Significance of Annam (food)

We follow several practices that emphasize why Sanathana Dharma is not a religion but a way of life. One of those is how we go about treating our food. Food, according to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, is one of the basic physiological needs for people. It is also held in very high position in our beliefs. According to Vedas, Annam (food) is a form of the Supreme being himself (“annam parabrahma swaroopam”). The word Annam is defined in the Vedas thus: “adhyate atthi cha bhootaani, tasmaat annam taduchyathe“, meaning ‘that which is eaten by and that which eats the beings’. While we consume food, eventually the food also consumes us.

Thaittiriya Upanishad states thus: ‘Food is the basis of life (Praana). Because life is sustained inside a body, we may say it is supported by the body. Then again, without life, the body cannot exist. Thus each one is supported by the other and also, food becomes the basis for life’. The famous Tamil Siddhar (mystic) Thirumoolar mentions the same in his work Thirumanthiram – ‘udambai valarthen uyir valarthene‘, roughly meaning ‘I build my body, thus I build my soul’.

Because of this awareness, food has been valued by our forefathers to a great extent. Food is offered to Gods, our ancestors and even animals/birds during rituals. Food is offered to deities in the temples. Donating food is considered the utmost charity. It is a religious belief that offering food to God before consuming it would neutralize any harmful effects present in it.

In Taittiriya Upanishad, the rain God Varuna gives advice to his son sage Bhrigu thus:

“annam na nindhyaath” – Don’t find fault with food
“annam na parichaksheetha” – Don’t waste food
“annam bahu kurveetha” – Multiply food (for sharing)

In line with the third sentence above, we can observe that several temples (primarily Shiva temples) perform Annaabhishekam to the Lord on full moon day (Pournami) of the Tamil month Iyppasi (Oct-Nov). On this day, a large quantity of rice is cooked and applied on the statue of the Lord and subsequently distributed to devotees irrespective of caste or creed thus promoting equality. Those who consume this food are believed to be freed of all food-related ailments and will never go hungry again. Thus the divine quality of food is celebrated and also creates a positive impact on the society.

Our texts make heavy emphasis on eating the right kind of food. As we know, whatever food that we eat impacts the qualities of satthva, rajas and thamas in our bodies, which in turn impact the balance of our mind and body. The Bhagavadgita also recognizes these three kinds of foods. Our Shastras prescribe a number of rules to be observed before, during and after eating food. There are specifications as to what kinds of food should be eaten, in whose company it should be eaten or avoided, what vessels should be used to eat. Likewise there are rules prohibiting intoxicating drinks and avoid drinking cow’s milk within ten days after the cow gives birth (to care about the calf’s welfare).

In several communities, there are norms to be followed before consuming food. The main objective of these norms is straightforward – to thank the Lord for providing the food, to thank those who contributed to bringing it to us and to respect the food itself. By simply following the norms laid out for eating, we can live a more healthy life. All we need to do is, sit with our family or a group of people, wait for the food to be served completely, pray for a minute (or do stipulated rituals) and then start eating. Just by doing this we can avoid ailments that are caused by eating while standing, rapid eating without chewing etc.

Finally, a few simple tips that can help us lead a healthy lifestyle:

1. The food on our plates has traveled a long way and is the resultant effort of several people. Always be mindful of it.
2. Too much interest in food and over-eating is always harmful to the body and well-being
3. Appreciate the benefits of fasting at least once a while
4. Thamasic foods (stale food, junk food – basically any food that makes a person lazy) should be avoided or taken in moderation
5. Display of food, taking pictures etc., does not serve the true purpose of food. It is better to avoid such things
6. Always be conscious of how much you can eat, so nothing goes as waste
7. Serving food (Annadhanam) is the best form of charity, so everyone should serve the needy once in a while – “Annadaatha sukhee bhavathi” 

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