Santoshi Mata Aarti — Word-by-Word Meaning
संतोषी माता आरती
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
संतोषी
Santoshi
Goddess of contentment/satisfaction
सुख सम्पत्ति दाता
Sukh Sampatti Data
Giver of happiness and prosperity
मन वांछित
Man Vanchit
Heart's desire
गुड़ चने
Gud Chane
Jaggery and chickpeas (her favorite offering)
भोग
Bhog
Offering of food to deity
अन्नपूर्णा
Annapurna
Goddess of food/nourishment
सोलह शुक्रवार
Solah Shukravar
Sixteen Fridays (the vrat/fast)
व्रत
Vrat
Religious fast/vow
इच्छित फल
Ichchhit Phal
Desired fruit/result
सेवक
Sevak
Devotee, servant
Complete Translation
Victory to Mother Santoshi! You give happiness and prosperity to your devotees. Victory to Mother Santoshi!
O Mother, you have worn beautiful golden garments. You give the heart's desire to all and grant happiness. Victory to Mother Santoshi!
Offerings of jaggery and chickpeas please you, O Mother. Whoever meditates on you attains happiness. Victory to Mother Santoshi!
Without Mother Annapurna, no one worships. Without taking your name, nothing is accomplished. Victory to Mother Santoshi!
O Mother, whoever observes your vrat for sixteen Fridays — your devotees obtain their heart's desire. Victory to Mother Santoshi!
Origin & History
Source: Folk Hindu tradition
Author: Unknown (folk tradition)
Period: Modern era (popularized 1975)
Santoshi Mata worship gained massive popularity after the 1975 Bollywood film 'Jai Santoshi Maa.' The film depicted a devout woman who observes the 16-Friday vrat and is blessed by the goddess despite the jealousy of other goddesses. The film was a blockbuster hit, and Santoshi Mata temples sprang up across North India virtually overnight. While her origins are debated by scholars, millions of women observe her vrat every Friday across India.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Santoshi Mata?▼
Santoshi Mata is the Goddess of Satisfaction and Contentment. She is considered a daughter of Lord Ganesha. She became widely popular after the 1975 Bollywood film 'Jai Santoshi Maa' which depicted her story and vrat.
What is the 16-Friday vrat?▼
Devotees fast for 16 consecutive Fridays, eating only one meal without sour food. They offer jaggery and chickpeas to Santoshi Mata and listen to her vrat katha. On completion, an udyapan (concluding ceremony) is performed.
Why avoid sour food during the vrat?▼
Sour food (khatta) is considered inauspicious for Santoshi Mata worship. The vrat katha specifically warns against consuming sour items during the 16-Friday period.
Ready to start chanting?
See Benefits & How to Chant →