About Mangala Gauri Vrat:

Goddess Parvati is the symbol of power and the epitome of a happily married woman. Hence, married women worship Goddess Parvati for happily married life. Mangla Gauri Vrat is observed on every Tuesday of Shravan month. As Mondays of this month are the day for worship of Lord Shiva. The Tuesday of this month is the adoration of Mangla Gauri. This Fast is observed only by women. The fasts are observed for 16 or 20 Tuesdays. The Vrat is dedicated to Goddess Parvati. Mangala Gauri Puja is observed by recently married women for first five years in almost all places of India.

Significance of Mangala Gauri Vrat:

The fast is kept by the women to get blessings from Goddess Shakti. Worshipping Maa Gauri fills the life with great benefits and remove all their upheavals. Unmarried girls worship Goddess Parvati on this day. Goddess Parvati is the life partner of Lord Shiva and is ready to fulfil the wishes of devotees. Girls and women are worshipping Mangla Gauri to get a good husband and for a successful married life.

Legend:

A wealthy merchant named Dharampal had a beautiful wife. But the couple was childless. However, by the grace of God, they obtained a son who was short lived. The couple married off their son with a girl who was blessed with a daughter who would never face widowhood. Hence, Dharampal’s son achieved a life span of hundred years.

Celebrations/ Rituals:

The idol of the Devi Mangala Gauri is placed on a wooden platform wrapped in a red cloth. A lamp consisting of 16 thick cotton wicks made of wheat flour is lit. Devi Mangala Gauri is worshipped by performing a pooja with Shodoroshopochar rituals. Take a holy bath on the auspicious day of Mangala Gauri Vrat. Make Navagrahas using rice and Shodash Goddess using wheat. The idol of Lord Ganesha is placed next to the Goddesses. Kalash Sthapana is performed. Haldi, kumkum, Akshata, water, sandalwood, vermillion, betel nuts, rice flowers, cardamom, Bael leaves, fruits, nuts, and alms are offered during Lord Ganesha Puja. After Ganesh Pujan, Navagraha Puja and Shodasha Goddesses Puja (puja to 16 Goddesses) are performed. Shodashopachar Puja is offered to Goddess Mangala Gauri. 16 types of flowers and fruits; mirror, comb, and bangles are offered to the Goddess. Mangala Gauri Vrat Katha is chanted during the end of the Vrat. On the last Tuesday of Shravan month, the next day, Wednesday, the idol of Mangala Gauri is immersed in the pond (Mangala Gauri Visarjan / Udyapana). Distribute prasad, Turmeric, Vermillion to other married women.