Kedareshwar Vrata 2025 – Kedar Gauri Vrat 2025 Date During Diwali

Kedareshwar Vrata, also known as Kedar Gauri Vrat, is observed on the Amavasya day during Diwali. Kedareshwar Vrata 2025 date is October 20 (in some regions on October 21). Kedara Gauri Vrat is observed on Kartik Amavasya in North India and the corresponding Amavasya in other regions is Ashwin Amavasya. The Vrat is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is based on Goddess Parvati's attempt to merge with Lord Shiva.

The day is of great importance to many devotees in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and parts of Maharashtra.

Initially, Kedareshwar Vrata used to begin on the Ashtami day or eighth day of the Krishna Paksha of Ashwin or Kartik month and end on Amavasya day during Diwali. But now most people only observe the Vrat on the Amavas day.

Most Shiva devotees observe a fast on Kedareshwara Vrata day. Some people only perform a partial fast.

Kedareshwar Vrata is observed for attaining Moksha and merging with the Supreme Being.

Story of Kedareshwar Vrata

Legend has it that Kedareshwara Vrata was observed by Goddess Parvati to merge with Lord Shiva and be part of his body.

Once a Gana (attendant of Lord Shiva) performed puja of Lord Shiva and did Pradakshina or circumambulation of Lord Shiva. The Gana did not do Pradakshina of Goddess Parvati.

Goddess Parvati asked Shiva why the Gana ignored Her. Shiva was in a playful mood and said that those who know the Supreme Being have nothing to do with Parvati and so he did not do the circumambulation of Her.

Goddess Parvati got angry and left Kailash and started living in a forest on earth. She met Gautama Rishi at the forest and wanted to know how to be part of the body of Lord Shiva. Sage Gautama advised her to perform Kedareswara Vratha.

How to Observe Kedareshwar Vrat

1. Date and Timing

• The vrat is usually observed on Amavasya tithi till pradosh period (along with sunset)

2. Preparations

• Wake up early during Brahma Muhurta (around 4 am).

• Take a ritual bath, preferably in a holy river, pond, or with water mixed with Ganga Jal.

• Clean the prayer area and install an idol or image of Lord Shiva, or prepare a Shiva Linga with mud or clay for the puja.

3. Fasting (Vrat)

• A strict fast is kept from sunrise till pradosh period.

• Some devotees observe nirjala vrat (without food or water), while others may take water or fruits (phalahar).

• No grains or salt are consumed if partial fasting is done.

4. Puja and Rituals

• Offer bilva leaves (bel patra), water, milk, honey, and sandalwood paste to the Shiva Linga.

• Light a ghee lamp and incense sticks.

• Perform Abhishekam (ritual bathing) of Shiva Linga with water, milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar.

• Chant mantras such as:

  • "Om Namah Shivaya"

  • "Mahamrityunjaya Mantra"

• Recite or listen to the Kedareshwar Vrat Katha (story associated with the vrat).

• Offer flowers, fruits, betel leaves, and sweets as naivedya.

5. Pradosh and Fast Conclusion

• As soon as the sunsets, offer arghya (water offering) to Shiva while chanting prayers.

• Pray for forgiveness of sins and blessings of health, prosperity, and spiritual growth.

• Break the fast with a simple sattvic meal after worship.

6. Charity and Donations

• It is considered highly auspicious to donate to Brahmins, the poor, or temples on this day.

• Common offerings include clothes, food, money, or sacred items like copper vessels or ghee lamps.

Significance of Kedareshwar Vrat

• The vrat is named after Kedareshwar, a form of Shiva associated with the Kedarnath Jyotirlinga.

• It symbolizes detachment from materialism, devotion to God, and spiritual awakening.

• Married women often observe this vrat for the well-being and longevity of their husbands, while others do it for moksha and divine blessings.