As Nepal is diverse culturally, foods in this country have different tastes and flavours. Yet, there are some food items that are common to all and hence unify the country. Of them, sel roti (or, simply, sel) is one. Shape-wise, sel roti is a Nepali doughnut. It is a traditional Nepali ring-shaped sweet bread that is deep-fried in oil or ghee and made with granulated rice or rice flour. This authentic Nepali sweet is loved by most Nepalis and is considered mandatory during Hindu festivals and ceremonies like Dashain, Tihar, Teej, weddings, bratabandhas, and others. Not only in Nepal, but sel roti is also made and enjoyed by many Nepali-speaking communities in Sikkim , Darjeeling , and of late, wherever Nepalis are there . Additionally, this delicacy is also available in many local restaurants in Nepal. And, sel roti is also sent as a gift (koseli) or as a prasad to family members and friends living away from home during any puja or ceremony or festival. Instead of buying s
Once, there was a prosperous kingdom ruled by a
virtuous king named Harishchandra. King Harishchandra was known for his
honesty, integrity, and dedication to truth and justice. However, his life took
a turn for the worse when he faced a series of challenges and trials.One day, the sage Vishwamitra arrived in King
Harishchandra's kingdom and requested a favor. The sage asked the king to give
him the entire kingdom as dakshina (a form of donation). King Harishchandra,
being committed to truth and keeping his promises, agreed to fulfill the sage's
request.
As a result, the king and his family were left with
nothing, and they had to lead a life of extreme poverty. To make ends meet,
King Harishchandra and his wife, Queen Chandramati, had to work as servants in
a cremation ground, where they performed the last rites for the deceased.
Amidst these difficult circumstances, Queen
Chandramati gave birth to a son named Rohitashva. The family's trials
continued, and they struggled to make a living. One day, while working at the
cremation ground, Rohitashva happened to witness a young boy performing the
rituals of Aja Ekadashi. He inquired about the significance of the fast from
the boy.
The young boy explained the importance of Aja Ekadashi
and how observing it with devotion could cleanse one's sins and grant
prosperity and salvation. Rohitashva, deeply moved by this explanation, decided
to observe the fast on the upcoming Aja Ekadashi.
Rohitashva observed the Aja Ekadashi fast with utmost
devotion and sincerity. As a result of his unwavering faith and dedication, his
family's fortunes started to change. Gradually, they regained their lost wealth
and prosperity. Ultimately, they were reunited with their kingdom.
The observance of Aja Ekadashi played a pivotal role
in the transformation of King Harishchandra's family from a state of extreme
poverty to one of wealth and prosperity. This story underscores the power of
faith and the significance of observing Ekadashi fasts, like Aja Ekadashi, with
devotion to Lord Vishnu. It is believed that observing Aja Ekadashi helps in
the redemption of sins and the attainment of spiritual and material blessings.
Comments
Post a Comment