Introduction to Kheer
Milk rice (Kheer) is a sweet and nutritious food and this is the dish that is prepared after the combined cooking of Sankhar or Gund with our favorite milk rice, Kheer. Kheer is said "Rice Pudding" in English, but today I am not translating the term, Kheer in Nepal is Kheer with all our Nepali way and significance, let me begin from here, welcome to the Shrawan 15th, Kheer khane diwas of this year.
Nepali way of Kheer
It is said that the taste of Kheer depends on the quality of rice grains, rare and exclusive grains like Basmati, Taichin, and Kariyakamat adds more aroma, taste, and texture to Kheer. Kheer is made by adding milk to the rice we have, especially raisins, cashews, coconuts, chowda, etc.
In the Nepali tradition, kheer is celebrated with importance in various festivals, commemorations, poojas, and weddings. It is known as an indispensable dish of the Nepali family and a popular cultural dish among Nepalis. I remember my childhood when we were offered Kheer in the large leaves of Saal, Bhorla, banana, and Duna Taparis. Kheer is best complimented by Sel roti, traditional Nepali sweet, a default recipe of Nepali kitchen.
Human civilization and the importance of milk
Human civilization, grains, and milk have an inextricable link, Kheer is the triangular meet of all these three aspects. Kheer has managed to become popular in the world community especially for its purity, health, and distinctive taste.
The unique combination of grains and milk among such dishes is the food, nutrition is its attraction in this dish. This food mixed with white milk and white rice is associated with the ancient churning of the sea by the gods, since then it has been considered as polyunsaturated nectar mixed with milk purifying elements and nutrients.
Importance of Kheer in Ayurveda
Even in Ayurveda, Kheer is described as an ancient food. The word kheer is also believed to have come from the Sanskrit word 'kshirma'. Kshir means a dish made from milk and grains.
Even in Roman civilization, it is customary to consume kheer as an indispensable element of food. It is called 'Payas' and in some places, it is also called 'Tasmai'. In the Vedic Sanatan rites, it is customary to cook kheer as a mixture of milk and grains to offer to the ancestors.
Lord Krishna and Kheer anecdote
Lord Krishna one day disguised as an ordinary saint went to "Baag Chaal" ancient game like ludo, with a king, and in return for the victory, he made a condition to feed Kheer for the poor and needy in different temples for free.
In remembrance of Lord Krishna's victory over the king in that game, it is still customary in the temples to distribute kheer prasad to the poor. Khir is made from raw coconut milk in South India, Bangladesh, Maldives, Kingdom of Siam (Thailand).
We are rich in culture and philosophy, Kheer Khane does not have to wait for any work or occasion, however, the 15th of Shravan is considered as a special day to eat Kheer, i.e. the center of Shravan is prevalent for Kheer. And you brought milk to make kheer? Today, milk is widely sold in Nepal. Milk shops have been crowded since morning, don't forget to make kheer for yourself. If it is in the city, then the milk in the dairy, which runs out at 3-4 PM on other days, may run out before 9 a.m... It may not be available when it is late!
May the sorrows of Ashadh and Shravan be transformed into happiness and joy in Mangsir and may the main thing become pure, clean, and sweet thoughts like Kheer, good luck with Kheer!
Varaha Jayanti
The feet of the Varaha incarnation represents the Vedas, his teeth represent the sacrifice, his eyes represent day and night, and his head represents Lord Brahma- Hail Varaha Awatar.
Background of Varaha Awatar
Being a part of the infinite Trinity, Lord Vishnu periodically took ten incarnations which is called "Dashavataara". Dashavataara took place every time the world was in turmoil. Allow me to describe on Varaha Avataar, dedicated to the name of Sri Hari. The third lunar day of Bdahrapada month is observed as Varaha Jayanti. Varaha means the bore avatar of Lord Vishnu, today is the commemoration of the second avatar of Vishnu as Varaha avatar and the defat against demon Hiranyash. This incident is believed to happen at SatyaYuga.
When the demonic forces of injustice and oppression activated on the earth, then we must have heard many stories of God coming to the earth in one form or another and destroying that evil force. According to the Rig Veda, the incarnation of Varaha saved the stolen earth and reinstalled the creation, possibility, and lives on this soil.
In the Satyayuga, the terror of Hiranyaksha, the son of sage Kashyap, was increasing day by day. Hiranyaksha was blessed by Lord Brahma to win the war and remain immortal. All the gods were worried because the demon Hiranyaksha stole the earth and hid it. Then on this day, the incarnation of Varaha appeared through the nose of Lord Brahma. Because of its appearance from the nose of Brahma, Varaha incarnation was first called the incarnation of Lord Brahma, but later everyone accepted Varaha incarnation as the incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
At that time, seeing the Varaha incarnation of Vishnu, all the gods were pleased and started praising him. With the help of a pig-like instrument, the Varaha avatar grabbed the earth hidden in the water with its teeth and pulled it out. All the gods were happy but when Hiranyaksha found out about this, he challenged the Varaha incarnation of Lord Vishnu for war. Then Lord Vishnu surrounded Hiranyaksha as Varaha incarnation and killed him.
Former incarnations of Lord Vishnu
Before the incarnation of Varaha, Lord Vishnu had appeared in the incarnations of Matsya and Kurma, but before this, in his two incarnations, his head was like that of a human, the body of an animal, and in the incarnation of Varaha, his head was like that of a wild boar and his body was like that of a human.
Hiranyakashyap's brother Hiranyakashyap was killed by Lord Vishnu in the form of the fourth incarnation, i.e. the Narsimha incarnation.This Varaha incarnation has given a new beginning by saving the earth from the cataclysm.
Suyog Dhakal
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