth that may get in the way. Prepare a glass of water near the Thaal.

After Thaal: Offer water and mukhvas (mouth fresheners like sesame seeds, fennel seeds, coriander dal, or dry fruits).

During Thaal:

Do not engage in other household chores. Just as we serve guests with full attention, sit before Maharaj and lovingly serve Him.

Sing or recite Thaal prayers; do not remain silent. HDH Swamishri would often teaches, “During Thaal, Maharaj is very pleased, so pray sincerely — He surely accepts such prayers.”

Maintain a peaceful environment; avoid loud talking or noise nearby.

History of the Famous Thaal:

Today, the beloved Thaal "Jamo Thaal Jivan Jāū Vārī..." is sung in every Swaminarayan temple and home. It originated during the time of Shriji Maharaj.

Back then, the Swaminarayan Sampraday was new and faced intense opposition. Sadhus often faced stone pelting and insults, and food was scarce. Sad. Bhumanand Swami, a senior saint from the Nand lineage, once went on a village tour. Due to opposition, the sadhus had to fast for four days. Still, they kept walking, chanting the Swaminarayan mantra.

A farmer returning from his field met the sadhus, felt blessed, and greeted them. On learning they had fasted for days, he said, “Oh! You true sants have fasted for four days? I only have freshly harvested wheat sprouts — please accept them.”

The sadhus were not pained by their own hunger but were distressed that Thaal had not been offered to God for four days. Seeing the sprouts, tears of joy filled their eyes.

Sad. Bhumanand Swami served God reverently and, overwhelmed with love, prayed: “O Maharaj! Please be pleased. You have not been offered Thaal for four days. Out of compassion, You sent this farmer. Now please accept this humble Thaal — please eat heartily.”

While praying, he began singing: "Jamo Thaal Jivan Jāū Vārī..." — and miraculously, Maharaj manifested in front of them. As Swami sang each dish’s name, Maharaj visibly relished it. When the Thaal ended, Maharaj disappeared. The divine vision fulfilled Swami’s hunger as well.

When Swami later returned to Gadhpur, Maharaj Himself rose during His meal to warmly greet Swami. He lovingly served Swami and said, “Swami, that day you offered Me Thaal with so much love, even though it was just sprouts. I wish to hear that Thaal again and again!” Maharaj made Swami sing it four or five times.

This divine Thaal composed by Sad. Bhumanand Swami continues to be sung lovingly in temples and homes today as devotees offer Thaal to Maharaj.

May we all offer Thaal with the same love and divine awareness!