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Jaggery and desi khand, revered for their sattvic purity and Ayurvedic benefits, make essential offerings for Maha Shivratri prasad.
News18
Maha Shivratri is a sacred Hindu festival celebrated with great devotion and fasting, during which devotees offer prasad to Lord Shiva. The offerings made to the deity are sattvic and natural, aligning with traditional Ayurvedic principles. Among these, jaggery and desi khand hold a special place, making them essential ingredients in prasad preparation. Shrey Gupta, Head of Sales and Operations at Dhampur Green, shares insights on why jaggery and desi khand are a must for Shivratri prasad.
The Ayurvedic and Spiritual Significance
Jaggery and desi khand are both natural sweeteners derived from sugarcane but processed differently from refined sugar. Ayurveda highly recommends these alternatives due to their numerous health benefits and purity.
Jaggery: Known for its warming properties, jaggery aids digestion, detoxifies the body, and boosts energy levels, making it an ideal choice during fasting.
Desi Khand: A less refined form of sugar, desi khand retains essential minerals like calcium and iron, promoting overall well-being without the harmful effects of white sugar.
Purity and Sattvic Nature
Both jaggery and desi khand are sattvic in nature, meaning they are pure, light, and nourishing for the body and mind. Lord Shiva is often associated with purity, and using these natural sweeteners in prasad enhances the sacredness of the offering.
Traditional Prasad Recipes Using Jaggery and Desi Khand
Jaggery and Coconut Laddoo
Ingredients:
1 cup grated coconut
½ cup jaggery
1 tsp ghee
½ tsp cardamom powder
Method:
Heat ghee in a pan, add jaggery, and let it melt.
Add grated coconut and mix well.
Stir in cardamom powder and shape into small laddoos.
Offer as prasad.
Desi Khand Panjeeri
Ingredients:
1 cup whole wheat flour
½ cup desi khand
¼ cup ghee
¼ cup chopped nuts
½ tsp cardamom powder
Method:
Roast the whole wheat flour in ghee until golden brown.
Add nuts and roast for another minute.
Stir in desi khand and cardamom powder.
Let cool slightly and serve as prasad.
Expert Insights
Nutritionist Arooshi Aggarwal says, “In many cultures, particularly in Hinduism, observing fasts is a common ritual. It is not only a great way to detox, but the sattvic diet consumed during fasting also aligns and elevates us spiritually, according to Ayurveda. Jaggery and khand are particularly consumed as sweeteners while observing fasts to meet the day’s calorie or energy requirements. These sweeteners are considered natural, less processed, and nutritionally dense, which is why they are commonly used to break a fast.
Jaggery, a derivative of fructose, is rich in minerals like iron, magnesium, fiber, and essential vitamins. Khand, also known as muscovado sugar, is a type of unrefined sugar that contains natural molasses, making it rich in calcium and easily digestible.
Since both these sweeteners are simple sugars that are easily digested, it is important for those observing a fast to be mindful of their portions, as excessive consumption can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels.”
