Chapter 1
The Sufferings and Devotion of the Daughter-in-Law
An old woman had seven sons. The youngest was simple-hearted and mistreated by his mother and sisters-in-law. Leaving for distant lands to earn fortune, his devoted wife endures severe domestic cruelty until she discovers Maa Santoshi's temple.
In ancient times, an old woman had seven sons. Six were industrious while the seventh was gentle and unemployed. The partial mother fed the six sumptuous meals and gave the youngest their cold leftovers. His devoted and virtuous wife bore this sorrow quietly. When the youngest son discovered this humiliation, he resolved to venture to distant lands to seek his fortune. Through honesty and tireless dedication, he found employment under a wealthy merchant and amassed immense wealth. Meanwhile, back home, his cruel mother and sisters-in-law subjected his lonely wife to extreme torment. She was forced to chop heavy timber in the thorny forests, plaster cow-dung, and eat burnt husk breads with water served in broken coconut shells. One afternoon, while gathering firewood in tears, she saw a congregation of devout women worshiping at a temple. Inquiring with folded hands, they told her: 'We are observing the 16 Fridays fast of Maa Santoshi, the divine daughter of Lord Ganesha. Offering Gur and Chana, this sacred vrat dissolves all grief, restores lost wealth, and reunites separated spouses. One must strictly avoid touching or eating anything sour.' Embracing their words with absolute faith, the weeping wife resolved to observe the 16 Fridays fast from that very day.
Spiritual Moral: Patience and unwavering faith in God sustain the righteous through the darkest trials.
Chapter 2
The Divine Grace, Joyful Reunion, and the Grand Udhyapan
Maa Santoshi appears in the husband's dream, inspiring his joyous homecoming laden with immense wealth. When the envious in-laws deliberately ruin the fast by bribing boys to demand sour food, Maa Santoshi tests them before granting ultimate bliss.
Moved by the wife's devotion, Maa Santoshi appeared in her husband's dream in that foreign city, commanding him to return home immediately. The husband liquidated his earnings, packed camels with jewels and silk, and journeyed home. Horrified at seeing his devoted wife dressed in rags and gathering wood, he built a magnificent mansion for her, showering her with love and honor. When the 16th Friday arrived, the wife arranged the sacred Udhyapan feast. Consumed by jealousy, the malicious sisters-in-law bribed their children to demand sour pickles and gave them coins to purchase tamarind from the village market. As the boys consumed the sour fruit, Maa Santoshi's wrath descended: royal soldiers arrested the husband on false charges. Desolate, the wife rushed to Maa Santoshi's shrine, pleading for forgiveness. The Goddess spoke: 'My child, your Udhyapan was tainted by sour foods introduced by wicked hearts.' The wife repented deeply and vowed to perform the Udhyapan once again with pure vigilance. By the Goddess's grace, the king discovered the husband's innocence and released him with honors. On the following Friday, she served eight pure boys satvik sweets, rewarded them with gifts, and fulfilled the vow flawlessly. Maa Santoshi manifested in divine radiance, bestowing boundless peace, prosperity, and healthy progeny upon the family forever. Victory to Maa Santoshi!
Spiritual Moral: Strict adherence to spiritual vows and forgiveness over malice always triumphs.
