Kedar Gauri Vrat: Dates, Muhurat, and the Divine Story Behind It
Modern Clock Timings for Kedar Gauri Vrat
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24 Hour Format
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Kedar Gauri Vrat Muhurat and Key Dates
Main Day of Kedar Gauri Vrat: Friday, November 1, 2024
Beginning of the Vrat: Saturday, October 12, 2024
Total Days of Fasting: 21 days
Amavasya Tithi Begins: 3:52 PM on October 31, 2024
Amavasya Tithi Ends: 6:16 PM on November 1, 2024
These timings are provided in a 12-hour clock format, local to New Delhi, India, and have been adjusted for Daylight Saving Time where applicable. It is important to note that in the Hindu Panchang, each day begins and ends with sunrise, and timings that extend past midnight are considered to belong to the following day.
About Kedar Gauri Vrat (2024)
Kedar Gauri Vrat, also known as Kedara Vratham, is an important ritual primarily observed in Southern Indian states, especially Tamil Nadu. This vrat coincides with the Deepavali Amavasya and also aligns with the day of Lakshmi Puja during Diwali. The tradition is a significant practice for devotees of Lord Shiva, and it involves fasting as a means to honor and seek blessings from the divine.
In certain families, Kedar Gauri Vrat is observed for a duration of 21 days, beginning in early October and concluding on Deepavali Amavasya. For others, it is often a single day of dedicated fasting on the main day of the vrat. Regardless of the duration, this ritual holds special significance for Lord Shiva's devotees and is seen as a way to honor his divine grace.
The Story Behind Kedar Gauri Vrat
The legend of Kedar Gauri Vrat revolves around the great sage Bhringi Rishi, who was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. Sage Bhringi’s devotion was so strong that he worshipped only Lord Shiva and chose to ignore Shakti Devi, Shiva's divine consort. This disregard upset Goddess Shakti, who then removed her energy from the body of Bhringi. The energy she withdrew was, in essence, none other than Goddess Gauri herself.
Longing to be reunited with Lord Shiva, the removed Shakti decided to observe severe penance through the Kedara Vrat. This act of devotion deeply moved Lord Shiva, and he responded by allowing Shakti to become an inseparable part of him, giving rise to the form of Ardhanarishvara—the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Shakti, where both energies coexist within one body.
Since Goddess Gauri herself underwent this rigorous fasting to unite with Lord Shiva, the vrat is known as Kedar Gauri Vrat. It symbolizes devotion, unity, and balance between masculine and feminine energies, and continues to be celebrated by Shiva devotees for these profound spiritual reasons.
Significance of Kedar Gauri Vrat
Kedar Gauri Vrat is not just about fasting; it represents a deep spiritual union and harmony. It honors the love and devotion between Lord Shiva and Goddess Gauri and teaches us about balance, dedication, and the power of unwavering devotion. By observing this vrat, devotees believe they can seek the blessings of Lord Shiva for prosperity, harmony, and overall well-being.
