Kedara Gowri Vratham is an important South Indian fasting observance dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. In 2025, the vratham will be celebrated on Monday, October 20, coinciding with Deepavali Amavasya, making it a spiritually potent day for worshippers.
Kedara Gowri Vratham 2025 Date and Timing
- Date: October 20, 2025 (Amavasya / Diwali New Moon)
- Tithi Starts: October 20, 2025 – 3:45 PM
- Tithi Ends: October 21, 2025 – 5:55 PM
- Best Puja Muhurat (Pradosh Kaal): 5:40 PM to 8:00 PM on October 20, 2025
Pradosh Kaal, the period after sunset, is recommended as the most auspicious window for carrying out Kedara Gowri Vratham puja.
Significance of Kedara Gowri Vratham
This vrat is known in different regions as Kedareshwara Nomu in Telugu and Deepavali Nombu in Tamil.
- Kedara in Sanskrit refers to a spiritual field or sacred land, often associated with the Himalayan region where Lord Shiva resides as Kedareswara.
- Gowri is a revered form of Goddess Parvati, symbolising purity, devotion and feminine energy.
- The vrat represents the legendary penance of Goddess Parvati to unite with Lord Shiva, leading to the manifestation of the Ardhanarishwara form, symbolising the union of divine masculine and feminine principles.
Step-by-Step Kedara Gowri Vratham Procedure
1. Preparations
- Fasting: Devotees fast until the puja completion, either through strict fasting (nirjala) or consuming only fruits and milk.
- Purification: Bathe early in the morning and clean the puja space thoroughly.
- Altar Setup: Arrange images or idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, decorate with kolam/rangoli.
2. Kalasha and Sacred Thread
- Kalasha: Fill a metal pot with water, place mango leaves and a coconut coated with turmeric and kumkum—symbolising Kedareswara and Gowri.
- Nombu Kayiru: The sacred thread is prepared with turmeric and woven into 21 strands with 21 knots, kept near the Kalasha for worship.
3. Main Puja Rituals
- Ganapati Puja: Begin with worship of Lord Ganesha to remove obstacles.
- Sankalpam: Declare the intent of the vrat—such as prosperity, marital harmony or spiritual upliftment.
- Invocation: Invite the presence of Lord Kedareswara and Goddess Gowri into the puja setup.
- Offerings: Present bilva leaves, flowers, betel leaves, sandal paste, fruits, and satvik food items—often in multiples of 21.
- Mantra Chanting: Recite “Om Namah Shivaya” and Gowri Devi’s 108 names.
- Story Reading: Narrate the Kedara Gowri Vratham Katha for spiritual merit.
- Deepa Aarti: Perform the lamp offering to conclude the puja.
4. Tying of the Nombu Kayiru
The sacred turmeric thread is tied by the husband or an elderly married woman around the devotee’s neck or right wrist, symbolising blessings and divine protection. Fasting is broken post-puja with the prasadam.
The next morning, a concluding prayer is done before removing the Kalasha.
Benefits of Observing Kedara Gowri Vratham
- Marital Bliss: Promotes harmony between couples and blesses women with sumangali bhagyam (long life of the spouse).
- Wealth and Prosperity: Removes financial obstacles and blesses with abundance in career or business.
- Wish Fulfilment: Considered a manoratha siddhi vrat that helps fulfil heartfelt desires.
- Good Marriage Prospects: Single women observe this vrat for blessings of a virtuous life partner.
- Spiritual Growth: Encourages deep devotion and can aid in attaining moksha by connecting to supreme energies.
Observance Styles – 21 Days vs 1 Day
1. 21-Day Traditional Vrat
- Starts on Shukla Paksha Ashtami of the Tamil month Purattasi.
- Daily offerings and knot tying on the sacred thread for 21 days.
- Culminates on Deepavali Amavasya with the main puja.
2. Single Day Observance
- Observed only on Deepavali Amavasya day.
- Complete puja—including abhishekam, offerings, Katha, and thread tying—done in one session.
- Strict fasting till puja conclusion.
Do’s and Don’ts During Kedara Gowri Vratham
Do’s:
- Maintain purity and cleanliness throughout the day.
- Offer satvik food prepared without onion or garlic.
- Invite sumangalis for blessings and offer them traditional gifts.
- Wear clean traditional attire.
Don’ts:
- Avoid tamasic food, alcohol and negative speech.
- Do not break the fast before completing the puja.
- If unable to perform due to menstrual period, have a family member perform in your name.
Conclusion
Kedara Gowri Vratham 2025 is more than a ritual—it is a spiritual celebration of the union of divine energies, offering blessings in marriage, prosperity, and peace of mind. Observed with devotion on October 20, 2025, it connects the devotees heart-to-heart with Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, making Deepavali truly sacred.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Kedara Gowri Vratham 2025
1. When is Kedara Gowri Vratham in 2025?
Kedara Gowri Vratham falls on Monday, October 20, 2025, coinciding with Deepavali Amavasya (new moon day). The vrat is ideally observed during the Amavasya tithi, starting in the afternoon and lasting till the next day evening.
2. What are the main rituals of Kedara Gowri Vratham?
The puja begins with the Sankalpam (vow), followed by Kalasha sthapana (setting up sacred pot), abhishekam (ritual bathing) of Lord Shiva and Goddess Gowri idols or Kalasha, chanting mantras like “Om Namah Shivaya”, offering 21 types of Naivedyam, and concluding with aarti and tying the sacred Nombu thread.
3. Can men perform Kedara Gowri Vratham?
Yes, men can observe this vrat too, especially for family wellbeing, spiritual growth, and wish fulfilment. It is practiced mainly in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka among both men and women.
4. What is Kedara Gowri Nombu?
Kedara Gowri Nombu refers to the fasting ritual on the day of the vrat. Devotees fast (often nirjala fasting) till the evening puja and then tie a sacred turmeric-dyed thread (Nombu Kayiru) around their neck or wrist as a mark of completion and blessing.
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