Ram Navami is one of the auspicious festival of the year, which celebrates the birth anniversary of lord Ram. It is believed that lord Rama, the seventh avatar of lord Vishnu was born on the ninth day of month chaitra. There is an age-old tradition of offering 'Panakam' as Naivedya to Lord Shri Ram. Particularly in South India, this beverage is considered extremely sacred.
It is not merely a drink, but an excellent 'Ayurvedic tonic' that helps combat the summer heat. Today, we are going to give it a royal twist by incorporating Saffron (Kesar).
The name 'Panakam' is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Panaka'. This beverage helps balance the body's electrolytes and improves digestion. The addition of saffron lends it a beautiful color and a delightful aroma.
Required Ingredients:
- Jaggery (Gud): 1 cup (finely chopped or powdered)
- Cold Water: 4 cups
- Dry Ginger Powder (*Sunth*): 1 tablespoon
- Black Pepper Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Cardamom Powder: 1/4 teaspoon
- Lemon Juice: From 1 to 2 lemons (to taste)
- Saffron (Kesar): 10-12 strands (soaked in a little lukewarm water)
- Holy Basil Leaves (Tulsi): 7-8 (essential for the Naivedya offering)
- Salt: A pinch (to enhance the flavor)
1. Preparing the Jaggery Water: Take 4 cups of cold water in a large vessel. Add 1 cup of jaggery to it and stir until the jaggery dissolves completely. Once dissolved, strain the water through a fine sieve to remove any impurities or debris present in the jaggery.
2. Mixing the Spices: Add the dry ginger powder, black pepper powder, and cardamom powder to the strained jaggery water and mix thoroughly. The ginger and pepper impart a pleasant, invigorating 'zing' to the beverage.
3. Adding Lemon and Saffron: Now, add freshly squeezed lemon juice and saffron water (saffron strands soaked in water for a short while). The saffron imparts a lovely yellowish tint and a regal aroma to the beverage. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.
4. Offering and Serving: Transfer the prepared Panakam into a copper or brass vessel. Offer a few Tulsi (Holy Basil) leaves over it. After offering the Naivedya (sacred food offering) to Lord Rama, distribute this beverage to everyone as Prasad (blessed offering).
Benefits of Drinking 'Panakam' (Health Benefits):
Natural Cooling Effect: Jaggery and lemon provide an instant energy boost to the body and help protect against the heat.
Improves Digestion: The dry ginger and black pepper used in the recipe ensure smooth functioning of the digestive system, preventing common summer-related digestive issues.
Relief from Sore Throat: The spices incorporated in this drink help in clearing up throat infections.