In Praise of Vetta Kuzhambu and Vengaya Sambar: Nutty but Funny!

 'Why Vetta Kuzhambu over Vada Pao' 

If Valmiki and Vyasa took Indian Epic writing to pinnacle of glory, if Shakespeare and Milton lent lustre to English Literature, if Lindwall and Miller tormented the batsmen the world over and always haunted in pair, if Gandhiji and Vinobhaji instilled spirituality in politics, Vetta Kuzhambhu and Vengaya Sambar, demonstrate the Tamil Brahmin's culinary skill at its sharpest best. 

 

Vetta Kuzhambu and Vengaya sambar, like Sehwag and Sachin, would always dominate the scene and that is the reason perhaps they are not served on plantain leaves in marital lunches. Any other sambar, needs the support of a thair pacchadi, avial, olan, parrupu usili and karakari, to survive the lunch. Remove the support of the various vegetables save one and sambar would surrender at once - a roaring lion, only when there is a retinue around. Not Vengaya Sambar. It can stand its ground in testing time. When Vengaya Sambar is around, like one's own wife, who would glance at Avial or pacchadi, mere coquettes, though they may have inviting looks? 

 

"In small things we just beauty see, 

In short measure, life may perfect be", 

 

says Shakespeare in one of his sonnets, underlying the fact that it is the small vengayam that we are talking about. In Travancore, small vengayam is called ulli or Eerulli. The larger one doesn't deserve a treatise to write about.  

 

Vetta Kuzhambu and Vengaya Sambar can conquer the world with the help of a single vegetable to play a subordinate role, as Kapil Dev played that world conquering game, with Syed Kirmani at the other end. When Concerns in Mumbai served Vengaya Sambar with Potato karakari on Thursdays, a serpentine queue with saliva oozing out, would wait for hours. If no vegetable is available, Vetta Kuzhambu can still hold its sway with the help of a roasted appalam. Sorry my Palakkad brothers and sisters.  Our pappadam cannot measure upto the expectations of Vetta Kuzhambu. They are not made for each other. It is always ensnared by the amorous advances of  appalam. 

 

I prepared only vetta kuzhambhu and chutta appalam today, a Thanjavur Mami, would murmur in humility, oblivious of the fact that the aroma from her kitchen has already reached eight houses ahead in her Agraharam. Chutta appalam, like chundaikai  or karela, can also immerse in Vetta kuzhambhu, reiterating the fact that it is part of the household and not a mere catalytic agent. 

 

And yet, we deny them their legitimate place in marriage lunches; instead we relegate them to the light dinner on the marriage day when all the ceremonies are over and only a few are around. Why treat your best batsmen as tailenders? Is it because all other vegetables have ganged up to isolate Vetta Kuzhambhu and Vengaya Sambar, so that they too are noticed? Would it be a blasphemy if we serve Vetta Kuzhambhu and Vengaya Sambar in saddhies of Sasta preetis, instead of several vegetables and varieties of payasams? After all payasams were dictated by palate and not prescribed by Shastras.  

 

Idli and Mulagapodi are always made for each other. And yet, Chutney and Vengaya Sambar are not looked upon as the 'the other woman'. What more, Vengaya Sambar can also lend legitimacy to Idli and dosai and take them to dizzy heights. 

if Vengaya Sambar and Potato Karakari is unparalleled, Koorkai, Chenai and Banana also go well with it. It does not need  varieties of vegetables or pathnis as it strictly follows Lord Sriram.It chooses one and remains loyal. However, Vetta Kuzhambhu is too strong a personality to entertain Idli and Dosai. It prefers to stand alone or mingle with a few lesser mortals. It is a little complex personality and yet has popular appeal.   

 

One needs the arbitrating skills of a Solomon Pappaya to decide whether Vengaya Sambar emerges out better when prepared with Sambar Powder or ground coconut and other ingredients. To put in Brahminical tamil, whether Podi potta sambar scores over arachuvitta sambar, if Vengayam is the main ingredient?  I am for one, is a protagonist of vengaya sambar, prepared with sambar powder. The vengayam here is endowed with a rare ability, as the overcast sky does to a swing bowler. When ground coconut is used, the sharpness of Vengayam is bludgeoned as the effectiveness of a pace bowler is, in a flat wicket. Fortunately, Vetta Kuzhambhu does not face such a threat from coconut. I may be torn into pieces by some of the well known professional cooks or mamas and mamis from Palakkad for this sacrilegious statement. It is availability that dictates the ingredients and develop the taste. 

 

One major area where Vetta Kuzhambhu differs from its brother Vengaya Sambar is in longevity. As some of its ingredients are basically preservatives, Vetta Kuzhambhu is blessed with a longer shelf life. Vengaya sambar suffers from Balarishtams if not alpa-ayusu. 

 

Vengaya Sambar, as the very name suggests, leans on good quality small onions, for survival. Vetta Kuzhambhu does not need such singular support. It needs varieties of ingredients and deft handling which is available aplenty in Thanjavur and Trichi. ( yours truly is a poor soul from Travancore). 

 

It is not Sandhya Vandhanam or various other rituals that  bench mark brahminical eminence. Ability to prepare, enjoy and evaluate quality Vetta Kuzhambhu and Vengaya Sambar that marks brahminical endowments. 

 

Let young mothers and fathers dissuade their children from Pav Bhaji and Pani poori and instead eulogise them, if they show proclivity towards Vengaya Sambar and Vetta Kuzhambhu. 

 

author unknown

The Divinity of Kanda Sashti

Kanda Sashti which falls in the Tamil month of Aippasi (Oct-Nov) is a very auspicious day in the calendar of Muruga devotees. The significance of Sashti is that it falls on the 6th day (thidi) of the lunar month, starting from Ammavasya (full moon day); the number six signaling the six faces of Muruga.  In 2014, Kanda Sashti falls on 29^th October.  Skanda Sashti marks the triumph of good over evil.  It was on this day; Lord Kanda, pronounced as Skanda in Sanskrit, destroyed the demon Sooran who represented ego in its full measure. Kanda Sashti gives us the message that the Lord of Tiruchendur would spontaneously reach out those who follow the path of truth, devotion and humility and grace them.

As a result of the extreme penance undertaken by Soorapadman, Lord Siva appeared before him and granted him the boon of life for 108 yugas or eons, or one full age among the four age cycle.  Armed with this power, he and his brothers, Tarakasura and Simhasura started terrorizing the Devas.  Soorapadman had received the boon that no one born to any human or even divine personality could destroy him.  It therefore became necessary to create a bigger power, not naturally born, to be able to annihilate Sooran. 

Thus, six sparks of fire came from the third eye of Lord Siva.  These flames were deposited in the marshy lake called Saravana Poigai.  Goddess Parvati came to Saravana Poigai along with Lord Siva and saw her son, Kumara.  The face of the child was brilliant like a thousand rising suns.  As she embraced the six children, they merged into one and transformed into one beautiful child. The word Skanda means ‘integrated into one’.  As the six babies were integrated into one, He became known as Skanda.

Having received the powerful Vel (lance) from his mother Parvati, Kanda waged a fierce battle with Soorapadman.  Soorapadman adopted deceitful methods by taking different forms like mountain and trees.  Ultimately, Kanda vanquished Sooran by hurling His Vel (lance) into the tree in which form Sooran was fighting.  As the Vel pierced the tree, it was split into two parts.  But Muruga, the Lord of infinite compassion, pardoned Sooran.  The Lord took one half of the tree, transformed it into a peacock and accepted it as His transport, and transformed the other half into a rooster and accepted it as his banner or ensign. It was victory day for all the Devas.  They celebrated the day as the day of victory of right over wrong, victory of light over darkness and victory of truth over deceit. This victory day is celebrated as Kanda Sashti. 


The Kanda Sashti celebrations start six days in advance.  Some devotees start observing austerities, penance and strict discipline in conduct.  While some devotees follow the practice of silence, others engage themselves in rituals and worship.  Most of the people observe fast during this period. There is no doubt that those who worship the Lord after observing the austerities would get the benign blessings of Lord Muruga.  There were many instances of those deprived of the joy of having children being blessed with children after observing fast during Sashti and worshipping Lord Senthil Andavar. 

There is a popular saying in Tamil Chattiyil Irundhal Aappayil Varum. (chattiyil = in earthern pot, irunthal = if available, aappayil =  the hand instrument by which one draws the contents from the vessel, varum = could get).  If the pot has some contents then only one will be able to draw from it. This is said in order to highlight the fact that there should be a deposit before one tries to withdraw.  Now Muruga devotees have given a new interpretation to it.  They said: “Sashtiyil (vridham - assumed) Irundhal Agappayil Varum (sashtiyil = during Sashti, irunthal = if abstinence is observed', agapayil varum = life will come in the internal cavity of the belly). 

This means that if the women aspiring to become mother undergo penance during Sashti they would soon find their pot (womb) brimming with life. By worshipping Muruga, the women's aspiration of motherhood would soon be fulfilled.  But it is not just the grace of motherhood that Lord Kanda grants to those aspiring for it by observing Sashti ritual (vritam). Devotees observing Sashti Vritam with devotion and dedication would be free from all consequences of karma and elevated to a state of peace, prosperity and happiness.


Devaraya Swamigal, an enlightened saint, has given beautiful expression to the importance of Kanda Sashti in his hymn, Kanda Sashti Kavacham.  While Devarayar was engaged in business at Bangalore, he happened to meet Sri Meenakshi Sundaram Pillai, an erudite scholar in Tamil.  Association with Pillai transformed Devarayar into a great poet.  When the inherent devotion in Devarayar got combined with his literary knowledge, it gave birth to beautiful verses of hymns in praise of Lord Muruga.  Residing at Palani, he used to worship Palani Andavar daily. 

Once, on his way to the hill, he was pained to notice a group of persons suffering from various ailments in a medical camp.  He then went to the shrine, bitterly poured out his emotion and prayed for their recovery.  Lord Muruga then appeared in his vision and said: “Your prayer is heard and it would be fulfilled.  Compose your songs in your beautiful Tamil in a way that would be acclaimed by all."

Devarayar then started composing his songs. He then proceeded to Tiruchendur.  As he saw Tiruchendur Muruga in His splendour and glory, he was deeply moved and songs started coming from him spontaneously and effortlessly.  He composed his remarkable works, Kanda Shasti Kavacham in six chapters.  The song beinning with the wordsThudhipporkku Val Vinai Pom describes the different types of Vel and the way it protects devotees from different adverse influences.  Sashti Kavacham also describes the magnificence of Muruga, His infinite grace, His compassion and beauty.  The Soorasamharam is also described in vivid details.  In the passage: Ethanai Kuraigal the poet says:

There may be wrongs, shortcomings on my part,                                
Misdeeds I would have committed out of ignorance
It is your duty, Oh Lord Muruga, to pardon me and forgive me
Just as a loving mother would do to her children
And lead me to the correct path.  
 
Going through Kandar Sashti Kavacham, one admires literature and devotion blending beautifully.  Going through the range and depth of the song, it is clear that no ordinary mortal could have composed such an outstanding work and only one who has been blessed by Muruga could achieve this feat. 

The word kavacham means shield.  To those who chant Kanda Sashti Kavacham, the grace of Kanda serves as a shield against all possible threats, all diseases and evil effects.  Neither the effects of karma nor any adverse effects arising out of planetary influence can harm these devotees.  The Kanda Sashti Kavacham not only shields them from all possible dangers but also gives them confidence, strength, courage and power to sail through this turbulent ocean of life. 

A sea of humanity converges in Tiruchendur on the occasion of Kanda Sashti to witness enactment of the scene of Soorapadman being defeated.  Here, there is no difference of caste, class or creed.  All those congregated on the seashore are united in their devotion towards Muruga.  They have all come from far and near to witness this rare event called Soorasamharam.  The wedding of Lord Muruga (Tiru Kalyanam) is also solemnized on the next day after the Soorasamharam.  After the worship, they all return with the supreme satisfaction of having the blessings of Muruga.  They have full faith that the Lord they worship with reverence would always stand by them, provide them guidance and grace and ensure them happiness and prosperity.

9 Health Benefits Of Buttermilk (Chaas)

Did you know that chaas is catagorised as a sattvic food in Ayurveda? The next time you get acidity after eating a heavy or spicy meal, drink a glass of chaas instead of popping an antacid. This yoghurt-based drink is both delicious and healthy, making it the perfect accompaniment to your meals. Its also a great way to cool off when the heat is unbearable! 

Here are some of the amazing benefits of buttermilk (chaas).

1. Fights acidity.

If you tend to suffer from acid reflux after a meal, start including chaas in your diet. The yoghurt will cool your stomach and soothe any irritation, while the ginger and spices will help prevent the acidity.

2. Soothes the stomach after a spicy meal.

Spicy food irritates the stomach lining, but chaas can help soothe it. Milk and milk-based products are actually the best remedies for spice they contain proteins that neutralise the spice and cool off your system. 

3. Improves digestion.

The spices in chaas are excellent digestive aids that prevent indigestion and excessive burping. Yoghurt is loaded with probiotics, which encourage the growth of healthy gut flora. This will improve everything from your digestion to your immunity. 

4. Boosts your calcium intake.

Adults require 1,000 1,200 mg of calcium per day, to maintain healthy bones and teeth. 1 cup of milk contains about 300 mg, while 1 cup of yoghurt contains about 420 mg of calcium. Adding just 1 cup of chaas to your daily diet can boost your calcium intake by 350 mg.

5. Washes down fats.

Do you know that feeling, when youve eaten so much that you think youre in a food coma? Drinking chaas after your meal will make you feel better, since it washes down the oil, butter and ghee that coat your oesophagus and stomach, making you feel much lighter.

6. Contains several other nutrients, apart from calcium.

Chaas is a good source of proteins, potassium and B vitamins. Each of the ingredients inchaas is extremely healthy, with plenty of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. These nutrients boost immunity, improve sleep, enable hormone synthesis and much more. 

7. Lowers cholesterol, reduces blood pressure and prevents cancer.

A study found that the milk fat molecules in buttermilk contain a unique bioactive protein that lowers cholesterol and has antiviral, antibacterial and anticarcinogenic properties. The same study found that drinking chaas every day can reduce blood pressure significantly.

8. Prevents dehydration. 

Carry a bottle of chaas with you if you know youre going to be out in the heat, or have a chilled glass as soon as you get home. The combination of water, yoghurt, salt and spices will replenish your fluid and electrolyte levels instantly, helping you ward off dehydration. 

9. Works for lactose-intolerant people.

Many people who are lactose intolerant are actually able to digest yoghurt without a problem. If youre lactose intolerant, drinking chaas is one way to make sure you get your calcium.

Masala chaas recipe

Ingredients

400 ml yoghurt

1 tsp black salt

1 tsp chaat masala

1/2 inch piece of ginger

2 green chillies, finely chopped

A pinch asafoetida (hing)

Salt to taste

1 tsp lemon juice

A few curry leaves (kadi patta)

2 tbsp chopped coriander 

Method

Put the green chillies, coriander, ginger and 2-3 curry leaves in a mixer and blend them till they form a smooth paste.

Add the yoghurt and blend using a hand blender, till smooth.

Pour this mixture into a glass.

Add the chaat masala, black salt, salt, lemon juice and asafoetida and mix well.

Chill in the refrigerator.

Garnish with one curry leaf and a few coriander leaves and serve.

"You could have learnt faster from Vedas than from Yale University!"

"I once went to a place called Vaasangere in Karnataka to have His darshan. He was camping in the mines area which belonged to Sandur Maharaja. Swamigal was a sitting on a tarpaulin along with the other devotees. Annathurai Iyengar of Veda Raksha Nidhi Trust was also there with a few students from his Veda Patashala. It was around 10.30 in the night.

The Sandur Maharaja, Maharani and their son were also there. His son was a Reader in the Department of Mathematics at Yale University in the US. He had a PhD degree in Maths. His parents were standing there respectfully before Him but he appeared to be quite casual. Swamigal conversed with the Maharaja and Maharani in Kannada for a while.
After a while He turned towards their son and asked,
"Where do you live? What are you doing?"
"I am a Reader in Maths Dept at Yale University", he replied.
"What have you studied, you have done your PhD in which branch of Maths", He asked.
Their son did not answer for a minute, hesitating to reply as he was unsure if Swamigal could make sense of what he had studied. His father goaded him to reply.
"Quantum Theory.", he said, matter-of-factly.
Swamigal drew a +ve sign on the mud and circled it; He also drew a -ve sign and circled it. Pointing to the two signs Swamigal asked him,
"Did you use the positive or the negative approach in your Quantum Theory PhD thesis study?"
Their son who was a bit indifferent until then, was startled to hear this from Him. He was trembling for words and suddenly became more respectful and replied,
"Positive Approach."
"Why did you not take the Negative Approach, will you do you it later", He asked.
"It is difficult to use the Negative Approach", he said.
Swamigal looked at Annathurai Iyengar and said, "He is saying it is difficult; can you ask the Veda students to recite this particular verse from Rig Veda?", and prompts them with first two words.
The students recited that particular verse for 5 minutes. After this He turned to their son and said, "you must have obtained your PhD in your 24th or 25th year correct?"
"In my 25th year", said he.
"Rig Veda, the verse which you heard now, talks both about the Positive and the Negative approaches", He said.
The son was astonished and requested the students to recite the verse again.
"Are you now thinking that you need not have spent lakhs and lakhs of rupees for your 25 years of education and if only you had studied the Vedas you would have learnt this Truth in just 7 years?!", replied Lord Parameshwara."
*****
Narrated by Shri Thiruvannamalai Gowrishankar Mama!
Yale University is one of the top universities in the world, but obviously not a match for the Vedas! :)))

Experiences with Maha Periyava: Power of Panchakshara Japam - ‘NamaShivaya’

A few devotees had built a temple for Lord Shiva somewhere in Andhra. When they tried to carry the sculpted Linga made of stone to the sanctum, they could not move it even an inch. Anxiety writ large on their faces, they came to report the matter to Sri Maha Periyava. After a few minutes pause, Maha Periyava asked them to bring one Sri Vaidyanatha Shastri from somewhere near Trichy. Maha Periyava whispered something into his ears and advised the Andhra devotees to take him along with them to their town.

On reaching their place, Sri Shastrigal was doing Japa for hours together after his daily anushtanams. The devotees were perplexed as they expected this Shastrigal to advise them something useful to allay their predicament. Nonetheless, they just kept on and did not disturb Sri Shastrigal.

On the 21st day of his stay there, after his Japa, Sri Shastrigal asked them to shift the Lingam. Lo! They were able to do it in no time!

They told Sri Shastrigal that the Lingam which earlier weighed so much not allowing them to move it by even an inch was now like a mass of cotton, so light and easy to move.

They requested him to explain the miracle to them. Sri Shastrigal told them that he too did not know, except that Maha Periyava asked him to do the Panchakshara Japam for 21 days devotedly sitting in front of that Lingam. That’s all!

Sri Maha Periyava’s Tapomahima could demonstrate in the 20th Century what Appar Swamigal did centuries ago to prove the efficacy of Shiva Panchaksharam!

Appar (Tirunavukkarasar) Swamigal’s absolute faith in the efficacy of ‘NamaShivaya’ manthram which came to his rescue to float him on the waters. This happened when the Jain King sought to punish him by tying him on a big stone and throwing him in the deep water to make sure he would drown.

 

How did Hanuman end up on Arjuna’s chariot in Mahabharata?

The emblem of Hanuman on the flag of Arjuna is another sign of victory because Hanuman cooperated with Lord Rama in the battle between Rama and Ravana, and Lord Rama emerged victorious.

Krishna as saarthi in mahabharata

Krishna as saarthi where as Hanuman on Flag in mahabharata

Lord Krishna is Rama Himself, and wherever Lord Rama is, His eternal servitor Hanuman and His eternal consort Sita, the goddess of fortune, are present.

Therefore, Arjuna had no cause to fear any enemies whatsoever. And above all, the Lord of the senses, Lord Krishna, was personally present to give him direction. Thus, all good counsel was available to Arjuna in the matter of executing the battle. In such auspicious conditions, arranged by the Lord for His eternal devotee, lay the signs of assured victory.

Hanuman, decorating the chariot’s flag, was ready to shout his war cries to help Bhima terrify the enemy. Earlier, the Mahabharata had described a meeting between Hanuman and Bhima.

Once, while Arjuna was seeking celestial weapons, the remaining Pandavas wandered to Badarikashrama, high in the Himalayas. Suddenly, the alakananda River carried to Draupadi a beautiful and fragrant thousand-petaled lotus flower. Draupadi was captivated by its beauty and scent. “Bhima, this lotus flower is so beautiful. I should offer it to Yudhisthhira Maharaja. Could you get me a few more? We could take some back to our hermitage in Kamyaka.”

Bhima grabbed his club and charged up the hill where no mortals were permitted. As he ran, he bellowed and frightened elephants and lions. He uprooted trees as he pushed them aside. Not caring for the ferocious beasts of the jungle, he climbed a steep mountain until his progress was blocked by a huge monkey lying across the path.

“Why are you making so much noise and scaring all the animals?” the monkey said. “Just sit down and eat some fruit.”

“Move aside,” ordered Bhima, for etiquette forbade him to step over the monkey.

The monkey’s reply?

“I am too old to move. Jump over me.”

Bhima, becoming angry, repeated his order, but the monkey, again pleading the weakness of old age, requested Bhima to simply move his tail aside.

Proud of his immense strength, Bhima thought to pull the monkey out of the way by its tail. But, to his amazement, he could not move it in the least, though he exerted all his strength. In shame, he bent down his head and politely asked the monkey who he was. The monkey revealed his identity as Hanuman, his brother and told him that he stopped him to prevent him from the dangers and rakshasas in the forest.

Transported with delight, Bhima requested Hanuman to show him the form in which he crossed the ocean. Hanuman smiled and began to increase his size to the extent Bhima realized he had grown beyond the size of the mountain. Bhima bowed before him and told him that inspired with his strength, he was sure to conquer his enemies.

Hanuman gave parting blessing to his brother: “While you roar like a lion in the battlefield, my voice shall join yours and strike terror into the heart of your enemies. I shall be present on the flag of the chariot of your brother Arjuna. You will be victorious.”

He then offered Bhima the following blessings.

“I shall remain present on the flag of your brother Arjuna. When you roar like a lion on the battlefield, my voice will join with yours to strike terror into the hearts of your enemies. You will be victorious and regain your kingdom.”