Kedar Gowri Vratham is an auspicious Hindu festival celebrated with devotion and dedication, primarily by women across South India.
It is one of the significant vratams (fasts) observed during the month of Ashwin or Kartika, depending on the lunar calendar.
The vratham holds immense religious and spiritual importance, dedicated to Lord Shiva (Kedar) and Goddess Parvati (Gowri). The festival highlights the devotion of Goddess Parvati towards Lord Shiva and is considered a way for devotees to attain marital bliss, prosperity, and well-being.
Kedar Gowri Vratham 2024 Date and Timing
In 2024, Kedar Gowri Vratham will be celebrated with grandeur and reverence, as it falls during an auspicious phase of the lunar cycle.
The vratam usually takes place on the day of Deepavali Amavasya (New Moon Day in the month of Ashwin or Kartik), which aligns with the grand festival of Diwali in South India.
This vratham is primarily observed by married women seeking the longevity and prosperity of their husbands, but unmarried women also perform the rituals to seek a good match for marriage.
Kedar Gowri Vratham 2024 Date:
- Date: November 1, 2024 (Friday)
Timing and Muhurat for Kedar Gowri Vratham 2024:
Since the vratam is observed on the day of Amavasya, timing the rituals correctly is of paramount importance to ensure that they are done during the most auspicious period of the day.
The puja timings typically vary depending on the local customs and the specific family traditions followed. However, the key rituals are often performed during the Pradosh Kaal, which is the time just after sunset.
Pradosh Kaal for Kedar Gowri Vratham:
- Pradosh Kaal: 5:40 PM to 8:00 PM on November 1, 2024
Performing the Kedar Gowri Vratham during the Pradosh Kaal is considered highly auspicious as it is the time when Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are believed to bless their devotees with prosperity and marital happiness.
Historical and Mythological Significance of Kedar Gowri Vratham
The Kedar Gowri Vratham is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and is believed to narrate the story of Goddess Parvati's immense devotion to Lord Shiva. According to the legend, Goddess Parvati desired to marry Lord Shiva but faced several challenges in doing so.
In order to win the love and attention of Lord Shiva, she undertook a rigorous penance and observed the Kedar Gowri Vratham with utmost sincerity and faith.
Pleased with her devotion, Lord Shiva agreed to marry her, symbolizing the union of masculine and feminine energies.
The festival marks this sacred event of their union, and by observing this vratham, devotees invoke the divine blessings of both Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
For married women, this fast ensures the longevity, health, and prosperity of their husbands, while for unmarried women, it is seen as a way to be blessed with a suitable life partner who embodies the virtues of Lord Shiva.
Kedar Gowri Vratham in Mythology
In another significant mythological reference, it is said that the vratam is associated with the Kedareshwara Mahatmya, which is an ancient text extolling the virtues of Lord Shiva in his form as Kedareshwara.
According to this tale, Lord Shiva resided on Mount Kedarnath and was worshipped by sages, gods, and humans alike. Goddess Parvati, too, worshipped him in her form as Gowri, and her penance was acknowledged by Lord Shiva himself.
The name "Kedar" refers to Lord Shiva, and "Gowri" refers to Goddess Parvati. The vratam is thus seen as an eternal reminder of the love, respect, and union between these two deities, symbolizing the perfect marital relationship.
Rituals and Procedures of Kedar Gowri Vratham
Kedar Gowri Vratham involves several rituals and is performed with devotion and meticulous attention to detail. Women, particularly married women, take great care in following the rituals, as it is believed that any deviation could hinder the fulfillment of their wishes.
The vratham generally includes fasting, chanting of mantras, and performing specific pujas to invoke the blessings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Pre-Puja Preparations
Cleansing the House and Self: On the day of the vratam, devotees wake up early, bathe, and clean their homes thoroughly. They create a sacred space for the puja, which is adorned with rangoli (traditional floor art) made from rice flour or colored powders. The house is also decorated with flowers, particularly marigolds, as they are considered auspicious for the vratam.
Altar Setup: A small altar is set up in the cleanest part of the house, where idols or pictures of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are placed. Traditionally, a lamp (diya) is lit with sesame oil, as it is believed to purify the surroundings.
Offering Naivedyam (Food Offering): Special dishes are prepared as offerings to the deities. The naivedyam typically includes dishes like payasam (sweet rice pudding), fruits, coconuts, and traditional South Indian items like vadas and pongal.
Fasting Rituals
The vratam involves fasting, with many women abstaining from food and water throughout the day. However, depending on one’s health, partial fasting is also permissible. Some devotees may consume fruits and milk after the puja.
Main Puja Rituals
Invocation of Deities: The puja begins with an invocation of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. Following this, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are invoked with the chanting of sacred mantras and prayers.
Chanting of Kedar Gowri Vratam Slokas: Special slokas (verses) dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are recited during the puja. The most commonly recited mantra is "Om Namah Shivaya," invoking the blessings of Lord Shiva. The story of Kedar Gowri Vratham, as found in various Puranas, is also narrated as part of the puja.
Offering of Flowers and Prayers: Women offer flowers, fruits, and coconut to the idols or images of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The lamp is kept burning throughout the puja, symbolizing the eternal presence of the deities.
Arati (Waving of Lamps): After the offerings, an arati is performed by waving the lamp in a circular motion in front of the deities. This act symbolizes the removal of darkness (ignorance) and the arrival of light (knowledge).
Tying of Sacred Thread: As part of the ritual, women tie a sacred thread (kankanam) around their wrists. This thread is believed to protect them from evil forces and bring good fortune.
Prayers for Marital Bliss and Prosperity: Finally, women pray for the well-being of their husbands, family members, and for marital harmony. Those who are unmarried offer prayers seeking a virtuous partner.
Breaking the Fast
After completing the puja, the fast is broken by consuming the naivedyam that was offered to the deities. Families gather to enjoy a meal together, celebrating the conclusion of the vratam.
Spiritual Significance and Benefits of Kedar Gowri Vratham
The Kedar Gowri Vratham holds immense spiritual significance. It is not only an act of devotion but also a spiritual practice that strengthens the bond between husband and wife. The vratam is believed to purify the mind and soul, fostering peace, love, and harmony within the family.
Key Benefits of Observing Kedar Gowri Vratham:
Marital Harmony: For married women, the vratam ensures the longevity, health, and prosperity of their husbands. It is believed that observing this vratam helps strengthen the marital bond and ensures a harmonious relationship.
Blessings for Unmarried Women: Unmarried women observe the vratam with the hope of finding a suitable life partner. It is said that those who observe this vratam are blessed with a loving and virtuous spouse, much like Goddess Parvati was blessed with Lord Shiva.
Spiritual Upliftment: The rituals and fasting associated with the vratam are considered a form of self-purification. Devotees experience spiritual upliftment, and the vratam is seen as a way to attain inner peace and divine grace.
Prosperity and Well-being: The vratam is also performed for overall prosperity, happiness, and the well-being of the family. It is believed that observing this vratam brings prosperity and removes obstacles from one’s life.Conclusion
Kedar Gowri Vratham is a powerful and spiritually enriching festival that plays a significant role in the lives of many devotees.
Observing the vratam with devotion and sincerity ensures divine blessings from Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The vratam not only fosters marital bliss but also brings peace, prosperity, and spiritual elevation.
In 2024, as devotees gather to perform this sacred vratam on November 1st, they will once again strengthen their connection with the divine, seeking blessings for themselves and their loved ones.