It is believed that performing Annadanam absolves past sins and leads one toward moksha (liberation) from the cycle of birth and death. This is the sacred offering of food at the Tiruvannamalai Adheenam Math.
Taken in complete silence, the meal is preceded by an "Annamalaikku Arogara" (meaning "Hail the Lord of the Annamalai Hill") a powerful arrangement of sounds.
We bow down….
We bow down to the hands of the farmers who tended the soil that grew the fruits and vegetables, the grains and spices. May they know how many grateful beings they nourish with their effort.
Blessed are the hands that brought it here, and those who donated it out of their love to nourish us.