Who is gauri of ganapati

As per the practice in Indian households, Ma Gauri applied turmeric on her body during bath. Then she collected the turmeric paste from her body and made a doll out of it and breathed life. A charming little lad emerged who was posted as the guardian in her palace entrance. Shiva was enraged and cut out the head of the boy with his Trishul trident.

This is the origin of Lord Ganesh. Upon giving him new life, Lord Shiva posted him as the Lord of his armies. Two idols of Goddess Gauri are brought home and worshipped and the arrival is regarded as the coming of the sisters of Ganesha by some communities. Some people believe that it is Goddess Parvati, mother of Ganesha. Gauri Puja is also considered as Upasana of Goddess Lakshmi in some regions. The idols of Goddess Gauri which are brought in pairs — two different forms of Gauri — are decorated and special pujas are offered.

Women also perform the community puja along with Haldi Kumkum ceremony. If the devotees bring idol they drape the idol with a very fine and colourful sari. The devotees also decorate the idol with the jewellery like green bangles, mangalsutra, nose-ring, necklace etc. Goddess Gauri is also offered a hair band of flowers known as Veni in Marathi which is worn on the backside of the head. Devotees also offer garlands to Goddess Gauri. Gauri Pujan requires leaves and flower of a specific plant.

It also requires systematic Puja to be done by inviting a Pujari at home. Performing Aarti is also necessary during Gauri Pujan. After the systematic Puja is performed all the women visit each others house to offer coconut, a piece of cloth, flowers, bananas, rice and even new saris to the idol of Goddess Gauri.

All the women wear new saris and all the traditional jewellery on this day. On the night of Gauri Pujan all the women gather together and sing Mangala Gauri songs. These songs have a traditional base and reflect the life style of Hindu married women. Males do not take part in this function. This occasion is considered important in the life of a newly married Maharastrian woman as her first Mangala Gauri. All the women taking part in Mangala Gauri occasion are awake the whole night and play various games.

The typical games known as Zhimmaa and Phugadi are played during this occasion. In Zhimmaa women clap hands and sing songs to tease each other. Phugadi is played by crossing both hands and holding each others hands just as we shake them. After holding hands in this specific position, women move round in circles and sing songs. The whole night is full of fun and joy for the women. A prayer is made to the Goddess to help retain prosperity. Goddess Mahalakshmi's palms the benevolent, most-giving Goddess are worshipped too.

Without Laksmiji's aashirwaad , nothing can come to fruition, is the belief. A proper Vedic pooja is laid out. The Gauri Mahalakshmi idols are dressed in sarees and decked up like most married women.

Flowers, ornaments, Haldi Kum Kum are offered. Home-cooked naivedyam is served. Women generally fast on this day.