Gauri Puja, also known as Jyeshtha Gauri Puja, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated with great fervor and devotion across India, particularly in the state of Maharashtra. This festival, which falls in the month of Bhadrapada, is dedicated to Goddess Gauri, who is considered the mother of Lord Ganesha and the elder sister of Goddess Lakshmi. In 2023, Gauri Puja will be observed on 21st September. Let's delve into the timing and detailed rituals of invoking Goddess Gauri during this auspicious occasion.

Jyeshtha Gauri Puja Date and Timing:

Jyeshtha Gauri Avahana (Invoking Gauri): Thursday, September 21, 2023

Jyeshtha Gauri Puja Muhurat (Auspicious Time): 06:27 AM to 03:34 PM

Duration of Puja: 9 hours and 7 minutes

Jyeshtha Gauri Visarjan (Immersion of Gauri): Saturday, September 23, 2023

Nakshatra Timing:

Jyeshtha Nakshatra Begins: 03:35 PM on September 21, 2023

Jyeshtha Nakshatra Ends: 03:34 PM on September 22, 2023

Significance of Gauri Puja:

Gauri Puja is celebrated on Bhadrapada Shuddha Saptami, and it holds deep spiritual significance. During this festival, Goddess Gauri is invoked, and she is believed to visit the homes of her

devotees along with her sister, Knishtha Gauri. The two sisters are collectively known as Jyeshtha and Knishtha Gauri.

Gauri is revered as the mother of Lord Ganesha, representing Goddess Parvati. In some regions, this festival is also referred to as Mahalakshmi Puja, where Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu, is worshipped alongside Gauri.

Rituals and Traditions of Gauri Puja:

Avahana (Invocation): The main ritual of Gauri Puja begins with the invocation of Goddess Gauri. Devotees prepare a sacred space in their homes and place an idol or image of Gauri and Knishtha Gauri on a decorated platform.

Offerings and Puja: Devotees offer various items like flowers, fruits, sweets, coconuts, and incense to the goddess. They perform aarti (ritual worship with a lamp) and chant hymns and mantras dedicated to Goddess Gauri.

Special Decorations: Homes and pandals (temporary shrines) are adorned with intricate rangoli designs, flowers, and lights to create a festive ambiance.

Cultural Performances: In some regions, cultural programs and dance performances are organized to celebrate the occasion.

Visarjan (Immersion): On the day of Visarjan, devotees bid farewell to Goddess Gauri by immersing her idols in rivers or other water bodies. This symbolizes the departure of the goddess back to her celestial abode.

Community Celebrations: Gauri Puja is often celebrated with great community spirit, bringing together neighbors and friends to participate in the rituals and festivities.

Gauri Puja is a time for devotees to seek the blessings of Goddess Gauri for happiness, prosperity, and the well-being of their families. It is a colorful and joyous celebration that reflects the rich cultural diversity and religious fervor of India, where traditions may vary from one region to another but the devotion to the divine remains constant. As you participate in Gauri Puja 2023, may you experience the grace and blessings of Goddess Gauri in your life.

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