Kedara Gowri Vratham 2024 date and Time: This Vratham will be observed on Friday, November 1, 2024.
Amavasya Thithi starts – 04:30 PM on 31st October 2024
Amavasya Thithi ends – 06:20 PM on 1st November,2024
Have you heard of the time when Goddess Parvati undertook a special fast to attain the same divine status and power as Lord Shiva? This sacred observance, known as Kedara Gowri Vratham or Kedareshwar Vratham, is a revered Hindu fasting and worship ritual celebrated on Amavasya (no moon day) during the renowned Diwali festival. This vratham (fasting) is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Particularly popular in South India, this Vratham (Fast) is celebrated during the lunar month of Ashwin (September-October). It is believed that performing this Vratham with full dedication can earn the blessings of Lord Shiva, who grants the fulfillment of all desires.
Mythological story of Kedara Gowri Vratham
The story of Kedara Gowri Vratham revolves around Goddess Parvati's desire to attain the same divine status as Lord Shiva. Once, during a gathering of thirty-three gods, including Lord Brahma, Narada, and 48,000 Rishis, all worshiped both Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. However, Sage Bhringi worshipped only Lord Shiva, ignoring the Goddess. Annoyed, Goddess Parvati questioned Lord Shiva about the sage's behavior. Lord Shiva explained that Bhringi sought only Moksha (liberation) and thus worshipped him alone.
Feeling disrespected, Goddess Parvati left heaven and descended to Earth, seeking refuge in Sage Gautama's ashram. Her presence there miraculously revived the dried plants, bringing them back to life. Sage Gautama, seeing this transformation, approached the Goddess and learned of her grievance. Parvati then asked the sage how she could unite with Lord Shiva and attain the same divine status as him. Sage suggested that she perform the kedara Gowri vratham, a sacred fast that could help her unite with Lord shiva. Following the sage's advice, Goddess Parvati observed the Vratham with full devotion. Pleased with her dedication, Lord Shiva granted her the left half of his body, manifesting as Ardhanarishvara—a symbol of their divine union—thereby filling everyone with joy.
Significance of Kedara Gowri Vratham
Kedara Gauri Vratham is dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Kedareswara and Goddess Parvati, who is worshipped as Gauri. The Vratham symbolizes the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and their combined energy. Kedara Gauri Vrat holds great significance as it is observed on the Amavasya (new moon day) of the ‘Kartik’ month in northern India, and on ‘Ashwin’ Amavasya in other regions. This Vratham is traditionally observed for 21 days or any other odd number of days, depending on the devotee's convenience. Devotees would begin their fast on ‘Ashtami’ (the 8th day) of Krishna Paksha in the ‘Kartik’ or ‘Ashwin’ month and conclude it on Amavasya during Diwali. However, in present times, the Vrat is primarily observed on Amavasya itself, coinciding with the celebration of ‘Deepavali’ (Diwali). The significance of this Vratham lies in the belief that it fulfills the wishes of those who perform it with utmost devotion and sincerity. It is especially beneficial for women seeking marital bliss, prosperity, and harmony in their families.
Rituals for kedara Gowri Vratham
- Begin the day early, just before sunrise, with a bath and prayers to Lord Shiva, seeking his blessings for prosperity and wealth.
- The puja starts by setting up a ‘Kalash’ filled with water, representing Lord Kedareswara, and creating a small mandap or roof over the Kalash.
- Prepare a special Vratham thread with 21 fibers, each with 21 knots, and wrap it around the Kalash. Worship the Kalash with sandalwood paste, rice, flowers, and fruits.
- On the day of Kedara Gauri Vrat, prepare 21 different types of ‘Naivedyam’ (offerings) like Coconut, Bananas, Appam, Betel leaves, Betel Nut (pakku) to present to the Lord.
- Fasting is a significant part of this Vratham
- Traditionally, some devotees observe the fast for 21 days.
- Most devotees today keep a single day fast, abstaining from food and water until the puja is complete.
- After the puja, only one meal is allowed.
- For those unable to keep a full fast, partial fasting is an option, where fruits and dairy products can be consumed.
- Recite mantras, shlokas, and prayers dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, such as "Om Namah Shivaya" and Gauri Ashtottara Shatanamavali.
Kedara Gauri Vratham is a deeply significant ritual in Hindu tradition, symbolizing the devotion of Goddess Parvati and her union with Lord Shiva. Observed with devotion and meticulous adherence to its rituals, this Vratham offers a pathway to divine blessings, prosperity, and spiritual fulfillment.