Swarna Gowri Vrat

Swarna Gowri Vrat is observed by women seeking prosperity and well-being of their family. It is observed on the Shukla Paksha Trithiya of Bhadra Padha month. For the Year 2021, it happens on Thursday, 9^th September 2021. The exact duration of the Trithiya Tithi has to be ascertained from the respective regional calendars.

Legend

The origin of Swarna Gowri Vrat is said to be mentioned in Aadi Shakthi Mahathmiyam.

There was a place named Vimalpur on the banks of the river Saraswathi. It was ruled by a King named Chandra Prabha. He had two wives.

One day, he had been to a dense forest for hunting. There he saw a few women doing Puja. He asked them to describe him as to their activities. They replied that they were doing Swarna Gowri Vrat. They even tied the holy sacred thread to his right wrist saying that it would bring auspiciousness to him.

Happily, he had returned to the palace. He had narrated the incident to both his wives. His first wife got angry. She snatched the tied thread from his wrist and threw it on a dead tree.

Next day morning, the second wife saw the tree springing back to life. She immediately took the sacred thread and tied to her hand. Auspicious things started to happen to her and the King had paid his attention only to her.

Due to her arrogance and ignorance, the first wife had to leave the palace. She was wandering in the forest with self-pity and regret. She could not console and control herself. Seeing her distress, Sri Parvathi Devi Herself had appeared before her and asked about her predicament. The helpless woman narrated her ordeal.

Sri Parvathi Devi had advised her to observe the Swarna Gowri Vrat at the forest itself. The devotee did so sincerely. Due to the good effect of the Puja, she had returned to the palace and lived with the King happily.

Rituals

Women raise early in the morning. After holy bath, they prepare for the Puja.

At the Puja place, a wooden plank has to be kept and rangoli has to be drawn on it with rice flour. On the rangoli, a plantain leaf / plate is kept and some rice is poured on it.

On the rice, a Kalash made of either silver or bronze or brass or copper is kept. On it a spring of mango leaves is kept. On the mango leaves, a coconut is kept. Between the mango leaves and coconut, the face of Sri Gowri Devi depicted in silver is kept.

According to the economy and convenience, Sri Gowri Devi is adorned with jewels and vasthrams. Lamps and incense sticks are lit.

The puja place is decked up with flowers. Chandan, Kumkum and Turmeric are applied on Sri Gowri Devi. The sacred threads smeared in turmeric and Kumkum are placed at the puja place. Each of the thread is kept with sixteen knots.

Archana is done to Sri Gowri Devi. Special Puja is also done to the holy thread. After the Puja, the thread is tied to the right wrists of the women.

The Vrat Katha is read and recited. Raw cow milk, dry fruits, nuts, payasam, sweet appam and other sweet dishes are offered as Neivedyam.

After the completion of Puja, Slokams invoking Goddess Gowri are recited.

The Thamboolam comprising of turmeric and Kumkum set, kajal, chandan, betal leaves, betal leaves, nuts, banana and coconut are given to minimum five married women.

Benefits

The observance of Swarna Gowri Vrat is believed to bring in good health, prosperity, fame, progeny, fortune, peaceful life, inner peace and glorious life.