Kozhukattai (Sweet) / Kadubu / Modak

For the rice covering:

• Rice flour – 1 cup
• Water – 1 1/4 cup
• For the coconut filling:
• Freshly grated coconut – 1 cup
• Grated white jaggery – 1 cup
• Cardamom powder – a little
• Roasted Gram Powder – 1 tablespoon

How to make / Method

Preparing the coconut filling / Puranam:

2. Grate white portion of fresh coconut.
3. Put the grated coconut in a mixer and run it with a dry grinding blade for fine & even grinding.
4. Mix grated jaggery to this and heat it in a pan, stirring regularly till the jaggery melts completely.
5. When the mixture becomes thick, add roasted Dhal Powder and cardamom powder.
6. Remove from the fire and allow it to cool before using it in the Kozhukattai.

Preparing‚ rice covering:

2. Heat water in a heavy Kadai with salt and oil
3. When it starts to boil, reduce the flame and pour the rice flour in the center in a heap.
4. Insert a ladle (spoon) and close the Kadai with a lid leaving a little gap where you have placed the ladle.
5. Cook in reduced flame for about 10 minutes
6. Switch off the stove and then quickly stir the dough taking care to avoid forming lumps.
7. Allow the dough the become lukewarm.
8. Knead the dough well using a little water for help (Sprinkle on the dough if necessary)
9. Apply oil to your hands and take out a small amount of dough in your hands (amount just less than that of Pooris)
10. Make lemon sized balls out of the dough.
11. Using your thumb and forefingers, flatten the edges first and gradually shape it like a cup while carefully turning and pressing with equal pressure on all sides.
12. Keep a little coconut filling inside and fold it to seal well, pressing down to form a plait-like design.
13. Arrange a few of these on a greased Idli plate and steam them in a pressure cooker or Idli vessel for 7 to 10 minutes.
14. Serve hot with other dishes on Ganesha Chaturthi or enjoy it seperately

Note:

For making modak (modagam), instead of the shaped described in step 10, make it into a rounded shape and then style the edges like a plait.

Vinayaka Chaturthi

The Hindu ceremony known as Vinayaka Chaturthi or Ganesh Chaturthi is of perennial interest to the Hindus all over India. it is a Vrata observed on the fourth day in the bright fortnight of the month of Bhadrapada called Avani in Tamil, corresponding to the English months of August-September. It is performed to obtain knowledge of things and success in all undertakings. There is not a Hindu ceremony but commences with a puja of this deity. The reason for this is obvious. Grit and strength of will are necessary for success in all undertakings. Intelligence also must play its part well. The trunk of this elephant- headed deity symbolises grit and strength of will and the head of the elephant symbolises wisdom, so by worshipping Vinayaka, one makes up his mind to use grit and strength of will, wisely, in the undertaking he ii is going to set his hands to.

The myth relating to the origin of this deity with an elephant's head and a protruding paunch is as follows:
Once upon a time, Lord Siva, one of the Hindu Trinity, was out hunting with his Ganas or attendants. His consort Parvati was alone. She desired to take a bath, but there were no attendants to guard the entrance of the bathroom while she was in it. By her occult powers she created a guard and placed him at the entrance of the bathroom with strict orders not to let anyone inside.
Siva returned home after a short while and wanted to enter into the bathroom where his consort Parvati was. He was prevented from doing so by the guard placed at the entrance by Parvati Wild with rage at the audacity of the fellow, who dared to prevent him from entering a room in his own house, Siva drew out his sword and cut off his head. An altercation ensued shortly afterwards between Siva and Parvati over this affair and Siva in the end promised to restore life to the guard whom he had killed in a fit of anger. He sent one of his men to bring him the head of the first animal he saw in the forest with its head facing north, to be placed over the trunk of the guard slain by him since he could not find the original head.

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Lord Krishna Slokas

Lord Krishna is one of the most popular and worshipped deities among the Hindus. Krishna represents knowledge, wisdom, beauty and opulence. Shri Krishna is the very embodiment of love and divine ecstasy that destroys all pain and offense. Sloka on Krishna forms the part of prayers offered to the lord. Here is a list of Krishna Slokas / Shlokas:

"Vasudeva Sutam Devam, Kansa Chaanuuramardanam
Devakii Paramaanandam Krishhnam Vande Jagad Gurum"

Meaning: Krishna is the Supreme Lord, Son of Devaki (Sister of Kansa) and Vasudeva. He is the slayer of Kansa and Chanur. I bow to such great lord and may god bless me with his grace always.

"Aakaashaath Patitam Toyam, Yathaa Gachchhati Saagaramh
Sarvadeva Namaskaaraanh, Keshavam Pratigachchhati"

Meaning: Lord Krishna is great. Just as every rain drop that falls from the sky flows into the Ocean, in the same way every prayer offered to any deity flows to Lord Krishna. I bow to such great Lord Krishna.

Filter coffee

Recipe: Filter Coffee

Prep & Cooking Time: 20 mins
Serves: 2 People
Makes: Around 250 ml
Cooking Level: Beginners/Easy

What you need:
Fresh coffee powder which is specially grounded for filter. While grinding you have to mention that it is for filter and not coffee maker. Both are different in texture. Go for pure coffee (Peaberry) and don’t add chicory. I stick to Coffee Day brand. Each brand is good in its own way.

Ingredients:
2 tbsp Fresh Coffee Powder (specially ground for filter coffee)
200 ml Fresh milk
80 ml Boiling Water
Sugar white/brown sugar cubes, as per taste

Special Utensil:
Coffee Filter

Preparation

• For two people (around 250 ml), spread 2 tbsp of coffee powder on the top cup with porous bottom and gently press it with the sieve press. Don’t over do. Remove the press.
• Boil the water
• Take 80 ml boiled water in a glass and pour it evenly and gently on the powder.
• Close the lid.
• After 5 minutes, check the filter. If you can see only the residue, decoction is ready at the bottom.
• Take 200 ml fresh milk and boil it till they start raising.
• In a dabarah (stainless steel cup) pour the milk. Add the coffee decoction to it. Finally add the sugar. Pour it back and forth (from dabarah to tumbler) till it is frothy. Traditionally it is being served in dabarah and tumbler. But now the porcelein cups are very handy ofcourse. Serve it hot with any snacks. Nothing can beat the real taste of filter coffee.

Goddess Shakthi

Goddess Durga

Capture the hearts and minds of her ecstatic devotees.

Durga, in Sanskrit means "She who is incomprehensible or difficult to reach." Goddess Durga is a form of Shakti worshiped for her gracious as well as terrifying aspect. Mother of the Universe, she represents the infinite power of the universe and is a symbol of a female dynamism. The manifestation of Goddess Durga is said to emerge from Her formless essence and the two are inseparable.

She is also called by many other names, such as Parvati, Ambika, and Kali. In the form of Parvati, She is known as the divine spouse of Lord Shiva and is the mother of Her two sons, Ganesha and Karttikeya, and daughter Jyoti. Destroyer of demons, she is worshiped during an annual festival called Durga puja, especially popular among Bengalis.

Goddess Durga exists eternally, always abiding in her own sweet nature and inhabits the hearts and minds of her ecstatic devotees. As Shakti power, she shapes, nurtures, and dissolves names and forms, while as subtle spiritual energy called Kundalini, She lights the lotuses fo the seven centres of awareness in the sacred human body. Goddess Durga killed the powerful demon Mahish and all his great commanders. When demonic forces create imbalance all god unite becoming one divine force called Shakti or Durga.

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Slogam

"Yaa Devii Sarvabhuuteshhu Maatrirupena Sansthitah
Yaa Devii Sarvabhuuteshhu Shaktirupena Sansthitah
Yaa Devii Sarvabhuuteshhu Shaantirupena Sansthitah
Namastasyaih Namastasyaih Namastasyaih Namo Namah"

Meaning :

Goddess Durga is omnipresent. She is the personification of Universal Mother. She is a Mother, who is present everywhere and who is embodiment of power and energy. Great mother, who is present everywhere and who is embodiment of Peace. I bow to that mother, I bow to Durga, I bow to Shakti.

Ganesha Slogam

Slogam

"Vakratunda Mahakaaya, Suryakoti Samaprabha
Nirvighnam Kuru Mey Deva, Sarva Kaaryeshu Sarvada"

Meaning

Lord Ganesha has a curved trunk with a powerful body. He has the brilliance of a million suns. May the Lord, remove all the problems from the actions I aim to achieve.

Lord Shiva Sloka!!!!!

Lord Shiva is both a destroyer and restorer. He is the God of Love and beloved of Parvati. He is one of the trimurthy?s.( Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva) He is Satya, Shubham, Sundaram, Sivam, Kantam. Attributes of Shiva are Third Eye, Blue Throat, Crescent Moon, Matted Hair, Sacred Ganga, Ashes, Tiger Skin, Serpents, Trishul, Drum, Nandi. Shiva and Parvati are the parents of Karthikeya and Ganesha. Shiva lives with his family in Mount Kailash. Bull Nandi is his vehicle.

Shiva is one of the most popular gods of the Hindu religion. Shiva is also a kind-hearted god who blesses people. Sloka on Lord Shiva forms the part of prayers offered to the lord. Following is the Shloka for invoking Lord Shiva or Shiva Sloka :

Slogam

"Kailaasarana Shiva Chandramouli

Phaneendra Maathaa Mukutee Zalaalee

Kaarunya Sindhu Bhava Dukha Haaree

Thujaveena Shambho Maja Kona Taaree"

Meaning

Oh, Lord Shiva, who is seated on Mount Kailas, whose forhead is decorated with the moon and the king of serpents as a crown, who is the Ocean of Mercy and the remover of delusion, You alone can protect me. I surrender to thee.

Slokas On Lord Ganesha!!!!

Lord Ganesha is the one of the most popular gods of the Hindu Religion. Ganesh is known as the eradicator of obstacles and god of beginnings. Lord Ganesha is considered as the first god to be worshipped. Slokas on Lord Ganesha form the part of prayers offered to the lord. Here is a collection of Ganesha Shlokas

Slogam

" Shuklaambara Dharam Vishnum

Shashi Varnam Chatur Bhujam

Prasanna Vadanam Dhyaayet

Sarva Vighna Upashaanthaye "

Meaning

We meditate on Lord Ganesha - who is clad in white (representing purity), who is all pervading (present everywhere), whose complexion is gray like that of ash (glowing with spiritual splendor), who has four arms, who has bright countenance (depicting inner calm and happiness) and who can destroy all obstacles (in our spiritual and worldly path).