This festival is dedicated to Goddess Parvati, the wife of Lord Shiva. It is also known as ‘Mangala Gouri Pooja’ and is an important festival observed by married women who seek marital bliss and long life for their husbands. This fast is observed on the Tuesdays of the holy Shravan month (July-August).
What is the legend behind celebrating ‘Mangla Gauri Vrat’?
Once upon a time there lived a King and his queen in a happy kingdom. They had everything except a child, which made them quite unhappy. They were ardent followers of Lord Shiva. They prayed to him day and night so that they could seek his blessings. Lord Shiva appeared one day and told them that they will be blessed with a baby boy, but since they do not have the happiness of children in their life, their son will die at the age of sixteen.
True to his words, Lord Shiva blessed the couple with a baby boy who was named, ‘Chandrashekhara’. He was a happy and obedient child always praying to Lord Shiva just like his parents. Life went smoothly till the boy turned fifteen, the king and queen decided to send him to the holy city of ‘Kashi’ since it is said that those who die in this city are freed from the ‘chakra’ of life and death and attain salvation. When the boy was told about his misfortune, he became sad and with a heavy heart left his father’s kingdom.
In the city of Kashi, he met with a beautiful princess who was performing ‘Mangla Gauri’ fast. A curious Chandrashekhara asked her about the fast and she said that any girl who observes this fast is blessed by Goddess Parvati, wife of Lord Shiva and in return her husband is blessed with a happy and healthy life. A ray of hope blossomed in the heart of the prince.
The princess was supposed to get married to another prince the next day who fell sick and asked Chandrashekhara to help him. The boy attended the first day of the marriage in place of the prince but realized his mistake. He then told the princess about the truth and his curse. The princess had fallen in love with him and refused to marry the other prince. Chandrashekhara still left the palace, but did not die. After a year had passed, he came back to the kingdom to meet with the princess who was more than happy to see him. She told him that because she observed the fast with pure dedication, he as her husband got blessed with life. They lived happily ever after.
What are the items required to do the ‘Pooja’?
- An idol or image of Goddess Parvati (one can also use five pyramid shapes made from turmeric powder).
- A ‘kalash’ or a pot
- Rice grains ‘akshata’
- Jaggery grains
- Cotton or flower garlands
- Coconut broken into two halves
- Red flowers
- Seasonal fruits
- Sweets to be offered as ‘Prasadam’
What are the rituals to be followed for performing ‘Mangla Gauri Vrat’?
- Rice grains are put in a plate, on top of which ‘Kalash’ is kept which is half filled with water.
- A silver pot filled with unhusked wheat is placed on the right of the ‘Kalash’.
- The two halves of the coconut are placed on both sides of the pot.
- The plate is filled with turmeric powder, ‘kumkum’ and other ‘pooja’ related items.
- Place the idol or the picture of the goddess in front of the ‘Kalash’.
- Light the lamp, offer turmeric, kumkum, incense sticks, flowers to the goddess.
- Place ‘prasadam’ and fruits in front of the deity as offerings.
- Pray and meditate for a few minutes seeking blessings from the goddess for one’s husband.
- Distribute sweets among friends and family members.
