Did you know Goddess Gauri is offered sixteen types of food and its called Naivedya?

 “Sarva Mangala Maangalye, Shive Sarvaartha Saadhike, Sharanye Tryambake Gaurii, Naaraayanii Namostute”

Meaning: Goddess Parvati is auspicious and supreme. She is the consort of Lord Shiva, who grants every desire of one’s heart. I adore such Devi Parvati, who loves all her children. I bow to the great mother, who has given refuge to me.

Devotees lovingly carry idols of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Gauri for visarjan. PC: www.hindustantimes.com

Gauri or Maa Parvati (name before marriage) as she is known is the mother of Lord Ganesha. During Ganesh Chaturthi she is welcomed home for 1 1/2 day i.e. 3 or 4 days after Ganesha is brought home. i.e. Gauri avahan, Gauri pujan and Gauri visarjan. Gauri puja is very well known in Maharashtra as ‘Mangala Gauri’. It’s believed by most of the devotees, during this period of Gauri pujan holy rays come out of her image or idol that puts an end to sufferings. Gauri Pujan also brings prosperity and well being to the mankind.

The Goddess is draped in a colorful saree. She’s offered a hair band popularly known as Veni in Marathi and is worn on the backside of the head. Gauri is adorned with jewelry like mangalsutra, nose ring, necklace, etc of which mangalsutra and green bangles being the most important which hindu married women wear.

Gauri is worshipped and offered food consisting of sixteen types of vegetable dishes, sweets, rice preparations and fruits popularly known as Naivedya. Before Gauri Visarjan Aarti is performed and the Prasad of cooked rice mixed with curd and cooked fenugreek leaves is offered to the idol.

Bhadrakali Durga: Studded in diamond, ruby and other precious stones, this pendant shields the wearer against black magic, unfavourable planetary effects, health problems and other negative influences.

Padma Durga: Around Durga’s neck is a garland of 21 lotus buds, each one representing a galaxy under her control. The lotus buds also symbolize the 21 centres of thinking in the brain. The combination of Padma and Laxmi is a powerful force that provides a devotee with both heavenly protection and divine grace.

Omkarswaroopa: The pendant emulates the supreme power of Shri Ganesha over the planets that decide the fate of mortals. The artist has conceived Ganesha as being enveloped by Om. The trunk and belly of Ganesha seem to be emerging from the upper and lower volumes of the letter Om. While the lower volume is studded with the nine efficacious gems.

Rakt Heramb: This mesmeric pendant of Lord Ganesha created by the five auspicious metals of Panchdhatu, depicts his seated profile. Petals of the Hibiscus flower cover his right while the left has a spray of Shami leaves- both auspicious to Lord Ganesha.

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