Every food in India has a deep history, each holding its own place on special and auspicious occasions. One such dish is Thiruvathirai Kali—familiar to some, and a delightful discovery for others. This simple offering made for Lord Shiva carries a beautiful tradition. Scroll down to discover its significance and learn how it’s prepared—without giving it all away just yet.
Thiruvathirai Kali: The Sweet Tradition Connected To Lord Shiva
Thiruvathirai Kali is a simple sweet made for the Thiruvathirai festival, mostly celebrated in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, which honours Lord Shiva’s cosmic dance. Devotees prepare this dish as a sacred offering and break their fast with it. The rice-and-jaggery mix gives quick energy, while its tradition is rooted in devotion. Lord Shiva is said to have accepted this offering with love.
The dish’s history goes back to a devotee named Sendanar, who made it during heavy rains and offered it to Lord Shiva. The story says Shiva arrived in disguise, ate the sweet, and carried some with him. The next morning, the temple was found sprinkled with Kali, and from then on, this offering became an important part of the Thiruvathirai celebration.
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Here’s How You Can Make It
If you want to make Thiruvathirai Kali at your home, then here’s the simple recipe you can follow.
Ingredients
- Raw rice
- Moong dal
- Jaggery
- Grated coconut
- Cardamom powder
- Ghee
- Water
- Salt
- Cashews
Recipe
1. According to Raks Kitchen, to prepare this dish, wash ½ cup of raw rice and two tablespoons of moong dal thoroughly, then keep them aside to dry.
2. Dry roast the rice and dal separately on medium–high flame until they turn golden brown. Then let them cool.
3. Grind the roasted rice and dal to get a coarse texture. Avoid grinding all at once to ensure the mixture cooks evenly.
4. In a pan, add ½ cup jaggery with just enough water to immerse it. Heat until the jaggery melts completely, then strain and keep the syrup aside.
5. Take the rice-dal mixture in a small vessel, add one cup of water and a pinch of salt. Place this vessel inside a pressure cooker and cook for three whistles.
6. Transfer the cooked mixture to a pan. Add the jaggery syrup, ¼ cup grated coconut, and a pinch of cardamom powder. Cook on medium flame for about four minutes
7. Add 1 teaspoon of ghee at the end and mix well for a rich aroma and smooth texture.
8. Heat some ghee in a small pan and fry cashews until golden brown. Garnish the Thiruvathirai Kali with these roasted cashews before serving.
Do try this recipe at home, it will surely not disappoint you!
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Cover Image Courtesy: X/@Vadicwarrior