Modak is Shri Ganesh’s favourite food. Devotees offer 21 modaks to Shri Ganesh as ‘prasad’. There are various types of modaks, but ‘Ukadiche modak’ are the most popular and are also offered to Lord Ganesh especially during Ganesh Chaturthi festival. Ukadiche modak are made with coconut, jaggery and rice flour dough. The stuffing is sweet and is made of coconut and jaggery. The outer coating is made of steamed rice flour.
Modak finds a mention in Mahabharat and also Ramayan. There are different stories around why modak is offered to Shri Ganesh. However, there is one which is universally told.
Once Shri Ganesh visited Mata Anusuya and Rishi Atri’s ashram with his parents, Shiva and Parvati. Mata Anusuya had invited them for a meal. Since Ganesh was a child, Mata Anusuya announced that he should have his meal first. The rest would eat only after baby Ganesh was content and full.
Shri Ganesh took his seat to have lunch. He first ate all that was offered to him. He then asked for more food. Mata Anusuya lovingly served him food. However, he kept asking for food and just couldn’t be full!! Finally, Mata Anusuya gave him a single ‘modak’. Surprisingly, he released a loud burp after eating it. (A burp is a sign of a full stomach or satisfaction) What was astonishing was, God Shiva burped 21 times without even having eaten a single grain. Mata Parvati was stunned and surprised, looking at what had just happened. She then requested that all of Shree Ganesh devotees offer him 21 modaks, one for each burp which Lord Shiva gave out.
Modak is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Moda’ which means happiness or bliss. The word ‘k’ means fraction. So modak is ‘a fraction of happiness’. Modak is served with ghee. Whenever ‘Modak’ is prepared one ‘karanji’ is also prepared. This is because ‘modak’ represents male elements. ‘Karanji’ represents female elements. Preparing both symbolises inclusion of male and female elements.
