Today is Day 5 of Navaratri. This is dedicated to the fifth avatar of Goddess Durga - Goddess Skandamata. This name was given to Goddess Parvati after she gave birth to Lord Skanda (also known as Kartikeya). Skandamata is also known as Goddess Padmasana because she sits on a lotus flower.
In ancient folklore, it is believed that she governs the planet Mercury. She is portrayed as carrying baby Murugan or Skanda in her lap. She has four hands. She can be seen holding Lotus flowers in her upper two hands, baby Murugan in one of her right hands and keeps the other right hand in Abhaya Mudra. “Abhaya Mudra” is a gesture which signifies fearlessness, peace, and safety. She is considered the Goddess of love and motherhood.
That's a small story on the significance of Day 5 in Navaratri.
Coming to the food, in frame is the Sweet Potato Halwa that I offered as prasadam to Goddess today.
🌱 Sweet Potatoes are a good source of fiber, vitamins and minerals. Combined with jaggery which is rich in iron, this halwa is an awesome treat to satisfy sweet tooth 😁
Ingredients:
Sweet Potatoes 2 medium sized
Jaggery 1/2 cup
Cardamom Pod 1
Cashewnuts 5 to 6
Ghee 2 or 3 tsp
Method:
1. Peel the skin of Sweet potatoes, chop them into bite size pieces. Boil them in water until soft. Mash them to be lump free. It's ok if they dont get mashed completely.
2. Boil the jaggery in water. When the jaggery disso;ves, filter it to remove any dirt.
3. Heat ghee in a pan. Add Cardamom pod & cashews. Fry the cashews until brown.
4. Add the mashed sweet potatoes. Saute them for a minute.
5. Add the jaggery (step 2).
6. Combine until they form a lump and leave the pan.