Ashoka Halwa Recipe | Thiruvaiyaru Special Paasi Paruppu Halwa

Ashoka Halwa, also known as Thiruvaiyaru Ashoka Halwa or Paasi Paruppu Halwa, is one of Tamil Nadu’s most beloved traditional sweets. This Ashoka Halwa recipe is soft, melt-in-mouth dessert made from moong dal (paasi paruppu), ghee, and sugar is a hallmark of celebration in the Thanjavur region, especially in the temple town of Thiruvaiyaru.

If you’ve ever tasted it during a Tamil wedding feast, you’ll never forget its divine aroma and silky texture. It’s often called the “King of South Indian halwas,” thanks to its rich flavor and cultural legacy. People often search for Ashoka halwa recipe Tamil, or wonder Ashoka halwa famous in which place, and the answer is always — Thiruvaiyaru, the birthplace of this heavenly dessert.

---

Before we dive into how to make this classic dish, let’s look at the ingredients that make Ashoka Halwa so special.

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose
Moong dal (Paasi Paruppu)	½ cup	Main base for the halwa
Wheat flour (Godhumai Maavu)	2 tbsp	Adds texture and thickness
Sugar	¾ cup	Sweetness
Ghee	½ cup (or more)	For rich taste and aroma
Water	1½ cups	For cooking dal
Cardamom powder	½ tsp	Flavor
Cashew nuts	10 (broken)	Garnish
Orange food color (optional)	A pinch	Gives vibrant look

These simple, pantry-friendly ingredients come together to create a dessert that’s indulgent yet comforting — just like home-cooked Thiruvaiyaru Ashoka Halwa.

Making Ashoka Halwa is quite simple but requires patience and constant stirring. Follow these steps for perfect results.

• Dry roast ½ cup of moong dal (paasi paruppu) in a pan on medium flame.
• Stir continuously until it turns light golden and aromatic.
• Be careful not to over-roast or burn the dal, as it affects the color and taste.

• Add 1½ cups of water and pressure cook the roasted dal for 3–4 whistles or until soft.
• Once cooked, mash the dal into a smooth paste using a ladle or blender.

• In a thick-bottomed pan, heat 2 tablespoons of ghee.
• Add the wheat flour (godhumai maavu) and roast until golden brown and aromatic.
• This gives the halwa its unique nutty flavor and glossy texture.

• Add the cooked dal paste to the roasted flour and mix well.
• Stir continuously to avoid lumps and ensure both blend smoothly.

• Add sugar to the mixture and stir until it melts completely.
• The mixture will loosen up as the sugar dissolves.
• Now, gradually add the remaining ghee in intervals while stirring continuously.
• Add food color and cardamom powder for aroma and vibrant appearance.

• Roast cashew nuts in a spoon of ghee till golden and mix them into the halwa.
• When the halwa becomes glossy and starts leaving the sides of the pan, it’s perfectly done.

Serve hot — your authentic Thiruvaiyaru Ashoka Halwa is ready!

The Ashoka Halwa history is deeply tied to the Thanjavur and Thiruvaiyaru regions of Tamil Nadu. It is believed to have originated during the Maratha rule in Thanjavur, where royal kitchens experimented with moong dal and wheat flour to create rich desserts.

The sweet was first served as “Ashoka Halwa” in temple feasts (prasadham) at Thiruvaiyaru, home of Saint Thyagaraja. Over the years, this delicacy gained popularity across Tamil Nadu, particularly in Thanjavur, Thiruvarur, and Chennai.

Today, Andavar Ashoka Halwa from Thiruvaiyaru is considered the benchmark for authentic taste. Visitors to the town never leave without buying a packet of this delicious treat.

Thiruvaiyaru Ashoka Halwa – The Pride of Thanjavur

If you ask anyone where Ashoka Halwa is famous, they’ll say Thiruvaiyaru without hesitation. The town is known not only for the Thyagaraja Aradhana music festival but also for its mouthwatering Ashoka Halwa.

The sweet is prepared with devotion using the same traditional recipe passed down through generations. Thiruvaiyaru Ashoka Halwa shops, like Andavar Ashoka Halwa and Sri Ashoka Sweets, continue to preserve the authentic flavor, using pure ghee and fresh ingredients.

Many people even order Thiruvaiyaru Ashoka Halwa online, so they can enjoy this classic sweet from anywhere in India.

Ashoka Halwa Seivathu Eppadi | அசோகா ஹல்வா  செய்வது எப்படி?

தேவையான பொருட்கள்:

* பாசி பருப்பு – ½ கப்

* கோதுமை மாவு – 2 டேபிள்ஸ்பூன்

* சர்க்கரை – ¾ கப்

* நெய் – ½ கப்

* தண்ணீர் – 1½ கப்

* ஏலக்காய்த்தூள் – ½ டீஸ்பூன்

* முந்திரி – 10 (நறுக்கி வறுத்தது)

செய்வது எப்படி:

1. பாசி பருப்பை லேசாக வறுத்து குக்கரில் வேகவைத்து நன்றாக மசிக்கவும்.

2. கடாயில் நெய் சேர்த்து கோதுமை மாவை வறுக்கவும்.

3. அதில் மசித்த பருப்பையும் சர்க்கரையும் சேர்த்து கலக்கவும்.

4. நெய், ஏலக்காய்த்தூள், நிறம் சேர்த்து திடமாக வரும் வரை கிளறவும்.

5. வறுத்த முந்திரியை சேர்த்து பரிமாறவும்.

இந்த இனிப்பு நெய்யின் மணத்தோடும், பாசி பருப்பின் இனிமையோடும் வாயில் உருகும் சுவையைக் கொடுக்கும்.

The Ashoka Halwa price varies based on where you buy it:

• Thiruvaiyaru shops: Approx ₹350–₹500 per kg

• Chennai sweet shops: ₹200–₹400 per kg

• Online stores: ₹200–₹500 per kg (plus delivery)

• The price is worth every bite, given its authentic taste and premium ghee quality.

Although the traditional Thiruvaiyar Ashoka Halwa recipe is unmatched, several variations have evolved:

A healthier alternative that uses jaggery instead of sugar. It has a deeper flavor and is preferred by those avoiding white sugar.

This version, popular in Thiruvarur, is slightly darker, with a denser consistency and stronger ghee aroma.

Urban sweet shops in Chennai prepare a glossier and softer version, slightly sweeter to suit modern tastes.

Made with maida instead of wheat flour, this version has a smoother texture and is often served as prasadam in temples.

With rising demand, many traditional sweet makers now offer Thiruvaiyaru Ashoka Halwa online. You can order from:

• Andavar Ashoka Halwa, Thiruvaiyaru
• Thiruvaiyaru Sri Ashoka Sweets
• Tanjore Traditional Sweets
• Popular Chennai sweet shops via e-commerce platforms

Ensure you choose trusted sellers to enjoy the authentic flavor.

While Ashoka Halwa is rich and indulgent, moderation is key. Moong dal provides protein and fiber, while ghee offers healthy fats. However, since it’s high in sugar and calories, it’s best enjoyed occasionally, during festivals or celebrations.

Also Check our Top 7-Must Try South Indian Sweet Recipes for you!

Ashoka Halwa Tamil Nadu’s sweet pride, a symbol of warmth, tradition, and celebration. Originating from Thiruvaiyaru, it has now reached every part of Tamil Nadu — from Thanjavur to Chennai, and even worldwide through online sweet shops.

Whether you prepare it at home following the Ashoka halwa recipe or order from Andavar Ashoka Halwa Thiruvaiyaru, the taste of this classic dessert will always transport you back to Tamil Nadu’s cultural roots.