
Today is the first Friday of Shravana Maasam. Fridays, a day on which Goddess Mahalakshmi is traditionally worshipped all through the year, assumes special significance during Shravan; especially in South India.
On Shravana Shukravaram, in many households, there are special Poojas to Goddess Mahalakshmi; the goddess of prosperity.

I am very fond of this particular painting of Goddess Mahalakshmi because we have a likeness in our music class. So I see it in every class and have been for so many, many years. 🙂
My favourite part about the poojas is the chanting of various stotrams. Having chanted them since childhood, I know many of them by heart. 🙂
Among my favourites are:
Today, I made Chickpea Sundal as naivedyam.
Do try my recipes for Senagala Guggillu | Kala Chana Sundal, Sweet Corn Sundal, Pattani Sundal, and Verkadalai Sundal
Ingredients
- Chickpeas or Kabuli Chana – 1 Cup
- Grated Coconut – 1/4 Cup
- Split Black Gram or Udad Dal – 1 tbsp
- Mustard Seeds – 1/2 tsp
- Red Chillies – 2
- Curry Leaves – 4 or 5
- Oil – 2 tsp
- Asafoetida or Hing – A Pinch
- Salt to Taste
Method
- In a large vessel, soak the chickpeas in atleast 3 Cups of water.
- Leave overnight.
- Drain the water.
- Add 2 Cups of fresh water and 1/2 tsp salt.
- Pressure cook for just one whistle.
- Drain the water completely and set aside,
- In a wok or kadai, heat the oil.
- Add mustard seeds and wait till they splutter.
- Add udad dal and fry till it is golden brown.
- Turn the heat to low
- Add split red chillies, curry leaves and asafoetida.
- Stir-fry for a minute.
- Add the chickpeas, grated coconut and salt, if required.
- Stir-fry for a couple of minutes.
- Turn off the heat.
Tips
- Do not overcook the chickpeas. The chickpeas should be cooked just enough such that it breaks when pressed with a finger but not mushy!
I would love to hear from you!