Story of Ambalapuzha Krishna Temple Payasam and it's Recipe

Hello everyone! Today's dessert is something that is very close to me and all the South Indians, which is Payasam. The amount of love poured into it while preparing it is unlimited.

When I was on a visit to Kerala's Ambalapuzha Krishna Temple, I heard this very interesting story of "The legend of Chaturanga"(chessboard). It is said that Lord Krishna had dressed himself as a sage had challenged the king of Ambalapuzha for the game of chess but he had kept one condition that the king has to put a single grain of rice on the first chess square and double it on every consequent one. 

As per the bet Lord Krishna had won and as mentioned the king started placing. Later Lord Krishna revealed himself and asked the king to give Payasam to every pilgrim who visits his temple. 

The Ambalapuzha Krishna Temple still follows this.

Ingredients: 

750 ml         : Water

3 liters         : Milk

3 tbsp           : Ghee 

150 gm         : Broken Red Rice (Unakkalari)

150 gm         : Jaggery 

Method: 

1. In a kadhai boil the water. 
2. Once the water is boiled add milk in it.
3. Once it comes to a boil add ghee.
4. Then add the uncooked Unakkalari (red broken rice). Let the rice cook.
5. Once the colour of the milk turns pale white add jaggery in it.
6. Once it's thickened in consistency serve it hot.