Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati

Gauri Shankar Puja

Joint worship of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati as the ideal divine couple, traditionally performed for harmony in marriage and family life.

In-person Online available1.5 to 2.5 hoursAlso: Shiv Parvati PujaAlso: Uma Maheshwar Puja

A family performing puja at a home altar

Overview

What is Gauri Shankar Puja?

Gauri Shankar Puja honours Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati together, as Gauri and Shankar. The divine couple is regarded as the model of devotion, patience and partnership, which is why this puja is often chosen by couples and families.

The vidhi usually includes Ganesh puja, sankalp, avahan of Gauri and Shankar, abhishek of the Shivling, shringar offerings to the Goddess, mantra recitation and aarti. Some families add a small havan or the recitation of Parvati Mangal or Shiva stutis.

It is commonly performed after a wedding, on an anniversary, or on days such as Hartalika Teej, Shravan Mondays and Maha Shivratri, according to family tradition.

ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्।
उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान्मृत्योर्मुक्षीय माऽमृतात्॥

Oṁ tryambakaṁ yajāmahe sugandhiṁ puṣṭivardhanam, urvārukam iva bandhanān mṛtyor mukṣīya mā'mṛtāt.

We worship the three-eyed Lord, fragrant and nourishing. May he free us from bondage, as a ripe cucumber from its vine, and lead us towards immortality.Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, Rig Veda 7.59.12

Significance

The story of Parvati's devotion and tapasya to win Shiva as her husband is central to many vrats and festivals. Worshipping them together is traditionally seen as seeking the blessings of a harmonious union.

The puja is also associated with the Gauri Shankar Rudraksha, which represents the two as one, and many devotees wear it after the puja as per their custom.

Who performs it

Newly married couples seeking blessings for their life together
Couples marking a wedding anniversary
Families praying for harmony and understanding at home
Unmarried devotees who pray to Gauri and Shankar as per family custom

When to perform

Soon after the wedding or on an anniversary
Mondays of Shravan
On Maha Shivratri or Hartalika Teej
On a muhurat suggested by the Pandit

Traditionally associated with

Traditionally associated with harmony and mutual respect in marriage
Devotees seek the blessings of Shiva and Parvati as a couple
Regarded as an auspicious start to married life
Brings the family together in shared prayer

These are traditional beliefs associated with the ritual. Pujas are acts of devotion and are not a substitute for medical, financial or professional advice.

How the puja is performed

1
Ganesh puja and sankalp
The Pandit takes the sankalp with the names and gotra of the couple or family.
2
Avahan of Gauri and Shankar
Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are invoked together with Vedic mantras.
3
Abhishek
The Shivling is bathed with water, milk and other dravyas while mantras are chanted.
4
Shringar and offerings
Shringar items are offered to Goddess Parvati, with bilva, flowers and naivedya to both.
5
Aarti and blessings
The puja concludes with aarti, blessings for the couple and prasad.

The exact vidhi varies by region and family tradition, your Pandit will follow your customs.

Samagri (puja materials)

Shivling and an image of Goddess Parvati
Gangajal, milk, curd, honey and ghee
Bilva leaves and flowers
Shringar items such as bangles, sindoor and a red chunri
Sandalwood, kumkum and akshat
Incense, camphor and a ghee diya
Fruits and sweets for naivedya
Betel leaves and supari

Samagri can be arranged on request. We'll share a list suited to your vidhi before the day.

What's included

Usually included

Experienced Pandit(s) familiar with Shaiva vidhi
Sankalp in your name, gotra and family details
Guidance on samagri, timing and preparation before the day
Vidhi performed as per your family tradition
Samagri can be arranged on request

Not included

Samagri, flowers and abhishek dravya, unless arranged on request
Temple entry, darshan or special queue charges where applicable
Travel beyond the service area
Prasad or bhojan for guests, unless arranged separately
Dakshina, where customs vary and are discussed openly

Duration: 1.5 to 2.5 hours. Inclusions are confirmed for your booking on WhatsApp.

In-person puja

A Pandit performs the ritual at your home, office or chosen venue in Varanasi or Hyderabad. We help with muhurat, samagri and preparation.

Online puja

· Share the names and gotra of the couple or family on WhatsApp
· The Pandit performs the puja with sankalp in your names
· Join together by video call for the abhishek and aarti

How online Gauri Shankar Puja works

Available in

Gauri Shankar Puja in Varanasi Gauri Shankar Puja in Hyderabad Online, worldwide

More cities are coming soon.