Raksha Bandhan: Sister Brother Relations: Birth of Goddess Santoshi Maa

 



Santoshi Maa — the goddess of satisfaction, contentment, and wish fulfillment — is not mentioned in the earliest Vedic texts but rose to prominence through Puranic-style folklore and popular devotion, especially via oral traditions and the 1975 Hindi film Jai Santoshi Maa, which popularized her story.

According to the traditional narrative:

  1. The Setting
    In the celestial realm (Devaloka), Lord Ganesha was living happily with his two wives — Riddhi (prosperity) and Siddhi (spiritual power) — and his two sons, Shubh (auspiciousness) and Labh (profit/gain).

  2. The Occasion
    One day, on the festival of Raksha Bandhan, Ganesha’s sister came to tie a rakhi to him. His sons, Shubh and Labh, noticed this joyous tradition and felt sad that they had no sister to celebrate with.

  3. The Desire
    They innocently asked their fathers, “Pitashree, why don’t we have a sister so that we too can celebrate Raksha Bandhan?”

  4. The Birth
    Ganesha, moved by their wish and the auspicious moment of Shravana Purnima (the full moon day of Raksha Bandhan), granted their request. Through his divine will, a radiant goddess was born instantly. She was named Santoshi, meaning “the satisfied one,” symbolizing contentment and harmony.

  5. Blessings
    The gods blessed her with boons — that her devotees would achieve peace of mind, relief from troubles, and fulfillment of desires through simple, devoted worship. Her chosen day of fasting became Santoshi Maa Vrat, observed on Fridays.

Raksha Bandhan Connection

The festival of Raksha Bandhan celebrates the bond of protection between brothers and sisters. In this story, the birth of Santoshi Maa on Raksha Bandhan symbolizes:

  • The Ideal of Protection – As a sister born on this day, she embodies the idea that brothers must protect their sisters, and sisters must bless their brothers.

  • Family Harmony – By fulfilling the wish of Shubh and Labh, Ganesha reinforced unity and affection in the family.

  • New Traditions – Since her birth coincided with Raksha Bandhan, some devotees tie a rakhi to her image or invoke her blessings on that day for family well-being.

Symbolic Interpretation

  • Ganesha’s Role – As the remover of obstacles, he not only solves worldly problems but also fulfills emotional needs — here, the wish for a sister.

  • Santoshi Maa’s Virtue – She stands for Santosha (contentment), reminding us that happiness lies in a satisfied heart, not endless desires.

  • Raksha Bandhan’s Spiritual Layer – Beyond sibling love, it signifies divine protection, where gods and goddesses themselves participate in the tradition.





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