Shiva Parvati Ganesha
Stone Dust Statue
Shiva is associated with Chandra or the Moon. His colour is white and the
gemstone associated with him is the pearl.
The Somvar vrata or the Monday fast is observed from sunrise through
sunset and the fast is broken only after evening prayers. It is believed
that devotees who undertake this vrata will be granted wisdom and will be
able to fulfill all their desires. Those facing marital troubles perform
this vrata, in order to experience a better conjugal life. In some cases,
unmarried women too undertake this vrata, in order to attract their ideal
life partner.
Somvar Vrata Katha
According to the Somvar Vrata Katha, there once lived a rich and pious
merchant, who had a heart of gold. He was a good soul and worked
tirelessly to help the downtrodden. He and his wife were childless and so,
they prayed to Shiva to bless them with a baby.
Somvar Vrata Katha - Book
Looking at their plight,
Parvati
felt bad and suggested to Shiva that he should grant them the boon. Shiva
thought about it for a while and then said that they would beget a baby
boy, but he would live only for twelve years. While Shiva and Parvati were
talking thus at the temple, the merchant overhear them. Though he was
happy that they would soon be able to hear the patter of little feet, he
mourned the fact that their joy would be shortlived.
In due course of time, a healthy baby boy was born to the ecstatic couple.
The merchant arranged for the boy to be taken to the holy city of Kashi,
in order to complete his education. On the way, the father and son passed
a palace, which was obviously decorated for a marriage to take place.
Curious, they stopped at the house. There, they saw that the groom was
half-blind and so; the bride was unwilling to marry him.
The king (bride's father) then ordered his soldiers to find a good boy for
his daughter. Seeing the son of the merchant, they brought him to the
king. The boy was unwilling for the marriage and yet, the king forced him
to give his consent for the same. After tying the knot, the boy continued
on his way to Kashi. At this time, he crossed twelve years of age and fell
seriously ill.
Seeing his condition, the boy's maternal uncle asked him to observe the
Somvaar vrata. In spite of being really unwell, he agreed and started the
vrata. However, he died before he could complete it. the uncle then
completed it on his nephew's behalf. Pleased with their devotion and
dedication, Shiva brought the boy back to life and blessed him with a long
life ahead. The boy then returned to his parents and new wife and lived
happily ever after.
This legend relates that observing the Somvaar vrata bestows all good upon
devotees, granting them health, longevity, peace and prosperity.
Somvar Vrata Vidhi
The Somvaar vrata vidhi stipulates daylong fasting, along with chanting of
the Panchakshari Mantra (Om Namah Shivaya). There are three types of
Somvaar vrata, as follows:
1. The first is simple and involves fasting every Monday.
2. The second is the Somvaar Pradosha, which is a fast observed on the
Monday falling on the Pradosha day.
3. The third is the Solah Somvaar vrata, which implies fasting on sixteen
consecutive Mondays.
The rituals are much the same for all types of Somvaar vrata. A special
pooja is performed for Shiva and the end of this pooja, the Somvaar vrata
katha is read out to all those present there. The most kind of vrata is to
fast on all Mondays of the month of Shravan (June-July).
According to legend, Parvati had worshipped Shiva throughout this month,
in order to attain him. In one of her manifestations, she had taken human
form as Dakshayani, King Daksha's daughter. She was in love with Shiva all
her life. When she came of age, she desired to reunite with him in her
divine form. To achieve this goal, she performed the Somvaar vrata and
other austerities and finally, united with him. Hence, it is considered to
be doubly auspicious.
Couples who desire a son also undertake fasts on this day. The fast is
broken after sundown and comprises a meal consisting only of wheat and
jaggery. Many followers wear red-coloured clothing on Tuesdays and offer
red flowers to Hanuman. Red coral is the gem for Tuesday.
Mangalvar Vrata Katha
Once upon a time, there lived a Brahmin couple who was childless. They
desired a child and sincerely prayed to Hanuman. The Brahmin's wife
undertook fasts on Tuesdays and, on Mondays; she would eat only after
offering naivedya (offering of food) to the Lord. Once, she observed a
special fast on the whole of Monday and so, could not offer any naivedya
to Lord Hanuman. Feeling guilty, she decided not to eat anything till the
coming Tuesday.
Mangalvar Vrata Katha - Book
This intense fast made her weak and she fainted. Seeing her condition,
Hanuman took pity on her and appeared before her in the form of a child.
He blessed her that she would have a beautiful son, who would constantly
serve her. Saying thus, he vanished.
Soon, she got a beautiful baby boy and named him Mangal. The Brahmin had
been away from home all this while and so, he did not know of all the
incidents that occurred over the last few months. When he saw a handsome
child playing in his courtyard, he became suspicious about his wife. She
assured him that she was chaste and that she had begotten the child
because of Hanuman's grace.
The Brahmin was not convinced, but he kept quiet. However, the doubt in
his mind kept growing each day. One day, as he prepared to leave for his
bath at a nearby well, the lady asked him to take Mangal along. He readily
agreed, thinking that this would be a good opportunity for him to drown
the child and get rid of him for good.
As the boy went to fetch water, the Brahmin pushed him into the well and
nonchalantly returned home. Not seeing the washed dhoti hanging on his
shoulder, the wife queried him if he had actually had his bath. Feeling
guilty, he answered in the affirmative. She then asked him where Mangal
was – he had no answer to this.
Realizing that her husband was the culprit, the lady lamented and prayed
to Hanuman to return her child to her. To her greatest surprise, Mangal
entered the house, embraced his mother and touched his father's feet. That
night, Hanuman appeared in the Brahmin's dream and chided him for having
suspected his virtuous wife's character. He also asked him to atone for
his sins.
Realizing his folly, the Brahmin changed his ways and apologized to his
wife. Together, they prayed to Hanuman and observed fasts on all Tuesdays.
Thereafter, they led a happy and peaceful life along with their son,
Mangal.
Another Mangalvar Vrata Katha
According to another Katha, there once lived a Brahmin called Nanda. He
and his wife Sunanda were very rich and prosperous, but had no child.
Sunanda fasted on all Tuesdays and prayed to Hanuman for a child. Pleased
with her devotion, Hanuman blessed her with a baby girl, named Swarnalata.
The child gave Nanda gold from all her eight limbs, every day. Now, Nanda
became greedy and; not wanting to lose his daily share of gold; was
reluctant to get her married.
Sunanda finally managed to find a wonderful groom, named Someshwar, for
her daughter. After the wedding, the couple went to their home. But the
greedy Nanda arranged to murder his son-in-law, so that he could get his
daughter back. However, Swarnalata was not prepared to come back. Instead,
she wanted to jump into the pyre of her husband and give up her own life.
Pleased with her devotion, Mangal Deva appeared before her and granted her
two boons:
1. That her husband would be brought back to life and...
2. That devotees who observed Mangalvar Vrata would receive great
benefits.
Mangal Deva immediately granted both boons. The young couple then lived
happily ever after.
Mangalvar Vrata Vidhi
The family members get up early in the morning and take an oil bath in
Ganga jal. They then wear red clothes and clean the puja place with holy
water. The rangoli of an eight petal lotus is drawn in front of the altar
and rice smeared with vermilion is placed there. Hanuman's idol is then
installed on the lotus and poojas are offered to him. Red flowers, red
cloth, sweets and other naivedya are offered to him.
Devotees have only one meal that day and eat only satvik food, avoiding
anything spicy, salty or oily. This fast is usually observed for 21
continuous weeks. On the final day, the Udyapan is performed and 21
Brahmins are fed. Alternatively, devotees give charity in temples.
Benefits of Performing Mangalvar Vrata
- Mangalvar fasting bestows immense wealth, health, peace and
prosperity on devotees and their families. Chanting the Hanuman
Chalisa destroys the fear of death and negates the ill-effects of
evil.
- Hanuman was the greatest devotee of Lord
Rama. Hence, chanting the latter's name is even more beneficial.
- Hanuman visited Mother Sita (the consort of Rama) in Ashokvan on a
Tuesday. She blessed him, saying that those who worshipped him on that
day would receive blessings from her too. Sita is considered to be an
aspect of Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth. Hence, the devotee would
receive her grace too.
Budhvar (Wednesday)
Wednesday is dedicated to
Lord
Krishna and Vitthala, a manifestation of Krishna. This day is also
associated with Budh, the planet Mercury. Some also worship Vishnu on this
day of the week. Green is the colour of the day and onyx and emerald, the
preferred gems.
Murlidhar Krishna with Cow
Marble Dust Statue
Budh is believed to be the wisest planet. It is closest to the sun and
also the smallest in our solar system. This deity is believed to bestow
wisdom, wealth and knowledge on his devotees. Praying to him helps remove
all obstacles, beget progeny, property and so on.
Budhvar Vrata Katha
There was once a newlywed, who went to his father-in-law's house on a
Sunday. He planned to bring his wife back with him after marriage. He
enjoyed his time with her family. Monday and Tuesday went by. On
Wednesday, he told his mother-in-law that he had to return and also take
his wife with him. She, however, refused to send her daughter, as
Wednesday was inauspicious to do so.
He told her that he did not believe in such things, but the mother-in-law
was adamant and asked him to the come the next day to take his wife with
him. He then stood his ground and demanded that his wife go back with him
the same day. Finally, the girl's parents agreed and arranged a
chariot
for the couple.
When they entered a small town, the wife asked him to get a pot of
drinking water for her. He went to procure the same, when another man,
looking very much like him, approached her with a pot of water. She
mistook him for her husband and was chatting away with him. Returning to
the chariot, the husband got annoyed at her conduct. The wife too was
bemused, seeing two men looking the same. The impostor was actually Budh,
taking the form of the husband.
The three of them approached the king of the land, demanding a solution to
their problem. The minister suggested that they be locked in three
different cells, overnight, keeping a strict watch over all of them.
While Budh slept peacefully, the real husband lamented, saying that he
should have heeded his in-laws' words. The guards noted this behaviour and
reported to the minister. The latter realized that the one who was
restless was indeed the real husband and ordered that his wife be restored
to him. They then freed the couple.
When they checked the other cell, it was empty, in spite of it having been
locked from the outside. The minister realized that it was Budh who had
come there, in order to teach the young couple a lesson. Because it was a
Thursday, Mercury had no work there and so, had disappeared exactly at
sunrise.
Budhvar Vrata Vidhi
All members of the family wake up early and take a bath. They wear green
garments, clean the house, install a bronze statue of Budh, undertake a
fast and conduct prayers. They then read the story of Budh Devata. It is
believed that those who listen to his story is cleansed of all his sin and
will be blessed with peace, good trade, wealth and prosperity.
Thereafter, devotees perform an aarti to Budh and distribute prasad to all
around. Incidentally, the Budhvar Vrata Vidhi also includes making and
eating food made with green items. Many start the fast on the first
Wednesday of the Shukla Paksha (the waxing moon) and continue for 21
subsequent weeks.
Guruvar or Brihaspativar (Thursday)
Thursday is dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu and Lord Brihaspati,
the Guru of the Devas. The planet associated with this day, as also with
Vishnu, is
Jupiter. Yellow is traditionally Vishnu's colour. So, Hindus wear
yellow-coloured apparel on this day and offer yellow-coloured flowers and
fruits to the Lord. After they break their fast post sundown, they eat
yellow foods, such as chana dal (Bengal Gram), ghee (clarified butter) and
so on.
Lord Venkateshwara
Kondapalli Statue
Brihaspati, also called Guru, occupies the second largest position after
the son. His worship is believed to relieve devotees from their ailments,
gain strength and longevity, also freeing them from their sins. Guru
grants the boon of progeny and good education.
Guruvar Vrata Katha
Once, Indra was feeling proud and vain and was regaling in his own power
over the Devas. As Guru Brihaspati entered his celestial court, everyone
but Indra rose to greet him. Indra never failed to show respect towards
his Guur. However, he indulged in that discourtesy on that particular day.
Feeling insulted, Brihaspati immediately left the palace. Indra then
realized his mistake and repented for this sin of Guru Ninda. He also
feared that his Guru's anger could cause him to lose all the wealth,
prosperity and power he had gained so far.
Indra on Seven Trunk Airavat
Phad Painting
Indra proceeded to go to Brihaspati and apologize to him. Knowing that the
former was coming to meet him, the latter avoided him and disappeared from
there. Brihaspati then went to his own
Guru,
Shukracharya; requesting permission to attack Indrapuri. Shukracharya gave
him the required permission. The demon God surrounded Indrapuri and issued
a sudden attack there. In the absence of Guru Brihaspati's blessings, the
Devas were routed and lost all the battles.
Indra went to Lord Brahma, seeking a solution. The latter asked him to go
to Vishwaroopa, son of the mighty Twashta. Vishwaroopa vanquished the
demon Vrishvarsha, who was leading from the front. That way, Indra
regained his kingdom.
Indra then requested Vishwaroopa to become their family priest and conduct
a yagna for their wellbeing. However, the latter having come from a
demonic lineage, leaned towards the asura side and started praying for
them. When Indra came to know of this betrayal, he beheaded Vishwaroopa.
To his horror, Indra was immediately deformed, due to his sacrilegious act
of murdering a Brahmin.
Panicking, the Devas approached
Brahma.
Brahma, accompanied by Brihaspati, broke the curse of Indra's sin, by
breaking up the sacrilege into four parts and granting them as boons to
other beings. As a result, the earth, the trees and water abounded and
flourished on earth. He also gave a boon of fertility, birth and
motherhood to women. In this way, praying to Brihaspati releases one of
his/her sins and grants them material and spiritual joys.
Brihaspativar Vrata Katha - Book
Guruvar Vrata Vidhi
As part of their Guruvar Vrata, devotees wear yellow clothes and use
yellow sandalwood in their pooja. They eat only once a day, after sundown,
including yellow foods in their diet. The pooja also uses a yantr, called
the Brihaspati yantra. It is usually first worshipped in a temple and then
handed over to the devotee, so as to invoke the Devata inside it. This
yantra is placed on a copper plate, beside the idol of the deity.
The Brihaspati mantra, "Aum Hreem Kleem Hoom Brihaspataye Namah", is
chanted 108 times every day. Dry sweets are placed on a dish during prayer
and this prasad is offered to one and all after the completion of the
pooja vidhi.
The Brihaspati Vrata can be undertaken any number of times. But devotees
usually perform it for 7, 11, 21, 40, 48, 51, or 108 days; sometimes; even
for a lifetime.
Shukravar (Friday)
Friday is dedicated to the worship of Shakti the Mother Goddess. The
planet associated with this day is Venus. Goddesses Durga, Kali and
Santoshi
Mata are also worshipped on this day. White is the colour most associated
with Shakti. White is a representation of purity and spiritual awakening.
Other colours include violet, orange, purple and burgundy. The gem of the
day is the brilliant diamond.
Rudra Kali - Brass Statue
The evening meal of devotees comprises white foods, such as payasam or
kheer. Bengal Gram and gur (jaggery) are offered to the Goddess in order
to appease her. Sour foods are avoided throughout the day.
Shukravar Vrata Katha
There once lived three friends, who were very close to each other. They
belonged to Brahmin, Baniya and royal families. All of them were married,
but the Baniya's son was still to bring his wife home after marriage. One
day, the three were talking about their wives. The Brahmin and the prince
advised the Baniya to bring his wife home at the earliest.
Shukravar Vrata Katha - Book
He went home and told his mother that he wished to bring his wife from her
maternal home. The mother asked him to wait a couple of days, as the
planet Venus was still setting. She said that it would not be a good time
to bring her now. However, the boy was insistent and so, the parents
reluctantly agreed.
Though the girl's parents were not too happy, they sent her with her
husband to her marital home. The couple had hardly traveled beyond the
town, when their bullock cart was damaged. The cart fell and bullock's
legs were injured. The young lady also sustained injuries in the accident.
In spite of this, the boy continued onward. On the way, they encountered
some dacoits. They robbed the bride of her jewelry and beat up the boy.
The couple just managed to escape and, at last, reached his home. As they
were to enter, a poisonous snake bit him and he fell unconscious. His wife
was shattered and wept bitterly.
When the Brahmin's son came to know of this, he requested the Baniya's
father to arrange a return journey for them. He averred that the boy would
be out of danger if he went back to his in-laws' place. Sure enough, the
boy recovered as soon as he reached his wife's place. He stayed there till
Venus became visible in the sky – this was now an auspicious time to
travel.
He then returned to his own home with his wife and they all lived happily
ever after. Having realized the true power of Shukra, he started observing
the Shukravar fast regularly thereafter.
Shukravar Vrata Vidhi
Devotees undertaking Shukravar Vrata wear white clothes and fast all day
long, eating only after sunset. The Goddess is propitiated in her
multitudinous forms. Songs and sung and hymns are chanted in praise of
both Shakti and Shukra. Prasad is then offered to everyone. Only white
foods are consumed, after sundown.
It is believed that those who propitiate Shukra on this day are blessed
with longevity, peace and harmony in the family. Ladies undertake the
elaborate Santoshi Mata Vrata to appease the Goddess. Santoshi is another
form of Parvati.
Santoshi Mata Vrata Katha
An old woman had seven sons. The youngest one was irresponsible and hence,
she always served him the leftover of his brothers' meals. His wife felt
bad about this and told her husband. The boy felt insulted and left the
house in search of his fortune. He began to work under a merchant and soon
became wealthy. However, he forgot about his wife and did not care that
she was tortured by his parents, in his absence.
Santoshi Mata Vrata Katha - Book
The wife came to know about the Santoshi Mata Vrata and performed it. The
Goddess appeared in the husband's dream and showed his how his wife was
suffering. He immediately returned home and setup a separate household
with his wife.
During the Udyapan ceremony of the Vrata, the in-laws plotted against the
wife and served sour food to the boys. This angered the Goddess and as a
consequence, the boy was arrested. The wife again performed the vrata and
the udyapan. She then got him out from prison and soon, bore a son.
A few days later, the Goddess visited them in a terrifying form. The
in-laws fled from there, but the wife recognized her Ishtadevata and
worshipped her. The in-laws came back and begged for forgiveness. Pleased,
Santoshi blessed the entire family.
Santoshi Mata Vrata Vidhi
The Santoshi Mata Vrata is to be observed on 16 consecutive Fridays, or
until the devotee's wish is fulfilled. The Goddess is offered flowers;
incense; and gur-chana (raw sugar and roasted chickpeas). The devotee gets
up early in the morning, takes a bath and prepares for the vrata. She
avoids eating and serving bitter and sour food. Once the wish is granted,
she organizes an updayan ceremony, to mark the completion of the pooja.
Here, eight boys are served a festive meal.
The Santoshi Mata Vrata stipulates strict adherence to all rituals and
hence, only those who are really sincere are advised to go ahead with it.
Shanivar (Saturday)
Saturday is dedicated to the much-feared God,
Shani,
who is associated with the planet Saturn. According to Hindu mythology,
Shani brings bad luck, if provoked. Devotees undertake severe fast in
order to appease him and seek protection from negativity, misfortune,
suffering and similar other problems. After sundown, they break their fast
by consuming food prepared with black sesame oil or black gram, cooked
without salt.
Sri Shanivar Vrata Katha - Book
Followers of Shanivar Vrata visit Shani shrines and offer black-coloured
clothing, sesame oil, and black beans and so on. Many also worship the
holy peepal (Indian fig) tree and tie a thread around it bark, praying for
protection. Others propitiate Hanuman, who is known to mitigate and even
destroy the ill-effects of the terrible deity's wrath. Shani's colours are
black and blue and his gem is blue sapphire. People additionally wear
black iron rings made of horseshoe, in order to ward off Shani.
Shanivar Vrata Katha
Once, there was a controversy among the planets. They argued about who was
the strongest among them. Seeing no immediate solution, the Devas asked
Indra
to make a decision. Indra, however, was scared of entering into this sort
of debate and, instead, asked the Devas to approach the mighty and wise
King Vikramaditya on Earth.
When they approached Vikramaditya, the latter got worried. He knew that he
was in a dangerous situation and that belittling any one planet would
seriously upset them. He thought a while and then made nine thrones with
gold, silver, bronze, brass, lead, ranga, zinc, mica and iron. He placed
them in the same sequence. He then asked all the planets to take their
place on their thrones and said that the one who sat on the final throne
would be considered the smallest. It so happened that Shani Deva was the
last one to occupy his throne. Hence, he was considered to be the least
strong among them all.
Shani immediately got insulted, thinking that the king had done this on
purpose. He claimed that, while all the other planets enjoyed a time
period of only a few weeks, he could live on for seven and a half years
(the sade saati). He also said that his power was so immense that he could
destroy anyone he wanted. The deity then started troubling Vikramaditya
for his impudence.
Vikramaditya was immediately afflicted by the sade saati dosh and he fell
into abject misery over the next seven and a half years. He lost his way
in the forest, roamed around aimlessly, was charged for theft and even
lost his legs. Finally, he got a job as a seed crusher. He used to sing
melodiously while working. Charmed by his music, the princess of the land
wished to marry him.
Though the ruler was reluctant, the princess was adamant that she would
marry only Vikramaditya. So he arranged their marriage. However, the
troublesome period of sade saati was over and Vikramaditya got back his
limbs and came back to his original glory. He married the princess and
returned to rule over his kingdom for a long time thereafter.
Having learnt his lesson, Vikramaditya regularly performed the Shanivar
Vrata, in order to receive Shani Devata's blessings.
Shanivar Vrata Vidhi
Shanivar Vrata commences on the first Saturday of the Shukla Paksha
(waxing moon) of any month. The fast is observed every Saturday for 11 or
51 weeks, as the devotee wishes. An Udyapan ceremony is performed to mark
the end of the vrata.
The devotee takes a bath early in the morning and wears black or blue
clothes. Installing and worshipping an idol of the deity made of iron is
considered to be extremely beneficial. During the pooja, black flowers,
black sesame and black clothes are gifted to Shani Devata, along with
boiled rice. The pooja then concludes with the devotee chanting the Shani
mantra and reading the Shanivar Vrata Katha.
The devotee can then visit the temples of Hanuman, Lord Bhairav (a
terrible aspect of Shiva) and Lord Shani as well. The
deity
is offered til oil, black gram, black sesame and black clothes. After
fasting all day, he or she consumed food two hours after sundown.
Benefits of Performing Shanivar Vrata
- This vrata is considered to be the most significant and most
beneficial among all vratas. It especially helps those who have a weak
Shani in their Kundali (horoscope). It also helps mitigate the
ill-effects of having a weak Shani in the horoscope.
- This vrata is also advised for those who are undergoing the sade
saati phase, dahiya, mahadasha or antardasha.
- It is believed that Shanivar Vrata frees one from various health
conditions such as joint pains, back pain, muscle pain and similar
other disorders and grants him or her good health, longevity, peace
and plenty.
Ravivar (Sunday)
Sunday is dedicated to the worship of Lord Suryanarayana or Surya, the
Sun God.
Devotees undertake this vrata in order to appease the effulgent deity and
receive his grace to lead a healthy, happy life. Red and pink are Surya's
colours and his gem is the ruby. On his day, Hindus wear red, apply some
red sandalwood paste on their forehead and offer him red flowers.
Surya Devata enjoys a formidable place among the Navagrahas (nine
planets). Even in the Navagraha Shanti Vidhi, only the Sun God is capable
of giving peace to all the planets, because he is the King of the
Navagrahas.
Sun God - Brass Wall Hanging
Ravivar Vrata Katha
In the olden days, there lived an old man in Kanchanpur. He regularly
observed the Ravivar fast. Every Sunday, he would get up early in the
morning, take a bath, clean the courtyard with cowdung and then sincerely
worship
Surya. Pleased with his devotion, Surya granted him much peace and
prosperity. Seeing the old couple doing so well, their neighbour got
jealous. The old man did not own a cow and so, used to procure the cowdung
from them.
Ravivar Vrata Katha - Bookk
One Sunday, the neighbour refused to give him the dung to clean his place.
That day, his entire worship schedule fell apart, as he was not able to
clean his place. The old couple was distressed that they could not
complete their pooja vidhi that day. That night, Surya came in her dream
and asked her why she had not worshipped him during the day. The old lady
narrated her sad story, saying that, had she owned a cow, she could have
procured the dung herself and then, would have been able to perform the
pooja as usual.
Taking pity on her, Surya blessed her with a beautiful cow. The next
morning, the old lady was surprised to see a cow in her courtyard. To her
amazement, the cow gave dung of gold. Seeing this, the neighbour became
even more jealous. The next morning, the neighbour took the cow away,
before the old lady woke up.
In spite of the cow not being there, the old couple continued with their
regular Sunday prayers. Lord Suryanarayana was watching all this and
decided to teach the neighbour a lesson. He brought the cow back to its
rightful owner. Not able to tolerate this, the neighbour approached the
king and told him about the cow giving gold. Not believing her, the
king ordered his soldiers to check on the old couple.
Seeing that the cow indeed gave gold, the soldiers went back to the king
and narrated the incident. Wanting to possess this extraordinary animal,
the king ordered them to bring the cow to him. He then told the couple
that he would own it from then on.
Enraged by this, Surya appeared in the king's dream that night,
threatening to unleash storms and other natural calamities on the land, if
the king did not return the cow to the couple. Frightened of the
consequences, the king gave the cow back to the old couple and apologized
to them; also arresting the neighbour for her adharmic behaviour.
He then ordered that all his subjects undertake the Ravivar Vrata in order
to gain the grace of Lord Sri Suryanarayana.
Ravivar Vrata Vidhi
The Suryanarayana fast commences from the first Sunday in the Shukla
Paksha of the Ashwin month.
Devotees
get up early every Sunday morning, take their bath and begin their worship
of the Sun God. After installing the idol, they offer items such as
candle, red sandalwood, red cloth, gulal and jaggery to the Lord. Then
they recite the Suryanarayana mantra , sing songs in praise of the deity
and read his vrata katha. They break their fast only after sundown,
avoiding sour, oily and salty foods.
The deity can also be worshipped in a temple dedicated to him. At the end
of the vrata, 15 Brahmins are invited to partake of a feast and items such
as barley, wheat, gram, til (sesame) and urad dal are given away to them,
along with clothes and dakshina (money). Devotees also give alms to the
poor and needy on the final day.
The festival of Suryushthi or Chhath Pooja is celebrated in a big way on
the sixth day of the Kartik Shukla Paksha. This is an important festival
in the whole of North India. It is believed that invoking the blessings of
Surya Devata helps alleviate devotees' eye and skin diseases and also
destroys conditions such as leprosy. Undertaking the Ravivar Vrata is
believed to bestow good health, great luck and longevity on the devotee.
Conclusion
Different sects of Hinduism narrate different versions of vrata kathas;
stipulating varied vrata vidhis as well. However, the main aim of these
tales and rituals is to help devotees practice shraddha (faith) and
bhakti
(devotion); focusing on their ishta-devata; and, in that way, achieve a
certain degree of mukti (liberation), while still living in samsara
(material life).
