Kedara Gauri Vrat, also known as Kedara Vratham, is mainly observed in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Kedara Gauri is a 21-day long observance whose last day coincides with the festival of Diwali. Women observe a fast on this day and worship Lord Shiva in the form of Ardhanarishwar. Although most people observe fast only on the day of Kedara Gauri Vrat, some people observe the fasting for a period of 21 days. The vrat is observed with great devotion and is an important festival for the devotees of Lord Shiva. Check out complete details about the Kedara Gauri Vrat 2023 like rituals, significance, etc from this article below.
Kedara Gauri Vrat 2023 Overview
| Vrat Name | Kedara Gauri Vrat 2023 |
| Date | From October 23 to November 12 |
| Duration | 21 days |
Kedara Gauri Vrat 2023 Timing
Kedara Gauri Vrat is observed for twenty-one days starting from the Shukla Paksha ashtami (eight day) in the month of Asviyaja. Last day of the fast falls on the amavasya of Kartik month, coinciding with the festival of Diwali. According to the Hindu calendar, Kedara Gauri Vrat will begin on Monday, October 23, 2023 and will last on Sunday, November 12, 2023. Amavasya Tithi will begin on 2:44 pm on November 12, 2023 and will end on 2:56 pm on November 13, 2023.
Story behind Kedara Gauri Vrat
There are many legends and many stories related to the Kedara Gauri Vrat. This vrat was observed by Goddess Parvati to merge with Lord Shiva. Lord Vishnu observed this fast to become the Lord of Vaikuntha (his abode) and Lord Brahma got his Hamsa Vahan after observing this vrat.
Some legends also mention that to eliminate the curse given by Lord Brahma, Kedara Gauri Vrat was observed by the Asta Dikpala or eigth deities who are the Guardians of eight directions.
Shiva, Gauri and Ardhanarishwar
Once upon a time, there was a great sage named Bhringi Rishi who was a great devotee of Lord Shiva. Although, he was a devotee of Shiva, he did not have trust in Goddess Parvati. Infuriated and annoyed by this, Maa Parvati (Gauri) removed the energy from the body of sage Bhringi. This energy removed was Goddess Parvati herself in the form of Shakti (energy), a force that moves the entire universe.
Energy removed from the body of sage Bhringi wanted to be a part of Lord Shiva’s body. For this, Goddess Parvati observed the Kedara Vrat to please Lord Shiva. Pleased by the devotion of Gauri, Lord Shiva gave the left part of his body to removed Shakti which resulted in the creation of Ardhanarishwar. Ardhanarishwar is thus a composite form of Lord Shiva and Goddess Shakti. As Goddess Parvati observed this fast herself to please Lord Shiva, the vrat came to known as Kedara Gauri Vrat.
Kedara Gauri Vrat 2023 Significance
The Kedara Gauri Vrat is of a great significance and its benefits are mentioned in several of Hindu religious scriptures like ‘Skanda Purana’. Even Gods and Goddesses have got desired results by observing this vrat.
It is believed that a person who devotedly observes a fast on all 21 days of Kedara Gauri Vrat is bestowed with all the worldly desires and will attain moksha (salvation) after death.
Check: Amavasya tithi
Kedara Gauri Vrat Rituals
Devotees get up at early in the morning on the day of Kedar Gauri vrat and take a holy bath. People generally observe a fast on this day and begin the Kedar puja without eating anything. Temples in homes are also cleaned and a kalash filled with water is placed at a sacred place which is considered as placing Lord Kedaresvara in house. A mandap or roof is also made over the kalash and 21 fibers with 21 knots in them are tied around the kalash.
The puja begins after the kalash is placed correctly is it is then worshiped with sandalwood paste, rice, flowers and fruits. People normally prepare 21 different varieties of Naivedyam for offering it to Lord Shiva on 21 days of the fast. Those who observe this vrat must also invite 21 Brahmins and offer them food, clothes and other necessary items as per their convenience. Devotees can intake a single meal after offering food to the Brahmins. Those with a problem in observing complete fast observes partial fast and consumes fruits and dairy products. Only few devotees observe a fast for 21 days and generally the Kedara Gauri Vrat is observed only on the last day.
