Who is Goddess Santoshi Maa?
Goddess Santoshi Maa — the Mother of Contentment and Satisfaction — is a popular and beloved Hindu goddess who is especially worshipped in North India. Her name comes from the Sanskrit word Santosh (satisfaction/contentment), and she is considered a daughter of Lord Ganesha.
Santoshi Maa rose to widespread popularity after the enormously successful 1975 Bollywood film Jai Santoshi Maa, which depicted her miraculous grace and her Solah Shukrawar Vrat (sixteen-Friday fast). Even before this film, she had been worshipped for generations in homes across North India and Maharashtra.
Her worship involves a special Friday fast (Shukrawar Vrat), during which devotees avoid sour foods, offer gram (chane) and jaggery as prasad, and listen to or read her Vrat Katha. Santoshi Maa is believed to fulfil the wishes of sincere devotees, bring harmony and contentment to households, and resolve conflicts in the family.
॥ Doha — Opening Couplet ॥
Jai Jai Santoshi Mata, Sukh Shanti Pradatri। Ganesh Suta Kripa Karo, Mangal Karani Daatri॥
Meaning: Hail, hail Mother Santoshi, giver of happiness and peace. Daughter of Lord Ganesha, shower your grace and bestow all auspiciousness upon us.
॥ Chaupai — 40 Sacred Verses ॥
1. Jai Santoshi Maatu Dulari, Bhakton Ki Tum Kaaj Samwari। Shukrawar Vrat Jo Nar Naari, Karo Bhav Se Ho Sukhaari॥ Meaning: Victory to dear Mother Santoshi, who accomplishes the tasks of her devotees. Men and women who observe the Friday fast with devotion they become joyful and contented.
2. Ganesh Suta Shubh Santoshi, Bhakton Ki Karti Hai Toshi। Solah Shukravar Vrat Karo, Maa Ki Kirpa Apar Pao॥ Meaning: Auspicious Santoshi, daughter of Ganesha she brings satisfaction to devotees. Observe the sixteen-Friday fast and receive the Mother’s boundless grace.
3. Chane Gur Ka Bhog Lagao, Maa Santoshi Ko Prasad Khilao। Thoodi Sa Prasad Leke, Apna Sab Kuch Deke॥ Meaning: Offer a bhog of gram and jaggery and feed Mother Santoshi the prasad. Receive a small portion of prasad give everything of yourself in return.
4. Shukravar Ko Khatta Na Khao, Maa Ka Vrat Vidhi Se Karo। Imli Nimbu Dahi Se Door, Vrat Ka Niyam Rakho Bharpoor॥ Meaning: Do not eat sour things on Friday; observe the Mother’s fast according to the proper method. Stay away from tamarind, lemon, and curd keep the fast’s rule perfectly.
5. Santoshi Maa Ki Katha Suno, Man Mein Bhakti Ka Diya Jalo। Jo Koi Katha Dhyan Se Sune, Uski Sab Manokamana Paye॥ Meaning: Listen to Santoshi Maa’s Vrat Katha and light the lamp of devotion in the heart. Whoever listens to the story with attention all their heart’s desires are fulfilled.
6. Maa Ki Pooja Shukravar Ko, Karo Shuddha Man Aur Tan Ko। Ghar Mein Pooja Ka Ayojan, Maa Ka Karo Sab Dhyan॥ Meaning: Worship the Mother on Friday with a pure mind and body. Arrange the worship ceremony at home and meditate on the Mother with full attention.
7. Santoshi Maa Ki Jai Jai Ho, Sab Bhakton Ka Kalyan Ho। Man Ki Manokamana Poori Ho, Ghar Mein Sukh Shanti Amoori Ho॥ Meaning: Victory, victory to Santoshi Maa! May all devotees be blessed. May heart’s desires be fulfilled and may peace and happiness fill the home.
8. Shiv Parvati Ke Dev Ganesh, Unki Santoshi Hai Sreshth। Ganesh Suta Ki Pooja Karo, Sab Sankat Door Karo॥ Meaning: Lord Ganesha is the son of Shiva and Parvati; their daughter Santoshi is the finest. Worship the daughter of Ganesha and remove all troubles.
9. Santoshi Naam Ka Jaap Karo, Man Ki Trishna Shant Karo। Maa Ka Naam Sumiran Karo, Jeevan Mein Sukh Ko Bharo॥ Meaning: Chant Santoshi’s name and still the mind’s restlessness. Practise remembrance of the Mother’s name and fill life with happiness.
10. Bhakton Ki Maa Santoshi Ho, Unke Dukh Ka Ant Karo Ho। Unke Ghar Mein Sukh Aave, Maa Ki Kirpa Se Bhale॥ Meaning: You are the Mother of devotees, O Santoshi end their sorrow. Let happiness come to their homes well-being through the Mother’s grace.
11. Maa Santoshi Ka Dhyan Dharo, Apni Mushkilon Ko Door Karo। Maa Ki Kirpa Se Jeevan Mein, Sukh Ka Savera Aave॥ Meaning: Keep Mother Santoshi in your meditation and remove your difficulties. By the Mother’s grace, the dawn of happiness comes to life.
12. Solah Shukravar Ka Vrat, Karo Shuddha Bhav Se Sapt। Ant Mein Udyapan Karo, Maa Ki Kirpa Ko Paro॥ Meaning: Perform the sixteen-Friday fast with pure and wholehearted feeling. At the end, perform the Udyapan ceremony and receive the Mother’s grace.
13. Santoshi Maa Ki Aarti Karo, Ghar Mein Mangal Bharo। Maa Ki Pooja Se Sukh Aata, Man Ka Darr Mita Jaata॥ Meaning: Perform Santoshi Maa’s Aarti and fill the home with auspiciousness. Through the Mother’s worship happiness comes and the mind’s fear is erased.
14. Jo Jan Maa Ko Nit Dhyata, Uska Jeevan Safal Ho Jaata। Maa Ki Kirpa Se Sab Kuch, Milta Hai Bina Shak॥ Meaning: Whoever meditates on the Mother daily their life becomes fruitful. By the Mother’s grace everything without doubt is received.
15. Santoshi Maa Ka Pyaar Apaar, Bhakton Ko Deti Hai Uddhaar। Jo Koi Maa Ko Bhaav Se Pooje, Uske Dil Mein Sukh Ujjvale॥ Meaning: Santoshi Maa’s love is boundless; she gives devotees upliftment. Whoever worships the Mother with feeling their heart glows with happiness.
16. Maa Santoshi Teri Mahima, Hai Anant Aur Hai Azima। Teri Pooja Se Man Shant Hota, Jeevan Mein Sukh Ka Srot Hota॥ Meaning: Mother Santoshi, your glory is infinite and immense. Through your worship the mind becomes calm and a source of happiness opens in life.
17. Santoshi Naam Ka Bal Hai Bada, Jeevan Mein Aaye Sukh Sada। Maa Ka Naam Jap Lo Sab, Door Karoon Kasht Aur Baaadh॥ Meaning: Great is the strength of Santoshi’s name; may happiness always come to life. All of you chant the Mother’s name I shall remove every hardship and obstacle.
18. Maa Santoshi Ki Kirpa Se, Sab Rog Door Ho Jaate Hain। Man Ki Chahat Poori Hoti, Bhakt Ki Zindagi Seedhi Hoti॥ Meaning: By Mother Santoshi’s grace, all diseases are removed. The heart’s desire is fulfilled and the devotee’s life is set on a straight path.
19. Santoshi Maa Ka Darbar, Sabka Hai Sab Se Pyaar। Amir Ghareeb Sab Aate, Maa Pyaar Se Sab Ko Bhaarate॥ Meaning: Santoshi Maa’s court welcomes all her love is for everyone. Rich and poor alike come; the Mother embraces all with love.
20. Maa Ka Vrat Karo Shukravar, Sukh Shanti Pao Har Baar। Chane Gur Ka Prasad Khao, Maa Ki Kirpa Hamesha Pao॥ Meaning: Observe the Friday fast and attain peace and happiness every time. Eat the prasad of gram and jaggery and always receive the Mother’s grace.
21. Santoshi Maa Ke Bhakton Ka, Jeevan Ho Khushiyon Se Bhar। Maa Ki Kirpa Unpar Ho, Har Sankat Se Bachao Maa॥ Meaning: May the lives of Santoshi Maa’s devotees be filled with joy. May the Mother’s grace be upon them protect them from every trouble, O Mother.
22. Maa Santoshi Ki Shakti Se, Dushman Door Ho Jaate Hain। Jo Jan Tujhe Bhav Se Pooje, Uske Sab Kasht Mite॥ Meaning: By Mother Santoshi’s power, enemies are driven away. Whoever worships you with devotion all their troubles are erased.
23. Santoshi Naam Japte Rehna, Sab Bura Se Bachte Rehna। Maa Ki Kirpa Se Jeevan Mein, Sukh Ka Aangan Sajta Hai॥ Meaning: Keep chanting Santoshi’s name and remain safe from all harm. By the Mother’s grace the courtyard of happiness is adorned in life.
24. Maa Santoshi Ka Dhyan Karo, Aatma Shakti Ko Jagao। Har Mushkil Se Ubaro, Maa Ki Sharan Mein Aao॥ Meaning: Meditate on Mother Santoshi and awaken your soul’s power. Rise above every difficulty and come to the Mother’s shelter.
25. Santoshi Maa Ki Pooja Karo, Ghar Mein Mangal Karo। Maa Ki Kirpa Se Sab Kuch, Aayega Apne Aap Hi॥ Meaning: Worship Mother Santoshi and bring auspiciousness to the home. By the Mother’s grace, everything will come of its own accord.
26. Maa Santoshi Teri Jai Ho, Bhakton Ka Sab Sukh Aaye Ho। Teri Kirpa Sab Par Ho, Jeevan Mein Prem Ka Ghar Ho॥ Meaning: Victory to Mother Santoshi! May all happiness come to devotees. May your grace be upon all and may love be the home in every life.
27. Santoshi Maa Ka Naam Ley, Jeevan Mein Anand Ley। Man Ki Trishna Shant Ho, Ghar Mein Sukh Shanti Aant Ho॥ Meaning: Take Mother Santoshi’s name and take joy in life. May the mind’s restlessness be stilled and may peace and happiness settle in the home.
28. Maa Santoshi Ki Bhakti Karo, Jeevan Ko Safal Karo। Maa Ki Kirpa Se Jeevan Mein, Har Pal Sukh Ka Aangan Ho॥ Meaning: Practise devotion to Mother Santoshi and make your life fruitful. By the Mother’s grace, may every moment be a courtyard of happiness in life.
29. Santoshi Maa Ke Charanon Mein, Sab Sukh Sab Shanti Milti Hai। Jo Koi Maa Ke Paas Aata, Uska Dil Khush Ho Jaata॥ Meaning: At Santoshi Maa’s feet all happiness and all peace are found. Whoever comes to the Mother their heart fills with joy.
30. Maa Santoshi Ki Mahima Badi, Bhakton Par Kirpa Ghari Ghari। Jo Jan Maa Ko Nit Pooje, Uska Jeevan Safal Ho॥ Meaning: Great is Mother Santoshi’s glory; her grace rains on devotees every moment. Whoever worships the Mother daily their life becomes fruitful.
31. Santoshi Chalisa Karo Nit Path, Maa Ki Kirpa Rahe Sath। Bhakti Bhav Se Jo Padhte, Sab Sukh Anand Ko Padhte॥ Meaning: Recite the Santoshi Chalisa every day and the Mother’s grace shall remain. Those who read it with devotion they read all happiness and bliss.
32. Maa Ka Vrat Karo Shradha Se, Sukh Shanti Mile Sadha Se। Shukravar Ko Jo Nit Karein, Maa Ki Kirpa Woh Sadha Dharein॥ Meaning: Observe the Mother’s fast with faith and peace and happiness are always attained. Those who practise this every Friday they always carry the Mother’s grace.
33. Santoshi Maa Ki Aarti Gao, Sab Parivar Khush Ho Jao। Bhajan Kirtan Mein Man Lagao, Maa Ki Kirpa Ko Apnao॥ Meaning: Sing Santoshi Maa’s Aarti and the whole family becomes joyful. Fix the mind in bhajan and kirtan and make the Mother’s grace your own.
34. Maa Santoshi Ka Dhyan Dharo, Sab Vighan Door Karo। Maa Ki Pooja Nit Karo, Sukh Ka Aangan Sajaao॥ Meaning: Keep Mother Santoshi in your meditation and remove all obstacles. Worship the Mother daily and adorn the courtyard of happiness.
35. Santoshi Naam Ka Ratan Amol, Jap Lo Karo Sukh Ka Khol। Jo Jan Maa Ko Prem Se Jaane, Woh Anand Ka Sagar Paane॥ Meaning: Santoshi’s name is a priceless jewel chant it and open happiness’s chest. Whoever knows the Mother with love attains an ocean of bliss.
36. Maa Santoshi Ki Kirpa Apaar, Bhakton Ko Deti Sukh Ka Dwar। Jo Koi Maa Ko Bhaav Se Bole, Unke Dil Ka Prem Khul Khol॥ Meaning: Mother Santoshi’s grace is boundless; she gives devotees the door of happiness. Whoever speaks to the Mother with feeling the love in their heart opens wide.
37. Santoshi Maa Teri Mahima Badi, Sab Bhakton Ko Lagti Pyaadi। Teri Pooja Se Man Bhar Jaata, Jeevan Mein Sukh Ka Savera Aata॥ Meaning: Mother Santoshi, your glory is great and most beloved to all devotees. Through your worship the heart is fulfilled and the dawn of happiness comes to life.
38. Maa Santoshi Ki Sharan Mein Aao, Sab Dukh Dard Bhool Jao। Maa Ki Shakti Le Karke Chalo, Jeevan Mein Khushiyan Lo॥ Meaning: Come to Mother Santoshi’s shelter and forget all sorrow and pain. Take the Mother’s power with you and bring happiness into life.
39. Santoshi Maa Ka Naam Jap, Dil Mein Bharo Sukh Chap। Har Pal Maa Ko Yaad Karo, Jeevan Mein Rang Bhar Lo॥ Meaning: Chant Mother Santoshi’s name and fill the heart with the impression of happiness. Remember the Mother every moment and fill life with colour.
40. Santoshi Chalisa Sampan Hua, Maa Ki Kirpa Ka Varan Hua। Jo Bhav Se Padhe Nit Ye Path, Santoshi Maa Ki Kirpa Sath॥ Meaning: The Santoshi Chalisa is complete and the Mother’s grace has been invoked. Whoever reads this with devotion daily Mother Santoshi’s grace shall always be with them.
॥ Closing Doha ॥
Santoshi Maa Ki Kirpa Se, Ghar Mein Aaye Shanti। Shukravar Ka Vrat Karo, Mile Sukh Ki Kaanti॥
Meaning: By Mother Santoshi’s grace, may peace come to the home. Observe the Friday fast and receive the radiance of happiness.
Benefits of Reciting Santoshi Maa Chalisa
- Contentment and peace: Cultivates the virtue of Santosh (contentment) in daily life
- Family harmony: Resolves conflicts and brings unity and love within the family
- Wish fulfilment: Sincere observance of the Friday fast is believed to grant heartfelt desires
- Financial stability: Many devotees report relief from debt and financial difficulty
- Removal of obstacles: Clears impediments from marriage, children, and household matters
Best Time to Chant
- Every Friday (Shukravar) — Santoshi Maa’s most auspicious day
- Solah Shukrawar Vrat — the sixteen-Friday vow for specific blessings
- Early morning after bathing and before eating
- Before offering chane and jaggery as prasad to the Mother