Here’s how Santoshi Mata was born

Mumbai: A number of devotees observe fast and worship Santoshi Mata for sixteen consecutive Fridays to seek her blessings. Her devotees worship her for getting their wishes fulfilled and offer jaggery and chickpeas as tokens of devotion.

According to one of the many popular beliefs, Santoshi Mata is Lord Ganesha’s daughter. She was born after her brothers Kshema and Labha expressed their desire to have a sister.

Here’s how the legend unfolds:

Once, Kshema and Labha born to Ganesha’s wives – Riddhi and Siddhi saw their aunt Jyoti tying a thread to their father’s right wrist and in return, she got a number of gifts. On seeing their aunt getting showered with gifts for a mere piece of thread, the curious brother duo asked their father why he did so.

Ganesha explained that it was no piece of thread but a bond that strengthens the relationship between a brother and his sister. Now, since they knew the significance of the sacred thread, Kshema and Labha wished to have a sister.

To fulfill his sons’ desire, Ganesha decided to produce a girl child with his special powers.  He emitted bright light that merged with the radiance of Riddhi and Siddhi. This divine light took the form of a young girl. To make her brother’s happy, the little girl tied the sacred thread around their wrists and in return got chickpeas and jaggery.

The young girl was satisfied with what she got in return and didn’t ask for riches. Hence she was named Santoshi.