The Santoshi Mata Vrat, observed every Friday, holds a special place in Hinduism. This fast is particularly popular among women, who undertake it for the well-being, prosperity, and happiness of their families and children. It is believed that those who sincerely worship Santoshi Mata have their wishes fulfilled.
Significance of the Santoshi Mata Vrat
The very name Santoshi Mata signifies that she is the goddess who bestows contentment and satisfaction. She doesn't demand grand offerings; only sincere devotion and worship. Those who observe this fast, regardless of gender, experience a gradual alleviation of life's troubles. The vrat brings peace to the home and fosters love within the family.
Santoshi Mata's blessings bring happiness, peace, wealth, and contentment. It is believed that consistently observing this fast for 16 Fridays, with sincere worship, fulfills all desires. This vrat is especially beneficial for those struggling with family disputes, financial hardship, or mental stress. Her blessings bring positive changes to life.
When to Observe the Santoshi Mata Vrat?
The Santoshi Mata vrat is observed every Friday, a day dedicated to the goddess, making the fast particularly auspicious. A b belief exists that regularly observing the fast for 16 consecutive Fridays can fulfill all wishes. However, if observing for a specific wish, it can be continued until the wish is granted.
This fast can be commenced on any Friday of any month, though starting on an auspicious day, determined through a panchang (Hindu calendar), is considered ideal. On the day of the fast, bathe in the morning, perform the puja (worship), and consume only fruits or unsalted food throughout the day. Strictly avoid sour foods and refrain from touching them, as this is a crucial aspect of the vrat.
Santoshi Mata Vrat and Puja Vidhi (Rituals)
The Santoshi Mata vrat is observed every Friday, primarily by women, but men can also participate. It is believed that sincere and regular observance removes sorrow, poverty, and stress from the devotee's life. Mata Santoshi blesses her devotees with children, happiness, peace, and wealth.
Morning Ablutions and Preparation: Wake up early on Friday, bathe, and wear clean clothes. Women may choose yellow or red saris. Cleanse the puja area and sprinkle Ganga jal (sacred water) to purify the environment.
Place the Goddess's Image on a Choki: Use a wooden choki (small platform) and cover it with a red or yellow cloth. Place the image or idol of Santoshi Mata on it. Apply haldi (turmeric) and kumkum (vermilion) tilak on the image. Keep a kalash (pot) filled with water nearby.
Gather Puja Materials: The puja requires jaggery, roasted chickpeas, flowers, roli (red powder), mauli (sacred thread), batasha (sugar candy), coconut, a diya (lamp), incense sticks, panchamrit (a mixture of five ingredients), and ghee (clarified butter). Remember to avoid anything sour in the puja and offerings, as sour things are not favored by the goddess.
Listen to the Santoshi Mata Katha (Story): During the puja, listen to or read the Santoshi Mata vrat katha. This story narrates how the goddess, pleased by a poor girl's devotion, transformed her life. The katha inspires devotees and is considered essential for a successful puja.
Offer Bhog (Offering): After the katha, offer jaggery and chickpeas as bhog to the goddess. This is a beloved offering. Also offer a coconut. Then, light a ghee lamp, perform the aarti (prayer with lamp), and pray chanting 'Jai Santoshi Mata'.
Distribute Prasad (Offerings): After the puja, distribute the jaggery and chickpea prasad among all family members. The observer of the fast should also partake of the prasad. Remember, the observer should strictly avoid sour foods on this day.
How to Observe the Vrat
The Santoshi Mata vrat is simple yet impactful. The observer should eat only once on Friday morning. This meal should exclude sour items like lemon, yogurt, and tamarind, as these are against the vrat's rules. Throughout the day, focus on the goddess and read or listen to her katha to maintain a calm and focused mind.
Observe this vrat with complete devotion and adherence to the rules for 16 consecutive Fridays. After the 16th Friday, it's crucial to perform the udyaapan (closing ceremony). During the udyaapan, after the puja, feed at least eight boys jaggery and chickpeas, and donate as per your capacity. This pleases the goddess and ensures the vrat's benefits of happiness, prosperity, and peace. The Santoshi Mata vrat is not only religiously significant but also brings positive life changes.
Mantras for Santoshi Mata
'Om Jai Santoshi Mata, Maiya Jai Santoshi Mata.
Tumko Nishidin Sewat, Hari Vishnu Vidhata.'
Aarti for Santoshi Mata
'Aarti Santoshi Mata Ki Keejai,
Sankat Se Laj Hamari Leejai.
Jo Koi Teri Aarti Gave,
Manvaanchhit Fal Vah Pave.'
Samridhi Ghar Mein Aaye,
Dukh Daridra Mit Jaye.
Aarti Santoshi Mata Ki Keejai,
Sankat Se Laj Hamari Leejai.'
What to Donate on Friday?
Donate Jaggery and Chickpeas: Donating jaggery and chickpeas on Friday is considered highly auspicious, as they are Santoshi Mata's favorite offerings. Give them to the poor or needy. This earns special grace and maintains peace at home.
Donate Red or Yellow Clothing: Red and yellow are Santoshi Mata's favorite colors. Donate red or yellow cloth to a poor woman. This earns significant merit and pleases the goddess.
Donate a Silver or Steel Lota (Pot): Donating a silver or steel lota filled with water to a temple or a Brahmin is also very fruitful. It brings peace and prosperity to the family.
Give Gifts to Daughters: Giving gifts to daughters is considered highly meritorious. If possible, give daughters gifts like toys, clothes, or sweets on Friday. This brings the goddess's blessings and prosperity to the home.
Benefits of the Santoshi Mata Vrat
The Santoshi Mata vrat brings happiness, peace, and prosperity to the home. With contentment and love in the family, life's challenges become easier to overcome. This fast provides relief from family disputes, conflicts, and financial difficulties. The goddess's grace unites family members and creates a happy atmosphere.
Furthermore, this vrat helps in achieving progeny. It is particularly beneficial for couples desiring children. Santoshi Mata's grace also brings positive changes in jobs, businesses, and relationships. Work becomes more engaging, and success follows in every field. Overall, the Santoshi Mata vrat is a sacred practice that brings happiness, prosperity, and mental peace.
The Santoshi Mata vrat is a simple yet powerful fast that holds the power to bring peace of mind, family prosperity, and alleviate suffering. If you are facing any difficulties, start this vrat this Friday. Worship sincerely, read the goddess's katha, and offer jaggery and chickpeas. You will soon see your troubles disappear.
