Gauri Vrat (Molakat) begins (Gujarat) 2027

Puja Vidhi

Who Should Do This Vrat?

• Unmarried Girls: Young girls observe this five-day vrat to seek the blessings of Goddess Gauri (Parvati) for a good and devoted husband (Yogya Var Prapti).
• Women Seeking Blessings: Some women also join in the observance, praying for the happiness and wellbeing of their families.

When Should This Be Performed?

• Morning Preparation: Bathe early in the morning, during Brahma Muhurta (the pre-dawn period before sunrise), and prepare for the day's puja.
• Daily Puja: The Gauri puja is done in the morning, and is performed daily until the vrat ends. Check the puja muhurat for your city on this page.
• Meal of the Day: A single meal of salt-free food (Molo) is eaten once a day, after the puja. (Families differ in how strictly the fast is kept.)

About the Festival

Gauri Vrat, also called Molakat or Mola Vrat, is a much-loved Gujarati observance in which young girls fast for five days and worship Goddess Gauri. It begins on the Ekadashi (eleventh day) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashadha and continues until Purnima.

The Vrat Katha (Story of Goddess Parvati)

Long ago, Goddess Parvati, the daughter of the Himalayas, was devoted to Lord Shiva from her childhood. She wished to make him her husband, and she dedicated herself fully to winning his heart.

Despite her devotion, Shiva remained lost in deep meditation, and Parvati's path was not easy. She knew that only sincere effort and discipline could help her attain her wish. She sought the guidance of the sage Narada, who advised her: "Observe a strict vow, live simply, and worship with a pure heart. Persevere with faith, and your devotion will surely be rewarded."

Parvati followed his advice wholeheartedly. She gave up comforts, lived on simple food, and worshipped Shiva with unwavering faith. Pleased by her penance and devotion, Lord Shiva accepted her as his consort, and their marriage was celebrated across the three worlds. Since that day, young girls in Gujarat have observed the Gauri Vrat, praying to Goddess Gauri for a worthy husband and a happy life.

Samagri List (Items Needed)

Gather these items before starting the first day's puja:

• Image / Idol: An idol or picture of Goddess Gauri (Parvati), and Lord Shiva if available
• Sprouted Grain (Javara): Wheat or jowar grains sown in a small pot or basket (Javara), grown over the five days
• Tilak & Sacred Powder: Roli, Kumkum, and Akshat (unbroken rice grains)
• Lamps & Lights: A brass or clay Diya with Ghee and cotton wick
• Flowers & Leaves: Fresh flowers, Durva grass, and Bel leaves
• Food Offerings (Naivedya): Fruits, sweets such as Halwa, and salt-free food (Molo) such as boiled wheat, milk, and jaggery

Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to perform the ritual correctly:

Step 1: Morning Preparation and Sankalp

1. Wake up early during Brahma Muhurta, bathe, and wear clean, auspicious clothes.
2. Take a small amount of water in your right palm and take a Sankalp (solemn vow): "O Divine Mother Gauri, I begin this five-day vrat with pure devotion. Bless me with a good husband and a happy home."
3. Observe the fast throughout the five days, eating only salt-free food once a day.

Step 2: Preparing the Puja Altar

1. Clean the northeastern corner (Ishan Kone) or a quiet part of your home.
2. Place the idol or picture of Goddess Gauri on a wooden stool (Chowki) covered with a clean red cloth.
3. Sow the grain in a small pot or basket, water it lightly, and place it near the Goddess.

Step 3: Performing the Daily Rituals

1. Lighting the Lamp: Light a Ghee Diya and place it in front of Goddess Gauri.
2. Applying Tilak: Apply Roli, Kumkum, and Akshat to the image of Goddess Gauri.
3. Offering Flowers: Offer fresh flowers, Durva grass, and Bel leaves.
4. Offering Naivedya: Offer fruits, sweets, and salt-free food before the Goddess.

Step 4: Reciting the Vrat Katha

1. Hold a few grains of rice and a few flower petals in your right hand.
2. Sit respectfully in front of the altar and recite or listen to the Gauri Vrat Katha with deep focus and devotion.
3. After completing the story, offer the grains and petals at the Goddess's feet.

Step 5: Aarti and Daily Care of the Javara

1. Perform the Gauri Aarti using the lit Ghee lamp while singing devotional hymns.
2. Water the sprouting grain each day and care for it throughout the five days.
3. Repeat the same worship each day until the vrat ends on Purnima.

Step 6: Seeking Blessings and Eating the Meal

1. Touch the feet of the elders in your family to seek their blessings (Charan Sparsh).
2. Offer the Naivedya to the Goddess and share some as prasad with the family.
3. Eat a single simple, salt-free meal for the day.