Gowri Puja

A clay or silver idol or image of Goddess Gowri (Parvati)
Turmeric powder, kumkum (vermilion), and sandalwood paste
Flowers (preferably fresh), mango leaves, and betel leaves
Fruits, coconut, and bananas (for offering)
Fresh turmeric roots (symbolic of Gowri)
Rice or akshata (uncooked rice mixed with turmeric)
New clothes for the idol (a small sari or piece of fabric to drape over the idol)
Incense sticks, camphor, and oil lamps (diyas)
Prasad (offering): Sweets like kheer, modak, or coconut laddoo
Kalasha: A pot filled with water, decorated with mango leaves, and a coconut placed on top (symbolizing the presence of the divine)

Clean the Puja Area: The first step is to thoroughly clean the space where the puja will be performed. It is important to ensure cleanliness and purity in the surroundings.
Install the Idol or Picture: Place the idol or picture of Goddess Gowri in the center of your puja space, which could be a decorated altar or a clean surface. You can either use a small stool or a raised platform to seat the goddess.
Kalasha Installation: Place the Kalasha next to the idol or picture. The Kalasha is a pot filled with water, covered with mango leaves and a coconut on top. It represents the goddess’s presence. Decorate the Kalasha with turmeric, kumkum, and flowers.
Dressing the Idol: If using an idol of Gowri, dress her with a new piece of cloth or a small sari. You can also adorn her with jewelry and flowers, symbolizing her as the giver of prosperity.

The puja consists of several steps, including invocations, offerings, and prayers. Here is the procedure for the puja:

Begin the puja by invoking Goddess Gowri through meditation and prayer. Offer a silent prayer asking for her presence during the puja and seeking her blessings.

Offer haldi (turmeric) and kumkum (vermilion) to the idol or image of the goddess, symbolizing auspiciousness and marital bliss. Apply these powders to the forehead of the goddess and to the Kalasha.
You can also place turmeric roots near the goddess, as fresh turmeric is considered a symbol of Goddess Gowri.

Offer fresh flowers, particularly fragrant ones like jasmine or marigolds, to the goddess. Place the flowers at the feet of the idol or picture, symbolizing devotion and surrender.

Place fruits such as bananas, coconuts, and other seasonal fruits in front of the goddess. Break a coconut as a symbol of removing the ego, and offer the pieces to the goddess.

Light an oil lamp (diya) and incense sticks, and wave them in front of the goddess. The light represents the removal of ignorance, while the fragrance of the incense purifies the environment.

Recite shlokas or stotras dedicated to Goddess Gowri (Parvati). You can chant the Sarva Mangala Mangalye shloka or other Gowri-related prayers like the Gowri Ashtottara Shatanamavali (108 names of Gowri) or the Gowri Stotra.
You may also perform Lakshmi Puja or Shiva Parvati Stotra, seeking blessings for prosperity and family well-being.

Offer prepared food items or sweets (naivedya) to the goddess. This could include traditional sweets like modak, kheer, or coconut laddoo. These offerings symbolize your devotion and gratitude toward the goddess for her blessings.

Perform the Arati by waving a lit camphor or oil lamp in front of the goddess in circular motions. This represents offering light to the divine and symbolizes removing darkness and ignorance from life.
As part of the Arati, you can also sing Gowri Arati songs, invoking her blessings and praising her virtues.

As part of the Gowri Habba ritual, women tie a sacred thread (rakhi or kankana) around their wrists, symbolizing protection and the blessings of the goddess for marital harmony and prosperity. The thread is usually tied by the woman’s mother or a senior family member.

Conclude the puja by offering prayers of gratitude to Goddess Gowri and seeking her continued protection and blessings for the family.
Distribute the prasada (the blessed food offerings) among family members and neighbors. Sharing the prasada is an essential part of the ritual, signifying the goddess's blessings for the entire community.