Goddess Gauri – Gowri Devi

Goddess Gauri is one of the manifestations of Goddess Parvati. She is the divine energy, Mother Goddess. She is considered as a perfect wife for her husband, Lord Shiva. After the conclusion of her ferocious form Goddess Kali (the black Goddess, man-eating manifestation of Goddess Parvati), observed a severe penance to get rid of her black complexion. And she returned as Goddess Gowri, the very pretty young woman with a golden complexion. Goddess Gowri is the most acceptable consort of Lord Shiva.

Being a princess Goddess Gowri accepted her ascetic husband and turned herself into her husbands way. Goddess Gouri is a clear representation of purity and austerity. She is the Kanya (Kumari or unmarried girl) who has performed severe tapas (penance) to marry Lord Shiva.

Goddess Gowri Puja – Important Ritual during Ganesh Chaturthi:

Gowri Puja is an important ritual during Ganesh Chaturthi festival. Married women worship Goddess Gowri with Sindoor or kumkum for their sowbhagyam (marital bliss). Why one has to pray to Goddess Gauri? According to Puranas, she is the Divine Mother and the origin of the Universe. Mother Goddess, Shakti, has various celestial manifestations like Goddess Sri Raja Rajeshwari, Goddess Gauri, Lalitha Tripura Sundari Devi etc..

Gauri Stotra – 108 names of Gowri – Gouri Astottaram

Gowri Habba – Gauri Puja during Ganesh festival in Karnataka

Detailed Video of Mangala Gauri Puja Procedure with Mantras and explanation on how to perform Mangala Gauri Vratham (Telugu)