Kathara Gowri Viratham

Kedhara Gowri vradham familiarly known as Deepavali (Diwali) is celebrated throughout India in a grand manner. Without Caste creed, rich - poor differences people obeserve this festival. Infact very few people know that it is one of the important Saivite vratas. Brungi rishi is a great Shiva bhaktha. When he prays to Lord, he prays only to Lord Shiva and ignores Shakti. Angered by his act Shakti devi removed the energy from his body. He was not able to stand. He prayed to Lord Shiva. God gave him a stick to support his body. Shakti wanted to become part of Lord's body. She observed the Kedhara vrata, one of Gods favorite vratas. Pleased by Her austerities God gave the left part of His body to shakti and became Ardhanaareeshwara(1). The vrata is then called Kedhara Gauri vrata since Gowri observed it.

When observed

This kedhara vrata is observed for twenty one days starting from Shukla paksha ashtami (Eighth moonday in its growing phase) in the month of Purattaachi (mid Sep to mid Oct). The final day (Deepavali) also should be observed in great devotion.