Navratri mornings have a rhythm of their own—fragrant, hopeful, and steeped in devotion. Day 3 of Chaitra Navratri, dedicated to Maa Chandraghanta, is a day of grace, balance, and strength. And what better way to embody that spirit than with a perfectly brewed cup of tea? After all, tea is not just a drink; it’s an emotion, a tradition, and for me, a daily meditation.
The Art of Making Tea: A Sacred Ritual
Every morning, I step into my kitchen like a priestess at her altar. The clinking of the kettle against the stove, the rustle of tea leaves, the first swirl of spices—each step feels ceremonial. And today, in the spirit of Navratri, my tea has to be as pure and energizing as my devotion.
The act of making tea isn’t just about throwing ingredients into a pot and waiting. It’s a sensory experience, a meditation that brings stillness and focus. In Hindu culture, tea has always been a drink of reflection. From the street-side chaiwalas to the elegant afternoon teas of old estates, tea connects people, traditions, and moments.
The Essential Ingredients
Each ingredient I use has a purpose beyond taste—it brings energy, healing, and a touch of divine connection. Let’s take a look at why I choose each one so mindfully.
The combination of these elements turns a simple drink into something more—a blend of healing, devotion, and self-care.
Brewing the Perfect Cup: Step-by-Step
Let’s take this journey together. If you’re new to making tea, don’t worry. I’ll guide you through each step, ensuring that by the end, you’ll have a cup that not only tastes good but also nourishes your soul.
1. Boil Water with Intent
I start by bringing a cup of water to a boil, allowing the steam to rise like a soft morning prayer. In many traditions, water is considered a purifier, and in Hindu rituals, offering water to deities is a form of devotion. As the water heats, I take a deep breath, setting an intention for my day.
2. Add the Healing Spices
This is where the magic begins. A few slices of ginger, a crushed cardamom pod, and a single clove go in, each one releasing its magic into the bubbling water. The aroma fills the kitchen, instantly uplifting my spirit. These spices are not just flavor enhancers; they have been used in Ayurvedic healing for centuries.
3. The Heart of the Tea
In go the tea leaves—loose, aromatic, and full of character. I let them dance in the water for a minute, unfurling their essence. This step is where patience is key. Rushing tea will never give you the depth of flavor that a slow, intentional brew will.
4. Sweetness with Jaggery
Instead of sugar, I stir in a small piece of jaggery, its earthy sweetness blending effortlessly. Sugar can be harsh and overpowering, but jaggery melts into the tea, adding a deep, caramel-like sweetness that feels natural and warm.
5. A Touch of Tulsi
Just before turning off the flame, I add a few tulsi leaves, their sacred presence making the tea even more special. Tulsi is considered a goddess in Hindu households, believed to bring purity and divine blessings. Adding it to my tea feels like an offering of gratitude.
6. Strain & Sip
Finally, I strain the brew into my favorite cup, inhaling deeply before that first, divine sip. The warmth spreads through my hands, the scent fills my senses, and for a moment, the world slows down.
Why This Tea is Perfect for Navratri
- Sattvic & Energizing – Free from processed sugar, this tea aligns with the clean eating principles of Navratri fasting.
- Balances the Mind & Body – Spices like cardamom and clove warm the body, while tulsi and jaggery soothe the mind.
- A Moment of Meditation – Making tea with intention turns it into a mindful practice, much like offering a prayer.
The Spiritual Connection: Maa Chandraghanta & the Power of Serenity
On Day 3 of Navratri, we worship Maa Chandraghanta, the goddess of peace and courage. She rides a tiger, symbolizing strength, yet her face exudes calmness. This duality reminds me of tea itself—the robustness of spices balanced with the soothing nature of tulsi and jaggery.
Maa Chandraghanta’s blessings bring:
- Mental clarity – Just like a good cup of tea, she clears away distractions.
- Inner strength – Much like the warming effect of ginger and clove.
- A sense of peace – Mirroring the serenity one feels while sipping a perfectly brewed cup.
As I sip my tea, I reflect on this balance. Life is about finding that harmony—between action and stillness, strength and gentleness. Maa Chandraghanta’s message is clear: Stand tall, stay calm, and trust your inner power.
Sipping Tea, Sipping Tranquility
As I sit with my cup, the morning light catching the swirls of steam, I feel a deep sense of calm. The world outside can wait; this moment is mine. Maa Chandraghanta’s serene strength seems to seep into me with every sip, reminding me that balance is an art—whether in devotion, life, or the perfect cup of tea.
Tea is more than just a drink; it’s a companion through life’s ups and downs. It’s there in moments of celebration, comfort in times of stress, and a quiet friend during introspection. And on this sacred day, it becomes a bridge between the divine and the everyday.
Embracing the Tea Ritual Beyond Navratri
While Navratri adds a special energy to this tea-making ritual, I realize that I want to carry this mindfulness forward. What if every day, we treated tea as a moment of gratitude? A pause in our hectic schedules, a tiny celebration of life itself?
So, as you go through your Navratri journey, don’t just fast; feast on experiences, traditions, and simple joys. And if you ever need a break, let a cup of soulful, spice-laden tea be your companion. Jai Mata Di!