Did you know that Tamboola, referred to as a combination of betel leaf, areca nut and slaked lime, is consumed after food, also a religious offering to Gods with fruits and flowers sans lime, as it is believed that the goddesses, Lakshmi, Saraswathi and Parvathi live in betel leaf, and is also offered to guests (athtihi)?

Tamboola is a symbol of culture, religious offering and a food item. Basically, the three items when consumed as food are betel leaves, arecanut and slaked lime as it helps digestion; betel leaf is loaded with nutrients. The Tamboola (betel leaf) represents Vishnu, arecanut denotes Brahma and lime is to Maheshvar. It is also believed that the Goddesses Lakshmi, Saraswathi and Parvathi live in betel leaf. It is also believed that goddess of knowledge, Saraswathi resides in the middle part of the leaf, and goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, resides in the lower tip of the leaf. 

It is a religious practice among Hindus to offer Thamboola during worship to gods consisting of betel leaves, arecanut, flowers and fruits with coconut. 

Tamboola, a mandatory offering to guests as part of celebratory events in Hindu households, consists of betel leaf, areca nut, coconut, and kumkum (vermilion), with coconut signifying the blessings of the Trimurtis, Brahma, Vishnu and Rudra, and vermilion as a sign of wealth and prosperity representing Goddess Mahaslakshmi, called as Sri.

There is also an elaborate form of Thamboola offered to married ladies in South India, which consists of betel leaf, arecanut, turmeric and kumkum (vermilion), comb, a small mirror, bangles, yellow thread, coconut, banana fruit, flowers, Maruthani (mehandhi), Kajal, Dakshina (rupee coins), blouse cloth or Sari, a molded Jaggery (belladatchu) with it.

Tamboola is Pan-Supari in North Indian parlance and its consumption is a compulsive habit which continues unbated today throughout India. 

 

There are several legends related to the offering of betel leaves. In one of the most ancient myths it is said that during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) event held by Devas and Asuras, in the presence of the trinity of gods, when Ambrosia or Amrit emerged in an urn or pot. Mohini distributed the same to only the Devas and the urn was kept next to an airavata or elephant. From the remaining content of ambrosia in the urn, a strange creeper vine emerged which created interest among the gods. Lord Vishnu ordered Dhanvantari (god of medicines) to examine the plant and he found that it had very many exhilarating qualities. Then Vishnu advised its planting extensively and he started giving the leaves of the creeping vine plant to his devas and devotees as a gesture of love and affection. It was then combined with arecanut and slaked lime as Tamboola trine associated with the Brahma-Vishnu-Mahesh Trinity.  

It is also said that Thamboola of betel leaves and arecanut was the first prime honour offering (agra tamboola) given to Lord Krishna by Yudhishthira during the Rajasuya Yagna, at the suggestion of his youngest brother Sahadeva. But when Shishupala insulted Krishna, the latter hurled the thamboola plate, which acted as Chakra, at Shishupala which beheaded him.

  

In another legend, it is said that the Pandavas after their victory over Kauravas, felt a desire to consume Tamboola. So, they sent a messenger to the underground abode of the Queen of the snakes. The Queen, only too happy to oblige, cut the extreme phalange of her little finger and sent it to the Pandavas. The phalange was planted with great ceremony and soon the Betel plant grew out of the phalange. The creeper is since then referred to as “Nagveli” the snake plant.

In a yet another version of the legend, Devas who had assembled at the Naimisharanya forest during a religious occasion, while returning to their Devaloka felt thirsty due to extreme heat on earth. Then a particular community came forward and quenched their thirst by serving them Betel leaves. Impressed by their hospitality, the Devas not only blessed them but also honoured them by rewarding them with the title "Chaturashiitah; In a shortened form now known as ‘Chaurasias’.

  

Tamboola when chewed after meals gives an exhilarating feeling, helps in digestion and also makes the tongue red; and women often used it for making their lips colour red. 

The bride and bridegroom put Thamboola into each other's mouth on their marriage day, but the offering is first done by the brides brother who makes the Tamboola and gives it to his sister to offer to her husband. 

Women, during their confinement, are allowed to take large quantities of betel leaves, arecanut and slaked lime (chunam). They swallow the chewed mixture with the saliva which helps digestion, kills germs in the system and replaces the calcium that is lost during and after confinement.

The Central Food Technological Research Institute has evolved a process for extracting in liquid form the essential properties in betel leaf , arecanut , slaked lime (chuna) and other spices used in pan which is called Thamboola Amritham ( Pan Supari Nectar).

Narasipur Char