Kedar Gauri Vrat 2024

Introduction:

Kedar Gauri Vrat is an auspicious Hindu festival dedicated to Shiva. This is celebrated on the day of ‘Amavasya’ during the time of the Deepavali festival. North India celebrates this festival on the New moon day of ‘Kartik’ month. Many people celebrate this festival on ‘Ashwin’ Amavasya. It is believed that Goddess Parvati had initiated this Kedar Vrat, and she was the first one to observe this. Many people start their fast on the eighth day of the Krishna Paksha, which coincides with ‘Kartik’ or ‘Ashwin’ month. The festival would end on the day of Amavasya, during Diwali. Currently, Kedara Gauri Vrat is observed on Amavasya day with a lot of fervor and dedication all over India.

Significance of Kedar Gauri Vrat:

The legends of Kedara Gauri Vrat are mentioned in several Hindu Vedic scriptures like ‘Skanda Purana.’ It is believed that many Gods and Demigods also performed this Vrat to enhance their spirituality. According to legends, it is only after observing this Vrat, that Goddess Parvati merged with Shiva to become “Ardhanareeswarar”. There are several mentions that Lord Vishnu had observed this Vrat, and for this, he was bestowed with Vaikuntha, his heavenly abode. The Swan Vahana or animal mount was bestowed to Lord Brahma after he completed this Vrat with severe austerities. Shiva promised that anyone who completes this for more than 21 times would be granted salvation, which could curb the birth-death cycle.

Legend of Kedar Gauri Vrat:

Once, an ardent devotee of Shiva named Pramatha Gan undertook severe penance. During one of the rituals, he ambulated Lord Shiva alone, ignoring Goddess Parvati. It made Parvati very angry as she felt less important. She wanted to gain back her prominence and asked Sage Gautama for a remedy. Sage Gautama told her to observe Kedareshwar Vrat. As per the Sage’s suggestion, she performed severe austerities and obtained the boon of being half of Shiva’s body. She was then revered as “Ardhanareeshwarar”, gaining half of the body of Shiva.

Rituals and Celebrations:

Ardha Nareeshwara, who is half Shiva, and half Goddess Parvati is highly venerated. During the fast, many people would consume only a liquid diet, along with fruits. They may refrain from foods like onion and garlic. It is important to spend the entire day thinking pure thoughts and to refrain from any negative thoughts. Devotees would invite priests and other important people for a feast. A pot would be installed in a sanctified place and covered with a silk cloth. Rice would be placed inside the pot which is then tied with 21 sacred threads. Kedareswara is invoked in the pot, which is also decorated with sandalwood paste. A lot of flowers and fruits, too, are offered to him. Many people indulge in chanting and reading the holy scriptures of the god. Mantras praising Shiva are recited with devotion. Special Neivedana are offered to him, and later the food is distributed to poor people.

Benefits:

Kedar Gauri Vrat is highly powerful, and gives the blessings of Shiva to the devotee who fulfills the Vrat. It has the power of wish-fulfillment and protects the devotee like an amulet.