Mangal Gowri Vratam

Sravan Mangalavaram-dedicated to Goddess Parvati.

                    Mangala Gowri Vratam or Sravana Mangalavaram Nomu is considered to be very auspicious by women as the Mangala Gowri Vratam would prevent widowhood and lead a life of joy and prosperity. This Mangala Gowri vratam is performed on Tuesdays in the auspicious month ofSravanamasam.

According to a legend, Drowpadi once asked her brother Sri Krishna on what women should do to prevent widowhood and lead a life of joy and prosperity. Lord Krishna told her about Sravana Mangala Gowri Vratam in which people pray to the Goddess to achieve their goal. To perform the Mangala Gowri Vratam, women have to wake up early in the morning, take a head bath, prepare a worship place by cleaning it and decorating it with rangoli. Then rice is spread on the rangoli and small image of Mangala Gowri made with turmeric paste to which worship is offered. After the puja, the women give tamboolam to other women along with soaked bengalgram.

Normally, this ritual is performed by women from the Sravanamasam immediately after the marriage. This is continued for five years when it is said to be complete, with worship completed on all Tuesdays during the five years. Some may take even more time to complete the five years' prayer.

Women are seen visiting neighbors with loads of bengalgram, plantains and betel leaves for giving tamboolam to their counterparts. They apply turmeric paste and offer obeisance while presenting tamboolam. Chanting of Sri Lalitha Sahasranamam and offering kumkum poojas is also witnessed in temples. As no marriages are performed in the preceding months, a sudden burst of marriage activity is found during the month of Sravanamasam.

Dates2013, Sravana Tuesdays fall on August 13, 20, 27 and September 3

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