Today is Day 8 of Navaratri. This is dedicated to the eighth avatar of Goddess Durga - Goddess Mahagauri. She is believed to be an avatar of Devi Parvati.
According to the folklore, Goddess Parvati had to perform penance in order to get Lord Shiva as her husband. While undergoing that, she had to face a lot of hardships like survive on leaves, stay in wild forests and due to such conditions, her complexion turned black. Later, when Lord Shiva accepted her as his wife, he bathed her with water from the Ganges which turned her complexion back to normal. This is why she is known as Mahagauri. [Source - Wikipedia]. This avatar is named Gauri because of its complexion. She has a mesmerizing and spellbound whitish skin tone.
That's a small story on the significance of Day 8 in Navaratri. Coming to the food, in frame is the White Peas Sundal that I offered as prasadam to Goddess today.
🌱 White peas lowers Cholesterol, stabilizes glucose level, fibre rich and good for heart.
Ingredients:
White Peas 1 cup
Asafoetida pinch
Salt to taste
Oil
Grated Coconut 1 or 2 tbsp
To temper:
Mustard Seeds 1 tsp
Urad Dal 1/2 tsp
Red Chilli 1
Method:
1. Soak white peas overnight. Pressure cook them for 4 whistles.
2. Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds, urad dal & red chilli. When they splutter, add the cooked white peas.
3. Add salt, asafoetida & saute well for another minute.
4. Add the grated coconut.
5. Mix well and switch off the flame.