• by Shivam

Devi Godess offering :Asthami-Navami Prasad

The offering of Kaala Chana (Black Chickpeas) to Goddess Shakti on the 8th day (Ashtami) of Navratri holds deep symbolic and Ayurvedic significance. In Ayurveda, foods, colors, and rituals are closely tied to the balance of the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) and the overall harmony of the body and mind. Here's a detailed understanding of this practice:

1. Symbolism of Kaala Chana:

• Kaala Chana, or black chickpeas, are considered a powerful food that balances the Kapha and Vata doshas. They are known for their grounding, stabilizing properties.

• The chickpea is rich in protein, fiber, and antioxidants, contributing to overall strength and vitality. Offering this food to Goddess Shakti symbolizes the nourishment of strength, protection, and empowerment.

2. The 8th Day (Ashtami) and the Energy of Goddess Durga:

• On the 8th day of Navratri, also known as Ashtami, the divine feminine energy of Goddess Durga (or Durga in her form as Kali or Mahishasura Mardini) is invoked. She represents Shakti, the power to destroy evil and restore balance.

• Ayurvedically, this day is seen as the culmination of the inner battle between good and bad energies. Offering Kaala Chana symbolizes a connection to grounded, earthy energy, which is necessary for defeating negativities.

3. Nutritional and Healing Benefits of Kaala Chana:

• Detoxification: Kaala Chana is known for its detoxifying properties. It helps to eliminate toxins (Ama) from the body, a concept central to Ayurveda. This aligns with the Navratri goal of purifying the body, mind, and spirit through fasting and rituals.

• Digestive Health: Black chickpeas are rich in fiber and help regulate digestion. This aligns with the Ayurvedic practice of promoting digestive fire (Agni) during Navratri.

• Balancing Doshas: In Ayurveda, Kaala Chana is a good food for balancing Vata and Kapha doshas. Vata governs movement and energy, while Kapha is responsible for structure and stability. On this auspicious day, offering Kaala Chana is believed to help in the balance of these energies within us, promoting strength, courage, and stability.

4. The Power of Offerings in Ayurveda:

• In Ayurveda, food is not just sustenance but an offering to the divine energies that govern the universe. Offering food like Kaala Chana to Goddess Shakti is a way to invoke and honor the cosmic forces that guide and sustain life.

• By presenting Kaala Chana on Ashtami, devotees seek to align themselves with the protective, nurturing, and purifying qualities of the Goddess. It is also said that by performing this ritual, the devotee invokes the goddess's blessings of strength, protection, and victory.

5. Fasting and Its Ayurvedic Significance:

• During the nine days of Navratri, fasting plays an important role in purifying the body and mind. Offering Kaala Chana on Ashtami can also be part of a diet during the fasting period. The high protein and fiber content of Kaala Chana provide sustenance, and its grounding properties help maintain balance during the physically demanding fasts.

• In Ayurvedic terms, the balance of Agni (digestive fire) during fasting is crucial. Kaala Chana helps maintain energy levels without overburdening the digestive system, especially for those observing partial fasting.

6. Ayurvedic View of Rituals:

• From an Ayurvedic perspective, rituals are meant to promote harmony between the mind, body, and spirit. The offerings made to Goddess Shakti are not just physical but also energetic. Offering Kaala Chana is seen as a way to bring spiritual and physical nourishment, offering the body something nutritious while honoring the divine energy.

• Rituals like these also signify the balance between material and spiritual realms, where even food can be used as an offering for personal transformation and purification.

In summary, the ritual of offering Kaala Chana to Goddess Shakti on the 8th day of Navratri is an Ayurvedic practice deeply rooted in spirituality, balance, and health. It symbolizes nourishment for the body, mind, and spirit, invoking protection, strength, and purification, all while maintaining alignment with the natural forces of balance and healing.Recepie:

Ingredients:

1 cup Kaala Chana( brown chickpea) Soak for 8-10 hrs

2.3.5-4 cup of Water

1 tsp Ginger

1/2 tsp Jeera( Cumin seeds)

3-4 leaves of Bay leaves 

1/2 tsp  Salt or as per your taste

1tsp Ghee

Whistle above ingredients 2 on night flame & 4

-5 whistle on medium flame

Ingredients: Spice Paste

2Tbsp - Corriender 

1/2 tsp- Turmuric powder

2 tsp - Red Chili Powder

1 tsp - Cumin powder 

1 tsp- Black salt

1 tsp - Chana Masala 

Grind and make above ingredients 

Add Above ingredients with Nooled Chana water and make a paste.

For Tempering

2 tblsp Gee

1 tsp Cumin seeds

1/2 tsp asafotida 

Garnish Sprinkle on Top

1/2 tsp Garam Masala

1 tsp Ghee

1.5 tsp Aamchur ( Mango powder) 

Method :

Add Boiled Chana with water and 1/2 tsp salt and cook  till water evaporates . 

Add: 

1/2 tsp Garam masala

 1/2 tsp Aamchur( Mango)Powder

Kasoori Methi ( Dried fenugreek leaves)

1tsp pure ghee 

Mixed well amd garnish with Corriender leaves and serve . ????