Today is Day 2 of Navaratri. This is dedicated to the Goddess Devi Brahmacharini. According to Hindu mythology, she is considered to be the second avatar of Goddess Durga. Brahmacharini dressed in white clothes holds Rosary in her right hand and Kamandal which is basically a water utensil in her left hand.
According to the ancient folklore, it is believed that she was born in Himalayas. And it was Rishi Narada who persuaded her to accept Lord Shiva as her husband. She was called by the name of Brahmacharini or Tapashcharini after thousands of years of hard penance. Her morals teaches that one must always stay focused and work hard for their goals no matter whatever difficult situations arise . It is believed that worshiping this Goddess will bring us prosperity, wealth and happiness.
That's a small story on the significance of Day 2 in Navaratri. Coming to the food, in frame is the Peanut Sundal that I offered as prasadam to Goddess today.
Ingredients: Peanuts 1 cup Asafoetida pinch Grated Coconut little Salt to taste Oil
To temper: Mustard Seeds Urad Dal 1/2 tsp Red Chilli 1 Curry leaves
Method:
Pressure cook peanuts (with salt added) for 1 whistle.
Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds, urad dal, red chilli & curry leaves. When they splutter, add the peanuts.
Saute for a minute. Add salt, asafoetida & saute well for another minute.
Add the grated coconut.
Mix well and switch off the flame.