Do you know what kind of food the Pandavas liked? He was non-vegetarian or vegetarian, i.e. non-vegetarian or vegetarian. Research says that during the Mahabharata period, people used to eat both types of food. Used to drink milk a lot. What did the Pandavas eat and drink? Which dishes did he like? Especially when he went into exile to live in exile. Yudhishtra considered non-vegetarian food appropriate in unavoidable situations.
Pandavas were not completely vegetarian. He ate non-vegetarian and also vegetarian food during his exile. Historical texts reveal that he used to hunt deer and other animals during his exile, which was common among the Kshatriyas during that period. The diversity of their food increased further during exile. During this period, he started eating food from the areas he passed through and stopped at.
At many places in Vanparva, it is indicated that Bhima used to catch deer and wild animals from the forest during his exile. Chapters 11–12 of Vanaparva mention Bhima’s catching, tossing and bringing back a deer running in the forest. Whereas in Shanti Parva, Yudhishthir himself says that hunting and eating meat in exile is not anti-religious. Even in Anushishna Parva, Yudhishthir says, “Eat meat in difficult situations. It is appropriate to eat meat to save life.” It is written in many places that Pandavas used to catch fish with net while living on the river bank.
There is an entire chapter in Vanparva on “non-vegetarianism”, in which the reasons for eating meat are explained by sage Agastya. In which it is clear that meat was common and acceptable at that time.
ate chicken and fish
The Mahabharata mentions various non-vegetarian dishes including poultry and fish as part of their diet. In ancient India, there was mixed food i.e. both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. Non-vegetarian food was cooked during rituals and special functions.
Pandavas used to consume non-vegetarian food. When he lived in the forests during exile, he consumed non-vegetarian food along with vegetarianism. (image generated by Leonardo AI)
deer also hunted and ate
The food of the Pandavas was mixed, which included both vegetarian and non-vegetarian foods. During his exile, he also ate fruits, root foods and grains. Historical texts show that they also used to hunt. Used to eat meat also. During the days of exile he mainly ate deer meat and fishes.
used to get a lot of food from hunting
In addition to deer, it is also likely that they consumed other game animals and perhaps poultry. It is mentioned in the Mahabharata that the Pandavas were skilled hunters, which allowed them to gather a lot of food from hunting during their stay in the forest.
Akshaypatra also used to give food as per wish
It is told in the Mahabharata that Sun God had gifted an Akshaya Patra to Yudhishthir, which provided him with the desired and plentiful food including meat.
During their exile, the Pandavas hunted deer a lot and caught fish from the pond. Then prepared dishes from them and included them in the food. (image generated by Leonardo AI)
Non-vegetarian dishes also during Yagya
When Yudhishthir performed Rajasurya Yagya, Pandavas invited many kings and dignitaries. There were many types of dishes including meat in the banquet. At that time meat was eaten during important rituals.
What were the Pandavas’ favorite foods?
It is said that after successful hunts or during festivals, the Pandavas themselves prepared large feasts that included meat dishes. Information about this is found in Drona Parva and Abhimanyu Bada Parva. The Mahabharata mentions the slaughter of many animals for food, especially in the royal kitchens.
The Pandavas liked certain types of meat, especially during special occasions and feasts. Bhima was known for his immense appetite and was particularly fond of meat.
deer meat – The meat most commonly referred to in the Mahabharata is deer, which was hunted by the Pandavas during their exile. Deer meat was not only a staple food, but was also considered a delicacy, especially when prepared for group feasts.
Chicken and fish – Pandavas also ate many types of chicken and fish. The Mahabharata mentions that they enjoyed dishes made from these meats, which shows that they were part of their diet during ceremonies and festivals.
Regional food- Pandavas also enjoyed the local food while traveling to different kingdoms. For example, dishes like Kabuli Pulao and Gujarati Kadhi are mentioned as among the diverse dishes they eat.
Which food did Bhima like?
Bhima loved meat, especially deer. This matches the Kshatriya tradition of eating meat. He used to eat a lot of kheer. There are instances in the Mahabharata where he ate kheer in large quantities.
Bhima is credited with the creation of Avial, a South Indian dish made from a variety of vegetables in tamarind and coconut gravy. It is said that this dish originated when he had to cook for King Virata’s unexpected guests during his exile.
Bhim Laddu – Another dish associated with him is “Bhim Laddu”, a large sweet made with desi ghee and dry fruits, which is considered to be the source of his strength.
Bhim used to cook very good food
Bhima became a skilled cook during the exile of the Pandavas. His ability to prepare food for his brothers and guests proved his expertise in the kitchen. He was very creative in cooking. Kept experimenting with it.
What were the eating habits in that period?
Research on the eating habits during the Mahabharata period shows that during that period both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food items were included in the diet. Grains were used for eating. The main grains were barley and rice. Milk was drunk a lot. Ghee was made from it. Other grains included wheat, millet and pulses like urad (Masha) and moong (Mudga) and people ate them.
Milk, curd and ghee were used in food. There is also mention of widespread cultural traditions of meat eating among both Aryans and non-Aryans. At that time, various meats including animals, birds and fish were consumed. Dharma sutras provide information about which meats were permissible or prohibited.
