॥ History of Deepavali/Diwali ॥
Kedhara Gowri vradham familiarly known as Deepavali (Diwali) is celebrated throughout India in a grand manner. Without Caste creed, rich-poor differences people observe this festival. In fact 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 God’s 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 Kedhar Gauri vrata since Gowri observed it.
॥ When is Kedara Gauri Vrata Observed ॥
This kedhara vrata is observed for twenty-one days starting from Shukla paksha ashtami (Eighth moon day 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.
॥ How to Perform Kedara Gauri Vrata/Puja Vidhaanam ॥
Mantras to perform Kedara Gauri Vrata Puja
Install Lord Kedhaareeshvara swami in a filled pot (kalasham). Make a roof (Mantapa) above the kalasham. Make vrata threads – 21 fibers having 21 knots. The 16 courtesy worship has to be done for 21 days starting from the Purattaachi Shukla paksha Dashami to Aipachi Amarapaksha Chaturdashi (Deepavali) or Amavasya. On the culmination day (21st) in a clean decorated area devotionally install the kalasham over the grains spread in a banana leaf and offer various food and fruits to the Lord as offering and donate to others.
॥ Glory of Kedara Gauri Vrata ॥
The glory of this Vratam is very splendid as Gauri Devi observed this Vratam in full devotion and got to be in half the body of Lord Shiva!! Vishnu became Lord of Vaikuntha observing this Vratam. Brahma got Hamsa vehicle, the guards of the eight directions got rid of the bane they got from Brahma, Bhagyavati and Punyavati got lots of wealth all due to the glory of this Vratam. One who observes this Vratam with devotion pleases Lord shiva.