Gocaram: PAKA-SASTRAM - A TRETISE ON COOKERY

Pākaśāstra (पाकशास्त्र) refers to the “science and art of cooking”, as explained in the 17th century Bhojanakutūhala, a work dealing with the ancient Indian principles of dietetics and culinary art.—Food assumes utmost importance among the three basic needs of human life, the other two being clothing and shelter. The role of food is evident in constituting growth and development of all living beings. The science upon the food substances is also equally important. Indians had realized this significant role of food in human life even in the early phases of their development. The concept of deification can be seen even in the annasūkta of Ṛgveda. The Sanskrit sources of ancient India indicate eminent contributions in the field of dietetics (pathyāpathya-nirṇaya) and in the science and art of cooking (Pākaśāstra and Pākakalā).

Ayurveda prescribes many daily food items as drugs in various medicinal formulations. Thus, Indian cooking is known for its medicinal properties. There are various dietary preparations (patthya kalpanās) explained in Ayurveda with specific indications of diseases and treatment methods. On the other side, there are various classic books written exclusively on cookery like Bhojana kutūhalam by Raghunātha Pandita, kṣemakutūhala by Kṣemaśarman, Pākacandrika by Annaji Ballala Bapata Indurakara Vaidya and Śiva tattva ratnākara. Pāka darpaṇam is one such Indian text on traditional cooking written by King Nala of Niṣidha kingdom. Pāka literally means cooking or cooked food and darpaṇa means mirror. Thus title indicates that the work reflects the cooking methodologies.

King Nala, husband of queen Damayantī was a well-known cook in Indian epics, so much so that any delectable preparation of food is still eponymously termed to be nala pāka.

The first chapter is titled as granthopakrama deals with the qualities of ideal cook and waiter (pariveṣaka) and elaborately explains different origin. It lists a total both vegetarian and nonvegetarian food preparations of of 16 kinds of dishes viz. odana (cooked rice), sūpa (preparation of de-husked legumes), sarpis (ghee), vyañjaka (side dish), māṁsa (meat) and śāka (vegetables), bhakṣya (munchable eatable), pāyasa (milk pudding), rasāyana (rejuvenative), pāna (drinks), yūṣa (preparation popularly known as khichḍi), different rice preparations such as curd rice, ghee rice etc., lehya (lickables), pānīya (water), kṣīra (milk) and takra (butter milk).

The chapter claims that anna (cooked rice) has 63 tastes and eight defects. The author has enumerated only eight defects and but not the tastes. The eight defects of cooked rice are asṛtānnna (rice preparation using rice whose qualities go against the season), paicchilyānna (over cooked, sticky rice), kwathitānna (only little quantity of rice taken for cooking and boiled), śuṣkānna (dried cooked rice), dagdhānna (burnt rice), virūpānna (cooking rice without proper size and shape), and anaṛtujānna (rice against the season or stale cooked rice). Further the author explains the method of cooking of rice. Rice which is unpounded, dry and older should be taken and should be washed in hot water. A vessel should be taken and should be added with three parts of water. The vessel should be placed on fire. When water slightly boils up, the washed rice should be put in the vessel. When rice starts boiling, it should be stirred using a spoon repeatedly. At the same time, milk, butter milk or water should be sprinkled. Then the vessel should be taken out from fire for some time and again kept for boiling till it is cooked and smooth. This rice is good for longevity and health.

Bhima the middle one of the Pandavas was also famous for his cookery. He became as a great chef, while banished from the kingdom by Duryodhana and lived in the outskirts as incognito, in the palace of the King Virata, with the name Vallbha.

शरीरमाद्यं खलु धर्मसाधनम्। This is a quote from the Sanskrit Classic Kumarasambhava of Kalidasa, explains about the need to focus on the health first (Meaning: react to your body needs) rather than doing other unwanted things. It suggests to do any work if your body is fit to do that. This is the motto of AIIMS.

To have a healthy body few routines are must to follow.

समये भोजनं निद्रा समये स्नानमाचरेत्। व्यायामं समये कुर्यात् यमो भीतो गमिष्यति ।।

This quote insists to have food, sleep, exercise and bath at fixed time. By following these chances of good health both physically and mentally doubles.

"यथाऽऽहारः तथा बुद्धिः" - You are what you eat; and "आहारप्रमादः सर्वप्रमादः"- Total attraction towards food leads to disaster.

The Bhagavad Gita Says, we should be regular in diet, recreation, exercises, assigned activities and sleep.

युक्ताहारविहारस्य युक्तचेष्टस्य कर्मसु। युक्तास्वप्नावबोधस्य योगो भवति दुःखहा।। (17- VI)