PANCHAAMRUTAM / RASAAYANA
The word Panchaamrutam means five nectars. Panchaamrutam or Rasaayana is basically a mixture of banana slices, fresh coconut gratings, honey, powdered jaggery and ghee. It is an essential item in all traditional poojaas.
SOURCE OF PHOTO :
http://www.yessy.com/ciagart/gallery.html?i=13657
Panchaamruta snaanam ( bath ) is one of the various snaanams offered to a diety. It is then given to the devotees as prasaadam.The ancient idols of dieties in ancient temples, were usually made of medicinal substances. When the panchaamrutam is poured over the diety during abhishekam ( holy bath ), it acquires some of the idol's medicinal properties. Savouring this prasaadam and the intense positive thoughts of the faithful devotee helps in curing his illnesses.
Panchaamrutam / Rasaayana is a traditional dish given as prasaadam in many temples.It is also prepared along with other sweets and savouries during festivals.
THIS CHANNAPATNA DOLL HAS HIS HEAD FIXED ON A SPRING, AND THUS HE NODS
HIS HEAD AT THE SLIGHTEST TOUCH.
THIS IS A TOY GANESHA FROM CHANNAPATNA , THE TOY TOWN OF KARNATAKA.THE TRADITION OF TOY MAKING IN CHANNAPATNA DATES BACK TO THE TIME OF TIPU SULTAN. THE ARTISANS WERE BROUGHT DOWN FROM PERSIA TO TRAIN THE LOCAL CRAFTSMEN IN TOY MAKING.THEY USED THE LOCAL WOOD AND HERBAL DYES TO MAKE THE FAMOUS CHANNAPATNA TOYS.
Panchaamrutam /Rasaayana is a healthy and easy to prepare giveaway prasaadam for Navaraatri.
With the mentioned basic ingredients other fruits like apples, oranges, raisins, cashew nuts and various other ingredients can also be added to lend colour and a festive look to the Panchaamrutam / Rasaayana.
INGREDIENTS
Sliced sweet bananas - 2 cups
Raisins - 2 tbsp
Cashew nuts - 2 tbsps
Fresh coconut gratings - 2 tbsps
Honey - 2 tbsps
Powdered jaggery - 2 tbsps
( I added 2 tbsps of diamond sugar )
Cardamom powder - 1 pinch
METHOD
1. Mix all the ingredients together except the banana.
2. Slice and mix in the banana to the above mixture.
3. Add cardamom powder.
4.If you want to add apple pieces, add a few drops of lime juice to the cut apple pieces and shake them well in a closed container before adding to the Panchaamrutam / Rasaayana.
Offer the Fruit and nut nectar to Mother Goddess and give away the Panchaamruta prasaadam in leaf cups to your guests on a happy Navaraatri evening.
