We tend to
abuse our body by eating food at irregular time, and eating out on regular
intervals. It is a basic need of any living being. The following story from the
purana explains how simple food served with love satisfies hunger:
The Kuber-Ganesha story
A
dwarf with three legs, Kubera, travels in his Pushpaka Vimanam to invite the
Divine Couple, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi for a feast in his palace. He
wanted to show off his richness, wealth and the beauty of his palace to the
Divine Couple. The Divine Couple welcomes him with affection and warmth, but
declines the invitation. They did not want to dishonor his invitation and hence
suggested to invite Lord Ganesha who is a lover of food and said that He will
surely enjoy a delicious feast.
Lord
Kubera agreed and invited Lord Ganesha to come on the following day for lunch. The
playful Lord Ganesha instantly agreed to come.
On
the following day Lord Ganesh visits Lord Kubera’s palatial abode.
Lord
Kubera welcomes him and describes the beauty and richness of his residence to
Lord Ganesha.
But,
'I am hungry. Please serve me food,' shouts Ganesha impatiently.
Kuber
orders his chefs to get the best of the delicacies for the guest as he settles
on the cushioned diwan. Ganesha sits down to eat. Chefs bring decorated trays
with sweet and savoury dishes. Ganesha finishes each morsel of food on the
ivory table top and looks up for a second helping. The table is filled with
more food and Ganesha licks his fingers before announcing, 'I am hungry.'
'Get
more food,' thunders Kuber, looking frazzled. Ganesha is engrossed in eating
fruits till the cooking team prepares more food.
'I
am still hungry,' he says innocently when all the eatables of the house have
gone down his throat. Perturbed, Kuber runs to Mount Kailash and narrates the
whole incident to Shiva. Shiva smiles and pacifies the teary Kubera. Lord Shiva
says, “Luxury and designer delicacies cannot satiate Ganesha. Just offer him a
bowl of rice with love and humility.' With this, Parvati brings a bowl of rice
from her small kitchen.
'I
gave him the most expensive and exotic dishes, a rare experience but...' Kuber
is unhappy, perhaps angry.
Ganesha
reaches Mount Kailash with a puffed stomach and rushes towards his mother.
Kuber offers the bowl of rice to Ganesha.
'I
am full now,' chirps Ganesha.
Food
is an integral part of every being. It requires being prepared in hygiene
conditions with utmost care and patience.
Commercial
food may satiate the hunger for the moment, but if hunger has to be satisfied
it needs to be cooked with a pinch of Love. It is a creative art which requires
passion while preparation.
If
your hunger is satisfied with well prepared healthy food, illness will be at
bay. Of course food should be taken at regular intervals and in adequate
quantity. Excess is disastrous.
Simple
home cooked food does wonders to your body and mind, which cannot be enjoyed
from food served in luxurious ambience.
Eat
well and stay healthy!@ps
No comments:
Post a Comment