Kedara Gauri Vrata | Kedara Vrata

Kedara Vrata or Kedhara Gowri Vratam is also popularly known as Dipavali and is celebrated all over India with great pomp and show. This vrata is one of the significant Saivite vratas and it can be observed by anybody irrespective of their caste, creed or social status. There is a legend behind the Kedara Vrata. Once, a spiritual follower of Lord Shiva, Pramatha Gana performed His pradakshina, excluding Goddess Parvati. This infuriated Goddess Gowri and then Lord Shiva explained that since she had no powers she was not included in the pradakshina. Displeased by the explanation, Goddess Parvati approached sage Gautama and asked for a means to become a part of Lord Shiva’s body. He then asked her to observe this Kedara Vrata. Goddess Parvati then observed the vrata with full devotion, and pleased by Her austerities Lord Shiva granted His left part. This form of Shiva was since then worshipped as ‘Ardhanaareeshwara’. Since then this vrata came to be known as Kedhara Gowri Vrata.

The Kedara vrata is observed for a period of twenty one days during the month of Purattaachi that is from mid-September to mid-October according to the Gregorian calendar. It starts from the ashtami, the eight day of the Shukla Pakhsa (growing phase of moon). The final day of the vrata is known as Deepavali and is must be observed with full fervour and devotion. The Kedara Vrata is religiously observed in every part of the country and anyone who performs this vrata will attain fulfilment of all their desires.

Kedara Gauri Vrata 2024 is on November 01 Friday

6 months and 1 day to go for the event

Kedara Gauri Vrata

Rituals of the Kedara Vrata

• In the Kedara Vrata, the ‘Ardha Nareeshwara’ form of Lord Shiva is worshipped by the devotees. Just like other important vratas of the Hindu culture, in Kedara Vrata also austerities like complete fast or semi-fast on milk or fruits are observed.
• On the propitious day of Bhadrapada Shuklam, one must observe this vrata and wear 21 layered threads on their hand. The vrata should be performed with clear mind and then puja and fasting is observed for all day long.
• On the subsequent day, the devotee must invite a Brahmin and provide him meals. The puja for Kedara Vrata continues for a period of 21 days right from Kedareswara till Amavasa. The devotees perform the puja by installing a Kalasha in any sanctified place of their house. The Kalasha is covered with silk clothes, on which heap of rice is placed and 21 threads are tied around it. Gold or other valuable gems are also placed depending on individual’s affordability.
• Twenty-one Brahmins are then invited and the devotees offer them water and other necessities to clean and invoke the presence of Lord Kedareswara in the Kalash. Then the puja is performed on the Kalash with kumkum, sandalwood paste, akshata, musk, myrrh, tamboolams and flowers. Deepam and incense are also offered.
• While performing puja, mantras praising Lord Shiva are recited with full devotion. Special food offerings called as ‘Naivadya’ comprising of 21 varieties of food including coconut are offered to please the Lord Shiva. After the completion of puja, dakshina is provided to every Brahmin as per their liking. Sweets and Prasad are also distributed among other devotees and the poor. By performing these complete rituals of the Kedara Vrata, Lord Kedareswara will be contented and grant all your wishes.

Important Timings On Kedara Gauri Vrata 2024

The Kedara Vrata is a very powerful tool to fulfil one’s desires. Its glory is very splendid as Goddess Parvati herself observed this vratam with complete devotion and obtained the half of Lord Shiva’s body. Lord Vishnu also became the King of Vaikunta after performing this vratam. Brahma obtained his Hamsa vehicle, Punyavati and Bhagyavati observed this vrata and acquired enormous wealth after completing this vrata. The Kedara vrata holds the equivalent significance till date and people piously observe this vrata to acquire good health, wealth and prosperity.

Kedara Gauri Vrata festival dates between 2020 & 2030

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