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Time of India
19 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
10 foods that are part of our diet since Vedic times
The food we eat today has a much older story than we think. Long before labels and recipes, the Rigveda and Atharvaveda were already talking about ingredients that still sit in our kitchens. These ancient texts weren't just about hymns and rituals. They quietly recorded what people cooked, offered, and loved. Some of those ingredients have stayed with us through generations, still nourishing us in the same simple ways. Here's a look at ten timeless foods mentioned in the Vedas that are still very much part of our lives. Barley (yava) Barley was one of the most respected grains in the Rigveda. It was ground, cooked into meals, and even offered during rituals. It's still eaten today in the form of barley khichdi, soups, or just as soaked grains. Light on the stomach and easy to digest, barley also helps keep sugar levels stable. Ghee (ghrita) Ghee, or clarified butter, appears in both the Rigveda and Atharvaveda as a sacred substance used in yajnas and offerings. It was seen as a symbol of prosperity and purity. Even now, ghee holds pride of place in Indian cooking, added to dals, spread over rotis, or mixed into sweets. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Ha Ash-shykh Zayd: Beautiful New Senior Apartments with Two Bedrooms Senior Apartments | Search Ads Search Now Undo Ayurveda continues to value it for improving digestion and nourishment. Honey (madhu) The Rigveda and Atharvaveda both speak of honey as madhu, a sweet and sacred substance. It was offered to gods, added to drinks, and used in healing. Today, raw honey is still used for sore throats, immunity, and as a better alternative to sugar. Milk (ksheera) Milk is praised in many Rigvedic hymns as a sign of nourishment and plenty. It was offered during rituals, added to drinks, and used as a base in healing preparations. Today, it remains a staple across Indian diets, found in everything from chai to sweets and evening haldi doodh. Curd (dadhi) Dadhi, or curd, was mentioned in the Rigveda as a food of strength and ritual. It was eaten plain or mixed with barley, and valued for its cooling and energising effect. Curd is still part of everyday Indian meals, loved for its probiotic benefits and gut-friendly nature. Sesame (til) Sesame seeds, or til, are mentioned in the Atharvaveda, where they were used in offerings and believed to have protective properties. These tiny seeds are still prized today, not only in cooking but also in Ayurvedic treatments for their warming and nourishing nature. Wheat (godhuma) Wheat finds its first mentions in the Atharvaveda, as it started gaining popularity in the later Vedic period. As diets shifted in the north, wheat gradually took over from barley as a staple grain. Today, it forms the base of countless dishes from rotis and parathas to halwa. Urad dal (masha) Black gram or masha is mentioned in classical Ayurvedic texts like the Charaka Samhita, which drew from the Vedic tradition. It was considered heavy but nourishing. Today, it powers everything from soft idlis to creamy dal makhani. Amla (amalaka) Amla, or amalaki, features in Ayurvedic texts such as the Charaka Samhita which drew heavily from Vedic-era plant knowledge. It was seen as a fruit that supports rejuvenation and vitality. Even today, it is a go-to for boosting immunity and digestion, whether in chyawanprash or raw juice. Lotus seeds (kamala) The lotus plant is mentioned in the Atharvaveda not just as a symbol but also for its practical uses. Its seeds and roots were part of early diets and medicines. Today, we enjoy those same puffed seeds as makhana, eaten roasted or simmered in light gravies and desserts. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
India Gazette
5 days ago
- Health
- India Gazette
"Earth is our mother, let's not bleed her": VP Dhankhar urges students to embrace sustainability at JIPMER
New Delhi [India], June 17 (ANI): Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar addressed students at JIPMER Medical College on Monday and urged people to stop exploiting nature, saying, The Earth is our Mother, and we are her children. He delivered a powerful message on sustainability, wellness, and responsible living, drawing inspiration from ancient Indian scriptures. While addressing students, he quoted Atharvaveda, saying, 'maataa bhuumiH putro'hN pRthivyaaH the Earth is our Mother and we are her children. Let us not bleed the Mother. Let us not engage in reckless utilisation and exploitation of natural resources.' He reminded the audience of the deep connection between human life and nature. During an interactive session, Vice President Dhankhar highlighted the importance of sustainable development and said that the concept had deep roots in Indian tradition. 'We are living in times when sustainability buzzes through boardrooms, global organisations, the United Nations, and all parliaments. But if you look to our Vedas, it has always been there,' he said. He emphasised that Indian culture inherently respected nature, which helped avoid many of the health issues caused by modern lifestyles. 'We worshipped trees, respected forests, took to that mechanism which is the very antithesis of what we call lifestyle diseases. So let us believe in sustainability: that is fundamental,' the Vice President said. He also spoke about the need for responsible use of the environment and said, 'We have to focus on optimal utilisation. We must be cognizant of the fact that we are trustees of natural resources; we have to pass these on to future generations.' On Sunday, Dhankhar arrived in Puducherry for a three-day official visit. Meanwhile, on Saturday, VP Dhankar addressed the students and faculty of the Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry in Himachal's Solan. He highlighted how the agriculture sector has grown over the years, the need to focus on rural systems for food distribution, and the importance of students considering marketing agricultural produce from their own families. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar said that he disagrees with the differentiation people put on products which are to be exported and consumed domestically, saying that Indians deserve the best products to consume. During his address at the university, he said that the best produce and products should be given to Indians instead of just being for export. (ANI)
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Astro camp stresses vedic knowledge, research
Varanasi: A 15-day Astrology Knowledge Camp, organised at the Shastrarth Mahavidyalaya in Dashashwamedh area, concluded on Sunday. Seaking on the occasion, astrologer and camp director Acharya Sanjay Upadhyay said that astrology is an important part of the vedas, also known as Vedanga Jyotish, which involves the study of planets, constellations, zodiac signs, and their effects. He said astrological calculations are used to determine auspicious times for rituals. The Rigveda describes the positions of constellations and the gravitational force of the sun while Atharvaveda provides detailed information about constellations, and the Yajurveda contains astrological information. The acharya said that both astrology and religion are important aspects of human experience, and there is a complex relationship between was an integral part of religious rituals and beliefs in many religions, and religion uses astrology in various ways, such as predictions and religious education. Camp coordinator and principal Pawan Kumar Shukla said so far, information related to the Panchang, palmistry, and horoscope creation was taught. Now, the lines on the forehead are being explained. Occasionally, new facts emerge from a research perspective, proving to be new experiments for both learners and teachers, such as horoscope creation through forehead lines. He said that topics related to Vastu will also be covered in the future.
New Indian Express
27-04-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
When Vishnu fought Shiva's wrath
While stories abound of the minor gods fighting each other, it is rare to find the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva standing against each other. One such story comes from the Taittiriya Samhita, which is part of the Krishna (black) Yajurveda, and Shatapatha Brahmana of the Shukla (white) Yajurveda and Gopatha Brahmana of the Atharvaveda. When Devi Sati, Shiva's wife, immolated herself after her father Daksha insulted Shiva, word reached Lord Shiva. He jumped up in anger and uprooted a plait of his matted hair and angrily dashed it upon the Kailasha mountain. From this dashing, Virabhadra and Bhadrakali emerged. Lord Shiva ordered Virabhadra to destroy Daksha's yagya (sacrifice). Virabhadra left with the ganas (Shiva's followers) to carry out his orders. Daksha appealed to Vishnu, who had come to attend Daksha's yagya, to protect him. Vishnu told him that he would protect him, but rebuked him for showing disrespect to Lord Shiva and told him that because of his behaviour, the gods gathered for the sacrifice were not strong enough to defend him. The Devas and Daityas prepared to fight the Ganas. Indra rode on his elephant Airavata, and the other gods also rode their vehicles. The ganas and Virabhadra fought furiously and caused them to flee in different directions. Then Vishnu entered the battlefield. On seeing him, Virabhadra bowed before him and said, 'Why have you come here to fight on the side of Daksha? How do you expect to be victorious after witnessing what he has done? To me, you are just like Shiva, but if you continue to face me with a desire to fight, I shall give you liberation.' Vishnu smiled at Virabhadra's words and said, 'I had been repeatedly requested by Daksha to attend the sacrifice. Like Shiva, I am subservient to my devotees. Either I shall restrain you or you shall restrain me.' Virabhadra bowed down to Vishnu and said, 'Just as Shiva, so also you. All of us are servants of both you and Shiva.' Vishnu smiled and said, 'Unhesitatingly fight me. When I have become satisfied with your arrows, I shall go to my abode.' In this friendly spirit, the battle resumed. Vishnu and Virabhadra had fought for some time when Indra attacked Virabhadra again. He struck Virabhadra with his vajra (thunderbolt). Virabhadra tried to swallow Indra along with his elephant. Vishnu quickly pushed Indra back and resumed fighting with Virabhadra. Virabhadra covered Vishnu with arrows. Vishnu attacked with his Sudarshan Chakra (discus). Virabhadra swallowed the discus. Vishnu stroked and pressed his mouth, causing him to spit the discus out. Vishnu thought that he had fulfilled his duty towards Daksha. He collected his discus and left for his abode. Thus ended a friendly fight between two of the Trimurti. YouTube: @
