<P> In its material sense, prasada is created by a process of giving and receiving between a human devotee and the divine god . For example, a devotee makes an offering of a material substance such as flowers, fruits, or sweets--which is called naivedya . The deity then' enjoys' or tastes a bit of the offering, which is then temporarily known as bhogya . This now - divinely invested substance is called prasāda and is received by the devotee to be ingested, worn, etc . It may be the same material that was originally offered or material offered by others and then re-distributed to other devotees . In many temples, several kinds of prasada (e.g., nuts, sweets) are distributed to the devotees . </P> <P> Some strict Gaudiya Vaishnavas, most commonly initiated ISKCON devotees, will eat only prasadam, i.e., everything they eat is first offered to Krishna, not simply a few items as with most other Hindus . In addition, the cooking of prasadam is done without tasting, because it is not for the believer's own consumption, but to offer to Krishna--they will receive the remnants of Krishna's food, which they consider to be NON-different to Krishna . ISKCON temples are known for providing free prasada meals to all who come, as they believe that this is not only feeding the poor but providing them with Krishna's mercy as well . </P> <P> One way that prasadamis commonly prepared is to place the food in offering before an image or deity of the spiritual figure to be honored, sometimes on a plate or serving vessel reserved only for spiritual purposes; and only then, after some time is allowed to pass, does the food become holy prasadam for further distribution . </P>

What is the significance of prasada in temple hinduism