Num kom is a steamed Cambodian glutinous rice dumpling filled with grated coconut and palm sugar, and wrapped in banana leaf. (It resembles the Indian steamed modak except for the banana leaf wrap.)
In their banana wrappers, the soft glutinous rice dumplings are triangular in shape.
Num kom is often associated or paired with num ansom.
Num ansom, is a glutinous rice roll filled with various stuffings such as banana, jackfruit, mung bean, pork, lard, etc., wrapped in banana leaf.
Num ansom can be cooked by boiling, steaming, or grilling.
Whereas the num kom is triangular, the num ansom is shaped like a thick rod.
In Cambodia, the num kom and num ansom represent or are associated with the Yoni and Lingam, respectively.
In Hinduism, the Yoni represents the womb, the Hindu goddess Shakti. The Lingam is symbolic of the generative power of the Hindu god Lord Shiva.
To Cambodians, the triangular num kom represents the Yoni, while the cylindrical num ansom represents the Lingam.
Together, the num kom and num ansom represent the mother and father, and respect for parents. Hence, num kom and num ansom appear together at Cambodian weddings. Num kom and num ansom are also offered during Khmer New Year prayers.
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| Soma and Kaundinya Image source: Wikipedia |
Around 68 AD, an Indian trading ship led by Kaundinya, a prince from Kalinga (today's Odisha state), was attacked by raiders led by princess Soma, daughter of the local chieftain in today's Cambodia.
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| Queen Soma Image source: Wikipedia |
The traders (and warriors onboard) led by Kaundinya successfully fended off their attackers but the ship was damaged and was beached for repairs. Princess Soma impressed by Kaundinya's bravery, sent him a marriage proposal which he accepted.
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| The kingdom of Funan lasted from 68 to 550 |
Their marriage led to the founding of the kingdom of Funan which ruled most of Indochina from 68 to 550. Funan was the first Indianised kingdom in Indochina.
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| Funan era Lingam now at Vietnam History Museum |
Funan was a Hindu-Buddhist kingdom. The association of Lingam and Yoni with Num Ansom and Num Kom likely began during the Funan era (68 AD - 550 AD) - that's around at least 1500 years ago.
The Indian modak and the Japanese kangidan which are sweets offered to Ganesha are also triangular in shape.
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