Santoshi Maa, the Goddess of Satisfaction, is the embodiment of the highest blessing of contentment.
With so many trials and tribulations in life, She offers her ardent devotees a pathway to peace and satisfaction.
As a form of the Goddess Durga, this gentle compassionate Mother helps us to forgive others and to accept our circumstances.
Through worshiping her in prayer, puja, and fasting for 16 consecutive Fridays, Sanotoshi Maa brings peace and prosperity to the family.
She holds a sword in her upper right hand and a trishul in her upper left hand. These weapons protect her devotees from negativity. Her lower right hand sends blessings and in her lower left hand she holds a bowl of sweets.
Santoshi Maa is the daughter of Lord Ganesha and worshiping her with complete sincerity will bring satisfaction. Her compassionate heart accepts the most difficult problems and complications in our lives, replacing these problems with peace and happiness.
Because of her willingness to accept all of a devotee’s ill fortunes, she is considered the most gentle and kind form of the Goddess Durga. Here is an ancient tale that demonstrates the compassion of Santoshi Maa:
Most of them wish for only one thing – for happiness in their homes and peace in their family lives.
One of these women had seven sons. These sons were all grown up and married. The youngest son had a lazy nature about him.
Compared to his hard working brothers, he simply was not making any effort to provide for his young wife.
The Mother of the seven sons fed her six hard working sons bountifully.
The younger son, due to his lazy nature, was fed the leftovers.
When the youngest son found out about this, he was so humiliated that he confronted his mother and impetuously decided to leave home.
He fled his home town and eventually ended up in another part of the country.
He left behind a very distraught young wife, whose destiny it was to become the family servant.
As he wandered about, he eventually found work.
His humiliation gave him the inspiration to do such a fine job with his new employment, that eventually he got promoted!
Then a decade later the business owner left the business to him. The humiliated lazy young man was now a middle aged man whose brain was filled with intellect and whose pocket book was filled with money.
But, all was not well with his long forgotten wife, for, in his absence, she suffered greatly.
She became a servant to the house, doing all of the labor.
She carried big jugs of water on her head, performed all of the laundry and all of the cooking for the other six sons and their families.
Her attitude became very bitter. Her misfortune was great.
When would her husband come to help her, she wondered? So much time had passed!
Her fortune changed when she overheard village women discussing Santoshi Maa.
With interest, she gathered the facts and asked questions on how to worship the Goddess of Satisfaction.
She learned the puja and how to cook the sweet dishes.
Every Friday, with complete faith, she put on her white colored sari with red border and worshiped Santoshi Maa. With care, she meticulously performed the puja and prayed to Mother for her husband to return.
On the 16th Friday, Santoshi Maa appeared to her husband in a dream and compelled him to make his way home to his wife.
When he arrived home, his wife was so surprised! Her wish had come true! She ran to her husband and they began dancing and shouting Santoshi Maa Ki Jai! Santoshi Maa Ki Jai!
They eventually had children and lived a very happy married life.
Jai Santoshi Maa!
Shree Maa and the pujaris at the Devi Mandir perform the Santoshi Maa puja every Friday at 6:00 pm. Download the Santoshi Maa App and join us in the worship of the Goddess of Satisfaction!
Shree Maa explains that if we want to perform the vrat, after puja and prayers every Friday, we can feed either those in need, or feed brahmins at a temple. Ensure that you do not feed them anything sour as no sour food should be taken on this day.
May Santoshi Maa grant Peace and Satisfaction to all devotees who perform Her worship!