An explanation is given by Kanchi Paramacharya (Mahaeriyaval) about our own Sambar, Rasam, Paayasa, and Majjige (Buttermilk) and their significance to the quality of life we lead. You go to a feast. You are served Sambar,Rasam, Paayasa, and Majjige(Buttermilk)-in this order. Why? This food culture is not found anywhere else.
In Tamil,’ Thaan’ means – Ego and Vegetables.
As soon as a man is born, ‘Thaan’ or Ego fills in first. He faces a number of problems that totally confuse him, like Sambar, with different types of vegetables. When his mind settles, it becomes clear, like Rasam – which is served next. This is followed by the sweet Payasam because your mind is settled and that which gives you happiness. Now, in the end, it’s Majjige or Buttermilk – which has a separate quality. Once our mind is settled and we get happiness, our mind becomes one with the Lord, just like we get curd, butter, ghee, and buttermilk from milk in that order.
Buttermilk is the last stage in our Life – from which you cannot get anything more. In the same way, once you attain the Lord, then there is nothing more to achieve. Majjige in the end also indicates ‘Enlightenment’ and that, it’s the last item on the “menu”, after which you just leave your “leaf” behind.