Arundhati vrat is a ritual performed by women to forestall widowhood. The vrat and is named after Arundhati, daughter of Kardama Prajapati and Devahuti, and the virtuous wife of great Sage Vasishta. This vrat is observed my married woman at the beginning of spring, usually during the month of April.
Arundhati is the patron deity of newlywed brides. She was a woman of exemplary character, completely devoted to her husband. In some parts of India the bride and the bridegroom are customarily directed to look at the Arundhati star on their wedding day as a prayer for marital bliss.
How To Perform Arundhati Vrat?
Arundhati vrat begins with a sankalpa (religious resolution) by performing achamana (sipping of water from the palm while chanting the names of Lord Vishnu) thrice, then invoking the Goddess Arundhati by offering flowers and praying. When the worship is over, the worshiper bows down to the Goddess and prays for a long and happy married life and prosperity. Later, married couples are honored with gifts of sweets, clothes and money.
Benefits of Performing Arundhati Vrat
- Since Arundhati owed the power to her purity, the observance of the vrata helps one imbibe virtuous qualities which, in keeping with the inexorable law of Karma, save a person from sudden calamity.
- Happy married life.
- Spouse will be blessed with long life.
Story of Arundhati Vrat
Shiva and Goddess Parvati once came down to the plains from their abode in the Himalayas and saw a young widow performing penance on the banks of Yamuna River.
To Parvati’s query, Shiva answered that the woman was punished for her act of adultery in her previous birth. Then when Parvati asked for the expiation, Shiva replied that the performance of Arundhati Vrata would ensure a good life in her next birth. The woman observed it and was blessed accordingly.