Author Archives: memoriesandsuch

Recipes: Moth ani Mugachi Usal aka Sprouted Moong & Moth Curry

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A powerhouse of nutrition, offering protein, fibre, and essential vitamins, this recipe is perfect for a balanced and wholesome meal. Served in all Maharashtrian homes, this usal is both spicy and healthy and even those who do not like sprouts will enjoy this dish. 

Sprouts are high in digestive enzymes that aid gut health, rich in *vitamins A, C, and K, boosting immunity, low in calories but high in protein and fibre, making them weight-loss-friendly, improve heart health by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, and are great for blood sugar control due to their low glycemic index.

Moong sprouts made with whole green gram are high in protein, good for muscle repair and growth, and rich in folate, making them beneficial for pregnant women, easy to digest, suitable for all age groups, and help detoxify and promote glowing skin. Moth or Matki sprouts are packed with iron and folate, helping to prevent anaemia, are excellent for gut health, promote better digestion, are a good source of complex carbs, provide sustained energy, and are rich in antioxidants, supporting cell repair and reducing inflammation.  

Moth ani Mugachi Usal 

Ingredients:  

  • 1 cup sprouted moong or green gram  
  • 1 cup sprouted moth beans or matki  
  • 2 tbsp oil or ghee  
  • 1 tsp mustard seeds  
  • ½ tsp cumin seeds  
  • ¼ tsp asafoetida 
  • 1 sprig of curry leaves  
  • 2 green chillies, chopped  
  • 2 medium-sized onions, 1 finely chopped and 1 sliced
  • 1 medium-sized tomato, finely chopped 
  • 3-4 cloves of garlic
  • 1 inch piece of ginger
  • 2 tbsp coconut (either dry or fresh) 
  • ½ tsp turmeric powder  
  • 1 tsp red chilli powder  
  • 1 tsp goda masala 
  • 1 tsp coriander powder  
  • ½ tsp jaggery 
  • Salt to taste  
  • Water as needed
  • 2 tbsp grated coconut 
  • 2 tbsp fresh coriander leaves, chopped  

Method:

  • Wash and soak moong and moth beans overnight with enough water to cover the beans. In the morning, drain the beans and put them in a colander and keep covered for another 10-12 hours. Depending on the climate you are in, this make take less than 8 hours or upto 2 days to sprout. 
  • Heat 2 tbsp oil and in a pan and once the oil is hot, add the sliced onions, garlic and ginger and saute on medium flame until it changes colour slightly.
  • Then add the coconut and saute until it turns golden brown and the coconut is completely devoid of water. This is important because if the coconut is still fresh and wet, the curry may spoil if kept outside. You could also use dry coconut and if using dry coconut, just saute till it turns brown.
  • Cool completely and blend to a smooth paste adding enough water. Keep aside.
  • Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.  
  • Add cumin seeds, asafoetida, curry leaves, and chopped green chillies. Sauté for a few seconds.  
  • Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.  
  • Add tomatoes and cook until soft.  
  • Add turmeric, red chilli powder, coriander powder, and goda masala. Stir well.  
  • Add the sprouted moong and moth beans. Stir to coat them with spices.  
  • Add salt, jaggery (if using), and about ½ to 1 cup of water.  
  • Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes on low-medium heat until the sprouts soften but remain slightly crunchy.  
  • Garnish with finely chopped coriander leaves and serve hot with rice or rotis.
  • You can also squeeze a lemon wedge before eating for extra flavour. 

2025 Week 43 Update

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BB finished his national service earlier this week and is now an Operationally Ready NSMan! This marks the end of his two-year service to the nation, and after this, he will be liable for his reservist stints over the next decade or so. Now that this stage of his life is over, he needs to think about what and how his life will look moving forward. 

Today’s quote by Culadasa, or John Yates, an American meditation teacher and neuroscientist best known for his book The Mind Illuminated, a comprehensive guide that bridges ancient Buddhist meditation techniques with modern cognitive science, highlights how doubt can act as one of the greatest barriers to progress. When we are uncertain about ourselves, our abilities, or our path, it can freeze us into inaction: a kind of mental paralysis. However, when we confront and move beyond that doubt, through clarity, confidence, or understanding, our motivation doesn’t just return; it becomes stronger. Having faced uncertainty and chosen to move forward anyway, we develop resilience, purpose, and inner strength.

GG is finishing up this semester and has exams to look forward to in early to mid-November. After a short break, she starts her internship, which is a graduate requirement, so she is busy, and I barely see her when she is at home.

Today’s motivation seems meant for me. What it says is that there is no need to react to every single thing that triggers an uncomfortable emotional reaction in you. Reactions that stem from anger, fear, or frustration take a lot of your energy. And those reactions don’t do anything to improve your situation. In fact, they tend to make the situation worse, leaving you feeling drained. Pausing allows space for a balanced response. You’ve worked so hard to find acceptance and balance in your life. Do not allow anyone to disturb your inner equanimity. It is likely that even if you react, it won’t automatically change other people’s minds. Sometimes, it’s better to just let things be. Let go of the need to be right or prove your point to others. Choose your peace. I should take my own advice!

That’s all I have for you this week. Stay safe, stay positive, and keep smiling!

In My Hands Today…

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The Golden Road: How Ancient India Transformed the World – William Dalrymple

For most of its modern history, India was fated to be on the receiving end of cultural influence from other civilisations. But this isn’t the complete story.

A full millennium earlier, India’s major cultural exports – religion, art, technology, astronomy, mathematics, medicine, language and literature – were shaping civilisations, travelling as far as Afghanistan in the West and Japan in the east. Out of India came pioneering merchants, astronomers and astrologers, scientists and mathematicians, surgeons and sculptors, as well as holy men, monks and missionaries.

In The Golden Road, legendary historian William Dalrymple highlights India’s oft-forgotten position as a crucial economic and civilisational hub at the heart of the ancient and early medieval history of Eurasia. From Angkor to Ayutthaya, The Golden Road traces the cultural flow of Indian religions, languages, artistic and architectural forms and mathematics throughout the world. In this groundbreaking tome, Dalrymple draws from a lifetime of scholarship to reinstate India as the great intellectual and philosophical superpower of ancient Asia.

Sacred Stones, Spaces and Stories: Shakthipeeta Part 25

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Nainativu Temple, Manipallavam, Northern Province, Sri Lanka
The Nainativu Nagapooshani Amman Temple, located on Nainativu Island, also known as Manipallavam in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka, is one of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the region. Revered as one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, this ancient temple is believed to be the site where the silambu or anklet of Goddess Sati fell. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Nagapooshani Amman, a form of Goddess Parvati, and Lord Nayinaar Swami, a manifestation of Lord Shiva. Nestled amidst the serene waters of the Palk Strait, this temple holds immense historical, mythological, and spiritual significance.

The temple has been mentioned in several ancient texts, including the Tamil epic Manimekalai and the Sri Lankan chronicle Mahavamsa. These texts describe Nainativu as Manipallavam or Nagadeepa, an island inhabited by the Naga people who were serpent worshippers. The temple is believed to have been originally established by Lord Indra to atone for his sins after being cursed by Sage Gautama for seducing his wife Ahalya. Indra consecrated and worshipped an idol of Goddess Bhuvaneswari or Nagapooshani Amman at this site to seek forgiveness. Over time, Nainativu became a prominent centre for serpent worship and Shaktism. The temple flourished under Tamil rulers but faced destruction during Portuguese colonial invasions in 1620. The present structure was rebuilt in 1788 and later renovated after sustaining damage during periods of political unrest in Sri Lanka.

The temple features traditional Dravidian architecture with intricately carved gopurams or towering gateways adorned with vibrant sculptures depicting Hindu deities and mythological scenes. The four-tiered South Gopuram stands out as a masterpiece of craftsmanship. The temple honours its historical connection to serpent worship with shrines dedicated to serpent deities like Sri Nayinaar Swami and idols of five-headed cobras within the sanctum sanctorum. Devotees offer milk and flowers to these serpent idols as part of their prayers.

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Two rocks near the island — Paambu Sutriya Kal or the rock around which the snake wound itself and Garudan Kal or the rock of the eagle — are linked to a legend involving a cobra carrying a lotus flower for Goddess Bhuvaneswari’s worship while being pursued by Garuda. A Tamil inscription from the 12th century issued by King Parakramabahu I mentions trade regulations for merchants visiting Nainativu and highlights its significance as a port city. Located nearby is the Nagadeepa Buddhist Vihara, emphasising Nainativu’s historical role as a shared sacred space for Hindus and Buddhists.

The temple hosts an annual festival known as Thiruvizha during June-July that lasts for 16 days. It includes processions featuring decorated chariots carrying idols of Maa Nagapooshani Amman and Nayinaar Swami. Devotees participate in cultural performances, music recitals, and community feasts during this grand celebration. Special offerings are made to serpent deities within the temple complex on auspicious days like Naga Panchami. Devotees believe that these rituals bring protection from snake bites and other dangers. Couples seeking marital harmony or fertility visit the temple to seek Nagapooshani Amman’s blessings through special pujas conducted by priests.

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According to legend, Lord Indra created this temple to atone for his sins after being cursed by Sage Gautama for seducing his wife Ahalya. Pleased with Indra’s devotion, Maa Bhuvaneswari transformed his curse marks into eyes, earning her the name Indrakshi or Indra-eyed. Another legend tells of a cobra swimming across the sea toward Nainativu with a lotus flower for Maa Bhuvaneswari’s worship while being pursued by Garuda, the eagle mount of Lord Vishnu. A merchant named Maanikan intervened to save the cobra by promising Garuda that he would build a beautiful temple for Bhuvaneswari on Nainativu Island.

The Nainativu Nagapooshani Amman Temple with unique rituals like serpent worship emphasises ancient traditions while preserving spiritual heritage. One can explore Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage intertwined with Hindu mythology while visiting this ancient shrine.

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Shankari Maha Shaktipeeth, Tricomalee, Sri Lanka
The Shankari Maha Shaktipeeth, located in Trincomalee or Thirukkonamalai on the eastern coast of Sri Lanka is believed to be where the groin or yoni of Goddess Sati fell. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Shankari Devi, a form of Goddess Parvati, and Lord Trikoneshwara Bhairava, a manifestation of Lord Shiva. Perched on a hill overlooking the Indian Ocean, the Shankari Maha Shaktipeeth is not only a spiritual haven but also a site of immense historical and mythological significance.

The temple has been mentioned in several ancient texts, including Adi Shankaracharya’s Ashta Dasha Shakti Peetha Stotram, which lists it as one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas. The name Shankari derives from Shankar, another name for Lord Shiva, symbolising the inseparable bond between Shiva and Shakti. Historically, the temple was established over 2,500 years ago and was one of the wealthiest temples in South Asia during its peak.

The temple flourished under Tamil rulers and received patronage from various dynasties, including the Cholas and Pandyas. However, it faced destruction during Portuguese invasions in the 17th century. Despite being rebuilt multiple times, much of its original grandeur has been lost. Today, the temple remains an important spiritual centre for Hindus in Sri Lanka.

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The temple is situated on Thirukkonamalai Hill meaning the three-cornered hill, offering panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. This unique location enhances its spiritual ambience. Adjacent to the Shankari shrine is the Trikoneshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of four major Shiva temples in Sri Lanka, the others being the Ketheeswaram Temple, the Munneswaram Temple, and the Galle Temple. The temple features traditional Dravidian architecture with intricately carved gopurams or towering gateways adorned with vibrant sculptures depicting Hindu deities and mythological scenes.

According to legend, the Asura King, Ravana, a huge devotee of Lord Shiva, installed three lingas on Thirukkonamalai Hill to honour Lord Shiva after receiving blessings from him. These lingas are believed to protect the island from calamities. The temple has strong ties to Ravana, who was a devout worshipper of Lord Shiva. It is said that Ravana performed penance here to gain boons from Shiva.

Navratri is celebrated with great festivities and the temple becomes crowded during these nine days as pilgrims seek blessings for prosperity and protection. Maha Shivratri is another major festival celebrated here with night-long prayers dedicated to Lord Shiva as Trikoneshwara Bhairava. Devotees offer milk and honey during abhishekam rituals. Couples seeking marital harmony or fertility visit the temple to seek Goddess Shankari Devi’s blessings through special pujas conducted by priests.

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According to legend, Ravana performed rigorous penance at Thirukkonamalai Hill to gain boons from Lord Shiva. Impressed by his devotion, Shiva granted him several boons but warned him against arrogance. Ravana later installed three lingas on this hill as a mark of gratitude. Another legend states that Lord Shiva built a magnificent palace for Parvati on this hill after she requested a home away from Mount Kailash. However, Parvati left Lanka after Ravana refused her advice to return Sita to Lord Rama. A mythological tale recounts how Adisesha, the serpent king wrapped himself around Mount Kailash during a battle with Vayu, the wind god. When Vayu broke off three peaks from Kailash, one landed at Thirukkonamalai Hill—making it a sacred ground for both Shiva and Parvati worshippers.

The Shankari Maha Shaktipeeth offers visitors a unique spiritual experience rooted in mythology and devotion.

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And this brings us to the end of this series on Shakti Peethas. I hope you enjoyed reading about it as much as I enjoyed reading, researching, and writing about the different temples. The journey through the Shakti Peethas has unveiled a tapestry of divine energy, mythology, and devotion that stretches across the Indian subcontinent and beyond. Each site, from the snow-capped heights of Lake Manasarovar and Muktinath in Nepal to the coastal serenity of Nainativu in Sri Lanka, embodies the eternal bond between Shakti and Shiva — a union that transcends geography, culture, and time. These temples are not merely places of worship but living testaments to the enduring power of the Divine Feminine, where the physical remnants of Goddess Sati’s form sanctify the earth and invite devotees to connect with the cosmic force of creation, preservation, and transformation.

The diversity of rituals, legends, and architectural marvels across these shrines reflects the adaptability of spiritual traditions while preserving their core essence. Whether through the Tantric practices of Tarapith, the serpent worship of Nainativu, or the open-air sanctity of Mansarovar, each Shakti Peetha offers a unique pathway to the divine. Yet, they all share a common thread: the belief that these sites are portals to liberation or moksha and spiritual awakening. The Shakti Peethas remind us that divinity is both immanent and transcendent, woven into the fabric of mountains, rivers, and ancient stones, yet alive within the hearts of those who seek it. May this journey inspire reverence for the sacred, curiosity for the mystical, and a deeper connection to the universal energy that binds all beings.

In My Hands Today…

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To Dye For: How Toxic Fashion Is Making Us Sick–and How We Can Fight Back – Alden Wicker

Many of us are aware of the ethical minefield that is fast the dodgy labor practices, the lax environmental standards, and the mountains of waste piling up on the shores of developing countries. But have you stopped to consider the dangerous effects your clothes are having on your own health? Award-winning journalist Alden Wicker breaks open a story hiding in plain the unregulated toxic chemicals that are likely in your wardrobe right now, how they’re harming you, and what you can do about it.

In To Dye For, Wicker reveals how clothing manufacturers have successfully swept consumers’ concerns under the rug for more than 150 years, and why synthetic fashion and dyes made from fossil fuels are so deeply intertwined with the rise of autoimmune disease, infertility, asthma, eczema, and more. In fact, there’s little to no regulation of the clothes and textiles we wear each day—from uniforms to fast fashion, outdoor gear, and even the face masks that have become ubiquitous in recent years. Wicker explains how we got here, what the stakes are, and what all of us can do in the fight for a safe and healthy wardrobe for all.