Ganpati Bappa Morya…Today is Ganesh Chaturthi and Ganesh Mahotsav will continue for the next 10 days. People had started preparing for Bappa’s worship many days ago. Today, a plate of laddus has been decorated in front of Ganeshji, which some people also call modak. Not only in Ganesh Mahotsav, be it marriage or mundan, griha pravesh or thirteenth day…laddus have their own importance on every occasion.
Laddu is thousands of years old
Laddu means ball. It is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘ladduka’. No one knows who made laddus for the first time, but people’s relationship with it is about 4600 years old. During the study of Harappan culture, remains of laddus were found in the excavation done in Rajasthan. According to archaeologists, evidence of making multigrain laddus by adding wheat, sorghum, peas and beans was found there.
medicine for every disease in ayurveda
Some historians believe that laddus were invented by Ayurvedacharya Sushrut, who is known as the ‘Father of Surgery’, about 2500 years ago. He used to give laddus made of herbs to patients as medicine.
Why does Ganeshji like laddus?
There is a story behind why laddus are offered to Lord Ganesha. According to the Puranas, Ganeshji once went to Rishi Atri’s house for a meal. Rishi Atri’s wife Anasuya served food to Ganeshji again and again but he was not getting satisfied. Finally Anasuya thought of serving sweets and Ganeshji finally got satisfied after eating them. Bappa liked that laddu so much that he became happy as soon as he ate it. Not only Ganeshji but Hanumanji also likes laddus a lot. That is why every Tuesday and Saturday he is offered boondi or gram flour laddus.
This sweet became famous in Maharashtra when Chhatrapati Shivaji offered laddus to Lord Ganesha. (Image-Canva)
Laddu Gopal and Laddu Mar Holi of Barsana
Laddus are not only used for eating but are also used for playing Holi in Barsana of Uttar Pradesh. In Barsana, this Holi is played in the temple of Ladli Ji. It is believed that here Shri Krishna played Holi with the Gopis by throwing Laddus. At the same time, the child form of Lord Krishna is called Laddu Gopal. According to mythology, in Braj Bhoomi, he had a devotee named Raghunandan to whom the Lord appeared in the form of a child. At that time he had a laddu in his hand, so he was named Laddu Gopal.
Why is laddu auspicious?
In Hinduism, laddu is considered auspicious and the reason behind this is that it is made from gram flour. Gram flour i.e. gram lentils are used on every good occasion. Laddus are also mentioned in Ramcharitmanas. It is believed that when Lord Ram was born, laddus were distributed in Ayodhya. Book written by K.T. Acharya ‘A Historical Dictionary of Indian Food’ According to the report, an Acharya practising Ayurveda mistakenly added ghee to the laddu. After this, the mixture of herbs was given a round shape. Later, laddus started being made into sweets by adding jaggery, sugar candy or sugar. According to the book, Laddus were considered a symbol of good luck in the Chola Empire. During wars, the warriors there kept Laddus with them. In those days, one had to travel long distances. Since Laddus do not spoil for months, soldiers kept them with them.
What is the difference between modak and laddu
Some people consider modak to be synonymous with laddu. But both are different. Modak is made from jaggery and coconut but its outer part is prepared from rice or wheat flour or maida. Modak is steamed like momos. Modak means happiness. The shape of modak looks like money bags which represents money. It is believed that Gautam Buddha also loved modaks very much, hence modak is offered on Buddha Purnima. Laddus are popular not only in India but also in Japan, Malaysia, Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.
Eating dried ginger laddus provides relief from sore throat and cold. (Image-Canva)
From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, loved everywhere
Laddu is seen in many forms in our country. Laddu is made from gram flour in some places and from boondi in others, which is called Motichoor Laddu. In Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, laddu is made from boondi only. In Kerala and Tamil Nadu, coconut and rice flour are used.
Laddu is beneficial in pregnancy
Ayurveda Acharya in Gurugram Dr.S.P Katiyar It is said that women are often fed laddus during pregnancy and after delivery. Actually, when a woman is pregnant, her hormone level is very high. At the same time, she can also suffer from anemia. During this time, she is advised to eat coconut laddu. It contains calcium, iron, fiber and vitamin C. Apart from this, laddus made of panjiri, sesame, fenugreek and gum are given in the last 3 months so that the delivery of the child is normal and the mother and child remain healthy. Laddus increase the immunity of the body. Laddus are also beneficial for girls who have hormone-related problems like thyroid, cyst or irregular periods. Ragi laddus should be eaten during old age and menopause. Rich in calcium, these laddus have anti-aging properties.
Tags: Food, Health, Sweet Dishes, Trending news
FIRST PUBLISHED : September 7, 2024, 19:03 IST