There is an interesting story that Anjana Devi was worried that her son (Hanuman!) was not eating his meals properly as he was always busy running errands for Rama. So, she made Vadais for him using Urad Dal & Pepper. She then instructed Hanuman to carry a few of them all the time and he was supposed to have them whenever he felt hungry. This is the lip smacking Hanumar Koil Vadais that we all love. Both Urad Dal and Pepper have medicinal properties and are used in traditional herbal remedies.
Eat well. Stay healthy.
Periyalwar Thirumozhi – The Fifth Set of Ten – The Second Divine Poem
443. Like ants rushing to climb the pot of ghee, diseases & disorders try to conquer this mortal body of mine. I tell them that they may need to go somewhere else. This body of mine is under the protection of the one who reclines in the serpent bed.
444. The hordes of the Lord of the south (Yama) tear up the instructions written by Chitragupta and flee without carrying out his orders. (Chitragupta is Lord Yama’s assistant and maintains the record of deeds & misdeeds of all mortals!) They dare not approach me as I am the servant of the one who resides in the ocean of milk. This life of mine is under his protection.
445. The lord who saved mother earth with his tusks (in Varaha avatar) and tore the stomach of the wicked (in Narasimha avatar) has subdued my five senses, has distilled wisdom into me every day & night and has held my hands. This life of mine is under his protection.
446. You – diseases are an outcome of my carelessness and misdeeds. You dare approach me not! This body of mine is the temple of the Lord. This life of mine is under his protection.
447. I have surrendered to the Lord who incarnated as Vamana. He and I are inseparable. You – five senses, who lead me astray! Tarry not. Go elsewhere to do your mischief. This life of mine is under his protection.
448. You – diseases who try to weaken me! Heed what I say. This body of mine has become the temple of Krishna who loves his herd of cows. My misdeeds who try and pull me into the troubled waters of existence! Listen carefully. There is nothing that can hold you back here. This life of mine is under his protection. (Our existence is called as Samsaara Saagara. Our journey on the boat is the journey of life. There are happy moments and there are trials & tribulations too. Having a good boatman or a navigator helps us have a smooth journey. Just like a tree that has its roots firmly on the ground even when trying to reach for the skies, so do we need to engage with this world without losing our core set of values & beliefs.)
449. When I was imprisoned in the pleasures of this body and knew not how to escape, the blue colored Lord rescued me. This life of mine is under his protection.
450. The Lord himself, draped in ochre colored robes is my teacher. He has entered my heart and has blossomed there like a lotus. He has removed my blemishes and has put his foot prints on my forehead. This life of mine is under his protection. (The ‘U’ shaped mark which is called as Thiruman, which is sported by Vaishnavites on their foreheads is said to refer the Lord’s foot prints.)
451. Radiant discus! (Sudarshana Chakra) The sword wielded by the Lord! (Nandaka) Beautiful bow! (Saranga) Mighty mace! (Kaumodaki) Conch of the Lord! (Panchajanya), the leader of all the birds (Garuda) Guardians of all the directions! (Ashta Digpalagas) – maintain ceaseless vigil. Don’t allow any enemies to approach this body of mine which is the temple of the Lord.
452. Vishnuchittar (Periyalwar) has recited these verses in praise of the Lord who reclines on the serpent bed with Lakshmi Devi in the ocean of milk with ceaseless waves for having entered his body & protecting him from all dangers.
Have a healthy, happy meal today and ever after. 🙂