Auspicious Srirama Navami…. The day that denotes the descent of Lord Vishnu as avathara purusha Rama on earth. The Rama Principle is a combination of the divine in the human.
Rama’s philosophy was doing good to the people. He also said that there is no greater adharma than causing others to suffer. When people do not perform their duties according to their dharma, they do not get the right results. Out of ignorance, they blame the cosmic scheme for their misfortunes.
This seems so appropriate in the current times…..Today everybody’s dharma is to follow the Covid protocol…SMS…. Sanitizer, Masks, and Safe distancing…. to keep ourselves and all around us safe.
The announcement of partial lockdowns, curfews, and several other restrictions in various parts of India brought in a lot of anger and pain. With a helpless glance at my little grandkids who are constantly couped within the 4 walls of our house, I wondered why many choose to remain ignorant about this deadly pandemic, not performing their duties and causing a great deal of suffering to self and others around.
Contemplating on the uncertain future I began the preparations for neivedyam….. Simple fare of panagam, neer more and vada paruppu… healthy and quick to prepare recipes.
Recipe 1: Panagam
Ingredients for Panagam Recipe
- Powdered jaggery 1/4cup
- Water 2 cups
- Dry ginger powder 1/2tsp
- Cardamom powder 1/2tsp
- Lemon juice 1 tsp
- Tulsi leaves few
Preparation Method:
- Dissolve the jaggery in water and strain.
- Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well.
- Panagam is ready
Recipe 2: Neer mor / More
Ingredients for Neer mor / more
- Curd 1 cup
- Water 4 cups
- Green chilly 1
- Curry leaves few
- Asafoetida a pinch
- Mustard seeds 1 tsp
- Ginger grated 1 tsp
- Salt as required
Preparation Method:
- Whisk curds with water and salt.
- Heat a tsp of oil, add mustard and asafoetida. When the mustard splutters add the rest of the ingredients and pour into the whisked buttermilk.
- Mix well and serve
Recipe 3: Vada paruppu
Ingredients for Vada Paruppu
- Green gram dal 1/2cup
- Cucumbers 2
- Grated coconut 2 tbsp
- Green chilly 2
- Mustard 1/2tsp
- Curry leaves few
- Chopped coriander leaves 1 tsp
- Asafoetida a pinch
Preparation Method:
- Soak dal in water for 1 hour. Drain and set aside.
- Chop cucumber and green chilly into fine pieces.
- Mix the dal and vegetables along with required salt, coriander leaves, and grated coconut.
- Temper with mustard, asafoetida, and curry leaves.
- Serve
Here’s the Srirama Navami Neivedyam
